Denver - The Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace (CCMEP) presents an evening of entertainment, bringing together some extraordinary local bands for their 'Rock for Afghanistan' benefit concert to help Afghan refugees and promote Middle East Peace at the Denver Zen Center on Saturday, January 19, 2002.

Concert proceeds will support the reopening of the Malalai Hospital in Quetta, Pakistan to provide basic health care and to treat victims of land mines, which injure or kill an estimated 10-12 people a day in
Afghanistan. The Malalai Hospital served the Afghan Refugee population for 10 years and was run by the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) before closing in 1996, due to lack of financial support.

"We asked the Denver music community to help RAWA, which has been around since 1977 and has been fighting for human rights and for social justice in Afghanistan long before September 11th. As a woman who has many freedoms as a US citizen, I am deeply concerned about the plight of women and children in this war torn country," said Lindsey Trout, of CCMEP.

A small percentage of proceeds will also help Denver based CCMEP which promotes peace and justice in the Middle East through local peace vigils and by sending delegates to the Middle East to promote social justice.

"The tragic events of September 11 and the US military response in Afghanistan have brought the Afghan refugee issue into focus for many Americans. Humanitarian efforts in that country - let alone the survival of Afghan citizens - are greatly helped by RAWA and other humanitarian groups that need our support. Over 1 million Afghan refugees live in 203 officially recognized refugee "villages" in Pakistan, where there is a chronic lack of medical care and other basic necessities," said Anne Hines of CCMEP.

Bands will include The Reals and The Shackdaddys who specialize in folk and blues styled Americana and two punk/alternative bands, the Speedholes and Sin Desires Marie. The event will feature speakers from
Afghanistan, Alternative Radio host David Barsamian, and ethnic food and drinks.

The Colorado Campaign for Middle East Peace was formed in 1987 and has focused on ending US led sanctions against Iraq, and ending U. S. Government support for Israeli Government occupation of Palestinian territories, in accordance with international law.

The concert will be from 7 P.M. to midnight and tickets will be sold at the door for $7. The Denver Zen Center is located at 3101 W. 31st Ave. in Denver.