UNAMID joins internally displaced in North Darfur to commemorate Human Rights Day

Photo by Mohamad Almahady, UNAMID.

Photo by Mohamad Almahady, UNAMID.

Photo by Mohamad Almahady, UNAMID.

previous next
12 Dec 2016

UNAMID joins internally displaced in North Darfur to commemorate Human Rights Day

On 10 December 2016, UNAMID's Human Rights Section celebrated Human Rights Day with the residents of Abu Shouk camp for the displaced, in El Fasher, North Darfur. The event was organized under the global theme, “Stand up for Someone’s Rights Today.”

Hundreds of people, including community leaders, umdas (IDP leaders), students, women and youth groups attended the event, which included speeches, a football match, a youth carnival, songs and drama performances. The Mission was represented by Vilisi Waqavesi, Head of Office, Sector North, and Mike Dzakuma, Acting Head, Civil Affairs Section.

Reading the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Human Rights Day message, Ms. Waqavesi said that upholding human rights is in the interest of all. Respect for human rights advances well-being for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our interconnected world.

“Wherever we are, each of us can make a difference for human rights -- in our neighbourhoods, in school, at work, on social media, at home and even in sporting arenas across the world. Together, let us stand up for someone’s rights. Today, tomorrow, and every day,” stated Ms. Waqavesi.

On his part, Mr. Dzakuma referred to the Statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, and said that the UN Human Rights office works to promote and protect human rights around the world.

The Mission received a vote of thanks for its continued support to displaced populations across Darfur from  Ibrahim Khalil, the camp manager at Abu Shouk. Furthermore, Mr. Khalil urged everyone to to respect each other and be accepting of differences in views and opinions.

A similar event was organized in El Geneina, West Darfur, where nearly 2,000 people, including representatives from government, civil society organizations, IDPs and the Disabled Union, gathered at Ardamata IDP Camp. The commemoration was organized by the State Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with UNAMID's Human Rights Section in El Geneina.

Activities included a play that depicted human rights violations, as well as songs on human rights, peace and freedom by the Altanwoo Band and a cultural dance by the UNAMID's Nigerian peacekeepers.