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The Heart of Nuba

Date:
Location:
North Theater, Capitol Visitor Center

Announcement

Co-hosted by the Sudan and South Sudan Caucus

Please join the Sudan and South Sudan Caucus and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a film screening followed by a panel discussion of The Heart of Nuba, a film that explores the work of American surgeon Dr. Tom Catena in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.

The Nuba Mountains, located in South Kordofan, Sudan, are home to the indigenous ethnic groups known collectively as the Nuba peoples. During the internal armed conflict that began in Sudan in 1983, the Nuba peoples sided with the rebel forces of the south fighting against Khartoum, and suffered tremendously as a consequence. But the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement excluded the Nuba from the 2011 referendum that led to the formation of the new state of South Sudan, leaving the Nuba people at the mercy of the government of Omar al Bashir, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for committing crimes against humanity and war crimes. In June of 2011 war broke out between the Nuba and Khartoum, and has continued unabated since.

The only surgeon within 200 miles, Dr. Tom Catena does his best to save lives in the midst of the carnage and terror of the conflict, treating as many as 400 patients a day at Mother of Mercy Hospital, nestled in the heart of the Nuba Mountains. Surrounded by a country at war, living under the constant shadow of aerial bombardment, Dr. Tom and his mostly local staff defy Bashir’s ban on humanitarian aid, and work tirelessly to serve the Nuba people, a population of one million Muslims, Christians, Animists and Africans of traditional belief who have lived together harmoniously for centuries. The Heart of Nuba is a 93-minute documentary that tells the story of their struggle for survival.

Following the screening, the film’s director and producer will be available for questions and discussion.

The screening and panel discussion will be open to members of Congress, congressional staff, the interested public and the media. For any questions, please contact Eliza Ramirez (for Rep. Capuano) at 202-225-5111 or Eliza.Ramirez@mail.house.gov, or Cindy Buhl (for Rep. McGovern) at 202-225-6101 or Cindy.Buhl@mail.house.gov.

Hosted by:

Michael E. Capuano
Member of Congress
Co-Chairman, Sudan & South Sudan Caucus
Jeff Fortenberry
Member of Congress
Co-Chairman, Sudan & South Sudan Caucus
 
Barbara Lee
Member of Congress
Co-Chairman, Sudan & South Sudan Caucus
Thomas J. Rooney
Member of Congress
Co-Chairman, Sudan & South Sudan Caucus
 
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Joseph R. Pitts
Member of Congress
Co-Chair, TLHRC
Witnesses

Opening Remarks

  • Rep. Michael E. Capuano, Co-Chair, Sudan and South Sudan Caucus
  • Rep. James P. McGovern, Co-Chair, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

Panelists

  • Kenneth A. Carlson, Director, The Heart of Nuba
  • Jeff Werner, Producer and Supervising Editor, The Heart of Nuba
Meeting Documents

Video

Meeting Notes

Contact The Commission

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
House Committee on Foreign Affairs
4150 O'Neill House Office Building
200 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20515
United States of America

Phone: +1 (202) 225-3599
TLHRC@mail.house.gov

Accessibility

The Commission seeks to make its events, meetings and hearings accessible to persons with disabilities.

If you are in need of special accommodations, please call (202) 225-3599 at least four business days in advance.

Questions with regard to special accommodations in general (including availability of Commission materials in alternative formats and assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation, etc.) may be directed to the Commission.

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