On 10 December, an actor performs a drama presentation in Al Salam IDP camp, North Darfur, during Human Rights Day celebration. Photo by Hamid Abdulsalam.

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) joined the worldwide celebrations on the occasion of Human Rights Day, observed every year on 10 December, with awareness activities held throughout Darfur.

In El Fasher, North Darfur, UNAMID organized an event at the Alsalam camp for internally displaced people attended by more than 2,500 people, including students, community leaders, civil society members and representatives from the State Ministry of Education. The event included poetry recitals, songs and dramatic performances promoting human rights, peace and coexistence.  

The gathering was addressed by the Deputy Chief of Human Rights Section in UNAMID, Mr. Amadu Shour, who emphasized the importance of compliance with human rights standards to ensure justice and equality for every human being across the world, affirming that the Mission works with all stakeholders to promote and protect human rights.

The Mission's Acting Head of  Human Rights Section in North Darfur, Mr. Ahmed Hassan, reiterated the premises of the Vienna Declaration, a document which crystallized the principle that human rights are universal, and committed states to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all people, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems.

The representative of the North Darfur Ministry of Education, Mr. Mohamed Abdulrahim, commended UNAMID’s role in promoting human rights through collaborative efforts with stakeholders such as the Government of Sudan and human rights activists to enhance people’s awareness in human rights related issues. “We are grateful for UNAMID’s role when it comes to human rights enhancement and promotion,” said Mr. Abdulrahim.

The celebrations in Al Salam, North Darfur,  Nyala, South Darfur, Zalingi, Central Darfur , and  El Geneina, West Darfur, included the reading of the messages from the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the UN Higher Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, as well as music performances and a drama presentation which highlighted specific issues related to human rights in Darfur communities.