Written by Maya Kelly, with materials from UNESCO. Ms. Kelly is a Strategic Communications Consultant and Social Media Coordinator for the UN Department of Peace Operations. She has a background in media, communications, technoculture, and education policy.
MINUSCA’s Radio Guira, MONUSCO’s Radio Okapi, and UNMISS’s Radio Miraya harness radio to advance peace and security and reach millions of listeners every day. By sharing credible news, providing critical information during crises, empowering vulnerable populations, amplifying diverse community voices, and strengthening community engagement in solutions to conflict, all while supporting local journalists, UN peacekeeping radio stations are committed to broadcasting for a better world:
1. Sharing credible news in conflict zones
Our radio stations provide credible and trustworthy news to people in conflict zones and other remote areas where local media is often unable to reach due to limited internet. Broadcasts tackle harmful misinformation and disinformation by disseminating verified information and news in local languages, protecting community members and peacekeepers alike.
2. Providing support and lifesaving information during crises
In times of crisis, including conflict, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19, UN peacekeeping radio stations broadcast critical information. From health messages to updates on safety and security, these broadcasts help save lives by reaching vast, diverse, and remote audiences with information in multiple local languages.
3. Empowering vulnerable populations
Our radio stations empower and amplify the voices of marginalized groups, including women and young people. Programs cover essential topics like human rights, gender equality, youth participation and how people can get involved in peace and political processes. When health or conflict crises cause schools to close, stations broadcast radio lessons for children.
4. Fostering civic education & dialogue
Our radio stations help inform listeners about their rights, responsibilities and roles as citizens within a society. Talk shows and call-in segments provide a platform for dialogue, offering diverse communities and parties to the conflict a safe space to discuss sensitive issues.
5. Supporting local journalism
UN peacekeeping radio stations are largely staffed by local journalists and community members who provide a rich and deep understanding of the political and security context and speak the local languages. Stations offer long-term career growth opportunities for reporters, presenters, producers and broadcast technicians who forge ahead long after peacekeepers have left.
Broadcasting for a better world
UN peacekeeping radio stations, and their hundreds of dedicated staff, are voices for peace in the countries they serve. They are united in their mission to broadcast for a more just, sustainable and peaceful world.
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As crisis rages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO’s Radio Okapi remains steadfast in its commitment to providing ongoing, credible information on the situation. This vital station broadcasts 24/7 from 20 cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of the African region.
Watch this video to meet some of the people working behind the scenes of Radio Okapi’s critical operation.