Zalingei, 19 May 2015 - UNAMID donated one hundred pieces of clothing to women at Taiba camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zalingei, Central Darfur, on 19 May. The event came as part of the Mission’s celebration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on 29 May, and was attended by community leaders, IDPs and representatives of UNAMID.     

Addressing the occasion, the Head of Communications and Public Information Section (CPIS) in Central Sector, Mr. Kone Mouroulaye, urged the people of the village to work together in a spirit of unity and fraternity. He also noted that as UNAMID is celebrating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers through various activities across Darfur, it pays tribute to its serving peacekeepers and honours those who lost their lives in the cause of peace in Darfur.

 “We have come to you today to join us in honouring the fallen peacekeepers and to encourage you to live together in tolerance and forgiveness, without which no sustainable peace can be achieved or maintained”, said Mr. Mouroulaye,

UNAMID’s military and police personnel, Major Zeituin Pakiamu and Ms. Laria Ibrahim emphasized on the importance of women empowerment and women and children's education. Early girls’ marriage and some other harmful social traditions were among the subjects addressed at the event to raise awareness of the displaced participants on the negative implications and consequences of such practices, especially on women.

The ceremony was colorfully concluded by a musical concert performed by a local band and vote of thanks by the community leaders who commended the Mission’s efforts and contribution to their well-being.  

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was established by the General Assembly in 2002. Some 125,000 peacekeepers, from 118 countries are currently serving in 16 peacekeeping operations across the glob.