|
Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Sep 2007 : 01:28:08
|
WANEP Celebrates World Peace Day
By Isatou Bittaye
The West Africa Network for Peace Building (WANEP) The Gambia has organised a forum to commemorate International World Peace Day on Friday September 21 at the Paradise Suites Hotel. Speaking at the forum, Pamela Cole, Coordinator of WANEP said the International World Peace Day is a day set by the United Nations to be celebrated yearly and that the day will serve as remembrance for the people and organisations that peace needs to be observed. She said there can never be development without peace and the Gambia has joined the World in celebrating the day in peace. Madam Cole noted that the day would also serve as a remembrance of millions of people trapped in the World such as refugees; children sold and raped victims among others. She said there has been a decline in every form of violence in the World except terrorism. On the requirements of Peace, She noted that peace has different meanings, which include the absence of poverty, violence and respect for human rights. Madam Cole added that peace requires not only the absence of violence but also the presence of justice. She however challenged everyone to take steps in the struggle for peace building and maintenance, noting that that is the battle, which requires fighting daily.
Also speaking, Mr. Ousman Yabo of TANGO said peace is a noble word but cannot be present with too much inequalities, political and religious intolerance, poverty and disease. Mr. Yabo added that unless all these problems are tackled peace couldn’t prevail. He said that it is high time for the leaders to recognise and
practice good governance and be tolerant to the people. He indicated that there is also unfair distribution of wealth in the World, which also serves as a threat to peace.
Deputising for the speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Netty Baldeh said the National Assembly is committed in ensuring peace. Mr. Baldeh was talking on ‘the role of the National Assembly in expanding peace and people’s freedom.’ He noted that democracy is the only system that provides for peace and in the absence of democracy there cannot be representatives and a responsible National Assembly.
The NAM said peace is the foundation of human development, in a stable and secured environment where social justice, women’s emancipation and child rights, among others, exist. Mr. Baldeh emphasized that on certain occasions he had to vote against government when his conscience dictates that the interest of the public is not being served. He also noted that peace had to be shown with commitment and that peace must be solved with diligence and diligence goes with tolerance.
Investing in Peace is Cheaper
Professor Nicodemus Awasom, Chair of Exams and Education at the University of The Gambia speaking on the topic “citizens and peace building” said peace is a priceless commodity and the Gambia is exceptional because it is an Island of peace. Professor Awasom noted that many don’t appreciate peace until it eludes them. He said investing in peace building is cheaper than ending war. Professor Awasom added that the civil society has an important role in maintaining peace, noting that the government is just a partner in peace building. He said that the family, religious bodies and organisations also have a crucial role in peace building and that in maintaining peace, all hands must be on deck.
Mrs. Hannah Foster, Director of the African Center for Democracy and Human rights, said no peace is without human right, justice and participation. She indicated that peace is a right and duty, which should involve the advancement of women and men, and the ability to break the psychotic form of violence. Mrs. Foster noted that if you want peace you should not talk to your friends about it but rather those who you termed as enemies and she called for the reduction of arms and bombs.
Deputising for Halifa Sallah, Mr. Ousman Sillah, spoke on the topic “Is peace and security ever possible in the world in the face of the war on Terror, widespread global corruption and poor governance which continue to pose new forms of violence and insecurity: what challenges and prospects are there for peace building in the New Millennium?.” In sharing his perspective, Mr. Sillah said if the war on terror is being waged against religious bigotry and fundamentalism then it should be supported by all those who cherish freedom and peace. He said the war on terror that we see today is being waged by certain powers who want to impose their will on others; that they do not represent the interest of the majority of the people of the world but that of a few. He postulated that the discussion of peace is a question of life, suffering and death. Mr. Sillah said that peace cannot be attained by mere prayers or incantation; that peace is something that is built and worked for; that peace is normative and cannot be realized without justice; that justice prevails when rights are being respected for people to live a dignified life. Mr. Sillah said that it is good governance and democracy that engenders peace. He said peace cannot be imposed and that peace is also not the absence of physical violence;
that psychological violence (stress), the restlessness of young people to emigrate, domestic violence, poverty, hopelessness, unemployment, job insecurity all contribute in creating an unpeaceful environment. On the need for peace, Mr. Sillah said peace is the creation of a space that enable human beings the ability and latitude to realize their fullest potentials and a fulfilled life.
He concluded that all is not gloom and hopelessness; that these are all man-made problems and are challenges that we can overcome with determination; that with good governance, democracy and due process in place and with the awareness and struggle for rights, peace will prevail.
Other speakers included Lt. Col. Masaneh Kinteh, GNA Commander, Mr. Alieu Darboe of Action Aid International The Gambia and Mr. Fabakary Kalleh of Youth Ambassadors of Peace. Students of Marina High and Primary Schools sang songs and read poems on peace. Young people also made drama performances from YIDAC and the Nova-Scotia Gambia Association depicting peace and the daily happenings in life.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 112/2007, 24 – 25 September 2007
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
