Cultural performances, traditional dances and drama presentations were among the activities conducted by Ajaweed group and University students during the commemoration of Human Rights Days. Held on 10 December 2014 under the theme Human Rights 365, the event was organized by UNAMID in collaboration with the University of Zalingie in El Geneina, West Darfur.

The ceremony, which took place at the campus of the University, was attended by senior local authorities, UNAMID staff, representatives from UN entities and international non-governmental organizations as well as officials from the University.

UNAMID’s Acting Head of Office, in El Geneina, West Darfur, Mr. Abdoul Sow, read the United Nations Secretary General’s message on the occasion. In his message, Secretary-General said the United Nations protects human rights because that is our proud mission – and because when people enjoy their rights, economies flourish and countries are at peace. Violations of human rights are more than personal tragedies. They are alarm bells that may warn of a much bigger crisis.

“We declare that human rights are for all of us, all the time: whoever we are and wherever we are from; no matter our class, our opinions, our sexual orientation. This is a matter of individual justice, social stability and global progress,” the message said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Social Affairs, Youth and Sports, Ms. Suda Salih Abdullah, thanked the Mission for its efforts and the role in the region and reaffirmed and reiterated the Government’s commitment to work together with UNAMID and all other partners to promote human rights principles as well as international resolutions.

The Vice Chancellor of University, Dr. Eltayib Ali Ahmed, expressed commitment to work closely with UNAMID in order to maintain and promote human rights principles, calling upon all people to renounce violence and respect human rights.

Similar events were held in Zalingei and Mukjar in Central Darfur and Um Baru in North Darfur to mark the occasion.