An advocate of human dignity, tolerance, democracy and human rights, Egyptian actor Adel Imam's values as an artist are those promoted by UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in its everyday protection of refugees, assistance to victims of persecution or wars, and its search for solutions to their dilemma. The actor has begun taking on the responsibilities expected of him as and ambassador and visited refugee camps setup for Iraqi people.
According to the Egyptian based daily, Al Ahram, Adel revealed that UNHCR expects over 600 refugees to escape from famine and war-ravaged areas in Iraq, which calls for securing a budget of 60 million US dollars in order to have all essential necessities available. Imam regretfully admitted that out of the 60 million, only 25 million are available a shortage that led UNHCR to ask for donations from countries around the world.
Imam added that the spokesperson for UNHCR called on all neighboring countries of Iraq to keep their borders open for refugees and try to support and aid those injured and in need of security.
He was appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001, and visited refugee camps in many Arab countries, focusing public attention on their squalid and unbearable conditions. Imam also participated in a documentary film aimed at replenishing the fund of UNHCR.
Egypt's film superstar Adel Imam, whose credits include more than 105 movies and nine plays, is one of the best-known actors in the Arab world. In a rich career spanning 30 years, he has portrayed - with humor - victims of injustice, poverty, corruption, fanaticism, and dictatorship.
Earlier this month, the Egyptian democratic national party organized a march for peace consisting of over one million protestors from all over Egypt. The march, which featured a large number of actors, singers, political parties, businesses, and average citizens, was in support of Iraq and against a possible US attack.
Protestors wanted the Iraqi people to know they stand by their side and do not aid war on them or any other Arab nation. Solidarity with the Palestinian people was also expressed at the march, where actors like Egyptian comedian Adel Imam gave a speech expressing his full support for Iraq and Palestine and said that Egypt is with peace and not war. This view was shared among all those who took part in the march reflecting Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak’s stance.
A number of important figures gave speeches leading to the same idea of putting an end to suffering and allowing peace to take over. Heads of local and satellite television channels also gave speeches stressing the need for Arab leaders to make a stance and stop any possible attack on Iraq. People also called for leaders to pay more attention to the Palestinians and their daily sufferings, which for some reason have been neglected and destruction of their land and people remains. The overall message given at the march was “Yes to Peace, No to War”. –Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
