On 10 December, UNAMID, in partnership with Ministry of Education and Guidance, Central Darfur, today celebrated the Human Rights Day under the theme: “Youth standing up for human rights”. The event, held in Zalingei town, where the Mission’s Headquarters is located, featured local cultural, musical and drama performances from local performers and UNAMID peacekeepers from Ethiopia and Togo. In attendance was UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Government officials and UNAMID staff.  

DJSR Kiki Gbeho, delivered the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres message on the Day in which he stated that “every single person is entitled to all rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural regardless of where they live….I call on everyone to support and protect young people who are standing up for human rights.”

DJSR Gbeho, also read the statement issued by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, in which she urged people to uphold the painstakingly developed universal human rights principles that sustain peace, justice and sustainable development stating that the “global climate emergency presents perhaps the most profound planet-wide threat to human rights that we have seen since World War II.”

In his comments at the gathering, the Director General of Ministry of Education and Guidance, Mr. Abdulkareem Mohammed central Darfur called on the youth in central Darfur to stand up for human rights, pleading for the end of violence or conflict in the community regardless of gender, colour or religion.

UN International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.