On 12 august 2015, UNAMID Commemorated the International Day of Youth in Al Salam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), near El Fasher, North Darfur, under the theme “Youth and Civic Engagement”.

More than 500 displaced youth attended the event, representing three camps around El Fasher town – Abu Shouk, Al Salam and Zam Zam, in addition to community leaders, women groups and UNAMID Staff.

Representing UNAMID at the event, the Officer in Charge of Sector North Office, Mr. Assane Ben Adam Mbaye, read the UN Secretary General’s message on the occasion. In his message the Secretary. “Emerging threats, violent extremism, shifting political conditions, economic turmoil and social transformation are combining to heighten the challenges facing the world young people” said Mr. Mbaye citing the message of the UN Secretary General.

The manager of Al Salam IDPs camp, Mohamed Abdallah, expressed appreciations for UNAMID support to youth activities in the three IDPs camps around El Fasher and highlighted the importance of cultural, sport and social activities in maintaining peaceful coexistence among youth from different communities. “I call on UNAMID to assist the youth in the IDPs camps organize cultural forums, sport tournaments and cleaning campaigns to reinforce a culture of peace among them in Darfur,” said Mohamed.

The head of Abu Shouk Youth Union, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, thanked UAMID for organizing the International Day of Youth at Al Salam camp and commended the mission continued efforts to support youth in Darfur.

As part of the activities to mark the Day, UNAMID`s Community Outreach Unit organized football and Volleyball tournaments and a workshop on youth voluntarism for 100 participants from the three camps near El Fasher.