The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, 277-1593, michal@unm.edu

October 19, 2006

UNM Law Students, Faculty to ‘Run for Darfur' at Duke City Marathon

The University of New Mexico Running Club, International Law Students Association and Peace Studies sponsor “Run for Darfur” at the Duke City Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 22, beginning at 7 a.m. at Third Street and Tijeras.

Thirty-five UNM School of Law students and faculty will participate in seven relay teams wearing “Run for Darfur” T-shirts, to be sold to raise funds for the Genocide Intervention Network's peacekeeping work in displaced persons camps in Darfur.

In the past two years, students in UNM's Peace Studies program have participated in an informal “Run for Darfur” during the marathon. This year, law student Kristopher Houghton, a professionally trained marathon runner, is spearheading efforts to raise awareness and contribute to humanitarian assistance and peacemaking efforts in the Sudan. In addition to increasing participation in the “Run for Darfur,” student organizing efforts have raised approximately $600 so far.

“The Run for Darfur is an example of civil society responding to human rights abuses, asking our government to act on U.S. treaty obligations to stop genocide and engaging on a personal level to help alleviate the suffering of individuals,” said Jennifer Moore, UNM Peace Studies director. “The funds raised by runners and other supporters of the Run for Darfur will help provide material support to the displaced in Darfur.”

The Genocide Intervention Network was founded in 2004 to build an educated political constituency and raise funds for peacekeeping efforts in Darfur.

For more information or to make a contribution, contact Kristopher Houghton at houghtkr@law.unm.edu, or donate directly to the Genocide Intervention Network through their website at http://www.genocideintervention.net/index.php

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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