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Yei celebrates Human Rights Day as avenue to new dawn for peace

The good people of Yei certainly knows how to have a good time, here celebrating Human Rights Day.

It was a blast!

A harmless and joyous one, to boot.

Residents of Yei this week rose to the occasion to celebrate Human Rights Day en masse.

“I am delighted to celebrate this day as a blind man. It has given me hope that the rights of persons with disabilities are a part of human rights,” said Yei resident Alex Sebit.

School children, dance groups, a brass band, government officials and others were joined by peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, who funded the extraordinary spectacle. The mix resulted in a potent cocktail of vibrant vibes, trust and hope.

Revellers paraded through all major streets of Yei town before converging at Yei Freedom Square, for the main course of the rapturous event.

Participants made no efforts to hide their delight as they kept beating drums, singing, dancing, reading poetry and performing drama skits. These were scenes to behold to believe.

Banners, flags and placards made appeals and sent out strong messages to the parties to the revitalized peace agreement, opinion formers, non-governmental national and international organizations, the region and the wider international community. This is how one banner snappily summed it up:

“We are tired of war. Stop all forms of violence against women and girls. Establish court martial in Yei. We need peace and development.”

On his part, Justin Lokonga Kenyi, Commissioner of Yei River County, advised that South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution be included in pre-school, primary and secondary school curricula so that all children will know and understand their rights.

UN peacekeeper James Mugo Muriithi chose to express the huge human rights issue in the simplest way possible.

“Human right is all about loving your neighbour as yourself. If you can do just that, then you can say with confidence that you have embraced human rights principles,” he said.

Cecilia Peter Modi, Chairlady of Yei River State Human Rights Commission, says men - both civilian and military - should use appropriate (non-monetary) bargaining approaches instead of forcing their women into bed.

“Some of our men in uniform are among the perpetrators of sexual violence because they are using the same guns with which they are supposed to protect civilians,” Ms. Cecilia said about the non-negotiating approach, adding:

“Let us gear our energies towards rebuilding broken relationships in our communities by supporting mass awareness campaigns that promote human dignity,” she added.

On her part, 35-year-old mother of six, Lilian Sunday, highlighted the importance of fathers being around to raise children.

“In order to promote a good, healthy mindset in children, men should strive to live together with their wives. Sometimes, we women find ourselves left to raise our children on our own. This is no good practice.”