EL FASHER – More than 3,000 people attended a UNAMID-supported UN Day cultural and information event at Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons in El Fasher, North Darfur on 24 October.
Participants -- including Omda’s (traditional chiefs), students, teachers and other community members – came together under the theme ‘Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All’.
Organized by UNAMID’s Community Outreach Unit, the event included cultural and drama performances, a student carnival, a replica Darfuri village and a photo exhibition of the Mission’s activities across Darfur. Darfuri musician, Halima Sasa, performed traditional peace songs. Information and educational materials on the ongoing peace process were also distributed among the audience. Similar events were organized across Darfur.
Carlos Araujo, Chief of UNAMID’s Communications and Public Information Section, read out a message from UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. The message highlighted the many grave challenges facing the world, such as widening conflicts and inequality, extreme weather and deadly intolerance, and security threats including nuclear weapons.
“We have the tools and wealth to overcome these challenges. All we need is the will,” said the Secretary-General in his message. “We have to transcend our differences to transform our future.”
Mounira Badawi, the Minister of Education and representative of the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur commended UNAMID and UN agencies for their support to the stability of education in Darfur, particularly in North Darfur.
Abubaker Idriss, Headmaster of Al Taiba Secondary School for Girls, called upon all stakeholders to support education at Abu Shouk camp, where his school is based. Mr. Idriss highlighted the challenges in improving the education environment.
Yahiya Adam, the Chief Omda at Abu Shouk camp, encouraged students to celebrate UN day by focusing on education and he called for all people to work for peace in Darfur.
United Nations Day is celebrated each 24 October to mark the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.