Youth urged to shun drugs as Peace Day is marked

Never Again Rwanda, a local non-profit organisation, is upbeat on the way Rwandans, especially the youth relate to one another, 20 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi. Officials from the organisation said this during celebrations to mark International Day of Peace on Sunday at Petit Stade in Kigali yesterday. “All people including Genocide survivors, perpetrators as well as those who stood by as the Genocide unfolded are now living together in harmony, and that shows that the country has made great strides,” says Eric Uwitonze Mahoro, Executive Director of Never Again Rwanda. He attributes this breakthrough to good governance and the role played by the civil society as well as private sector in the recovery process. He decried land-related conflicts that have bred homicides and other forms of violence, saying these should be checked by society. The Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, Dr Jean Baptiste Habyalimana, hailed the country’s leadership for restoring peace after the Genocide. “The peace we are enjoying was achieved at a great cost and it is our obligation to consolidate it ,” he said. The Minister for Sports and Culture, Joseph Habineza, callen on youth to avoid drug abuse, adding that drugs are catalysts to acts that are detrimental to peace. Jean de Dieu Kayiranga, who represented the UN at the occasion, lauded government’s initiatives to promote peace, such as community policing where security organs work with the population to secure their respective communities. He said peaceful countries should always endeavour to help those at war so that they too can enjoy peace. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of UN General Assembly as an occassion to reflect on peac and recommit to maintain it. It is marked on 21st September every year. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. For this year in Rwanda, it was celebrated under the theme; “Rights of Every Citizen on Peace.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Youth urged to shun drugs as Peace Day is marked