European Union celebrates the International Peace Day

21.09.2021
Khartoum

People in traditional costumes

 

To celebrate the International Day of Peace on 21 September 2021, the Delegation of the European Union to Sudan organised a concert with the participation of 10 young dancers, 12 musicians and 5 singers, including leading Sudanese artists Seyar Abdeen and Hani Abdeen. The International Day of Peace, declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2021, is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

Their Excellencies Mr. Mohamed Hassan Al Taychi, Member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council and Ambassador Robert van den Dool, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sudan addressed their opening remarks for the online celebration.

In his speech, Mohamed Hassan Al Taychi said: ”Peace and democracy are bound together and cannot be separated. Together, they establish an exemplary partnership that people need always and forever. Peace in its simplest form means that all people feel safe and do not feel fear or threat and democracy is embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It contributes to creating an environment conducive to the exercise of a wide range of political rights and civil liberties.” Mr. Al Taychi also stated: “On Peace day, I extend a great greeting and appreciation to all women around the world, especially women in areas of violence, for their important role in building the foundations of peace and building and promoting a culture of peace. We are working in Sudan to make more efforts to support women’s rights and to enhance their political and social role and influence in local, regional and international policy-making.”

The European Union Ambassador H.E. Mr. Robert van den Dool said: “Following the peaceful revolution in 2019, a peace agreement was achieved. The EU was a proud witness to this peace on 3 October 2020.  After this milestone, Sudan has continued to make positive headlines in the world.  War has stopped in Sudan an  much needed humanitarian assistance is now reaching to remote areas, such as for example Jebel Marra.  Sudan was removed from the list of States Sponsors of terrorism. The country was generally welcomed back in the concert of nations.  International treaties are being ascended to, to reflect observance of international humanitarian law.  National laws are being amended to observe universal human rights.  Legislation is underway for a constitution to be drafted and elections to be organized, including the establishment of the preparatory committees.  All those are positive signals. However, peace in Sudan is by no means a done deal. There are many steps still to be taken to ensure equal participation of all Sudanese, particularly in the peripheries, and even more particularly women and youths, in the making of a peaceful and prosperous Sudan.  We have to understand that military solutions are not the answer to political problems.  At the heart of many violent conflicts lie issues of inequality, injustice and exclusion.  The solution for those issues is dialogue, compromise and inclusivity, not violence.”

Khartoum, 19 September 2021

 

 

 

 

The Facebook link to watch the event

 

The You Tube Link to watch the event

 

The Twitter Link to watch the event