“Darfuri Artists Stand for Peace and Human Rights,” was the rallying call at this year’s International Day of Peace commemoration in El Fasher, North Darfur, as artists brought together hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds to mark the day by celebrating various forms of Darfuri art and culture.

UNAMID’s Communications and Public Information Section, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Information, organized a photo exhibition, Darfuri village, cultural performances and a workshop from 20 to 21 September.  The event also included a competition in which artists depicted peace through their paintings, and a drama performance on the importance of education, peace and development to fight illiteracy, displacement and poverty.

This year marks the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights hence the International Day of Peace was commemorated under the theme: “The Right to Peace - Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.”

The Mission’s Chief of Staff, Luke Mhlaba, delivered the message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in which he called on people to act together to promote and defend human rights for all, in the name of lasting peace for all. “With the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as our guide, we must ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr.  Mhlaba, emphasized that peace is a very important element of human existence and a right to which all people are entitled. He noted that lasting peace can only be founded upon respect for universal human rights.

On his part, the Deputy Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Mr. Mohammed Brima Hassab Al Nabi, expressed the Government of Sudan’s commitment to achieving lasting peace, particularly in Darfur. He cited initiatives such as the weapons collection campaign as part of government efforts to bring stability to the region, as well as maintain justice and rule of law.

North Darfur State Minister of Culture and Information Mr. Alhadi Burma Salih, noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights gave people the right to freely participate in cultural activities, among other freedoms. He thanked UNAMID for supporting the Darfuri community through cultural and development initiatives.   

Gasim Abdallah El Faki, Director General in the North Darfur State Ministry of Culture and Sport, encouraged artists in Darfur to work towards promoting a culture of peace.

Various artists highlighted the important role of art and culture in promoting peace, stability and development.

“Artists are playing an essential role in reconciliation, peacebuilding and the peace process in Darfur,” said Hassan Zakaria, a 59-year-old fine artist. He commended UNAMID for organizing the event, which brought together Darfuri people from different backgrounds and contributed to promoting peaceful co-existence among local communities.

This view was supported by 38-year-old Darfuri artist Saida Musa, who said: “All kinds of arts unify people towards peace. Despite the current conflict, we should be enthusiastic and build our country.

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September annually and the UN General Assembly declared it as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.