SYDNEY: The Darfur Australia Network (DAN) held the inaugural Run For Darfur on Saturday to raise awareness of the genocidal plight currently facing the people of Darfur.

The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) and the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia (AYF Australia) joined the Run For Darfur in support, wearing t-shirts carrying the slogan 'END THE CYCLE OF GENOCIDE'.

ANC Australia President Mr. Varant Meguerditchian, who presented representatives of DAN with a cheque to aid their fundraising effort and a souvenir t-shirt, said the day was emotional and significant for the Armenian-Australian participants, all of whom are descendants of survivors of the first genocide of the 20th century.

"Armenian-Australians feel a moral responsibility to ensure that such crimes are never again allowed to be repeated," he said. "By participating, we Armenians helped raise awareness as a measure toward prevention."

He added: "While perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide remain unrepentant and the world remains silent, we will continue to witness the cycle of genocide."