From January to June 2018, 223 were killed in weather-related vagaries, 251 injured, 14,491 houses destroyed, 8,980 hectares of farmland washed away, 754 animals killed, 26 classrooms destroyed and 31 roads and 49 bridges damaged.
MIDIMAR told IGIHE that the weather vagaries accompanied by heavy rainfall, winds, thunderstorms, and hailstones caused a considerable destruction.
The ministry says that citizens whose properties were destroyed have been supported in accordance with available means, supported in repairs, first aid emergency, as well as foodstuffs and basic necessities.
By the end of May, the Government announced that since January it has spent over Rwf340 million in assisting natural disaster victims, Rwf141 million of which was spent on buying materials such as iron sheets (roofing), and more than Rwf200 million spent on basic aid.
Officers from RDF in the area reacted as instantly, pursued and fired, killing four of them.
Busasamana Sector executive secretary, Epimaque Uwimana told IGIHE that the attackers have not been identified and that the resident who caught the bullet at home was taken to Bugeshi health center.
Today, early in the morning local authorities summoned a security meeting at the scene of the attack, and residents were shown the bodies of the four attackers who were shot dead to see if they knew them.
They had documents that indicate that they are DRC citizens with voters’ cards.
Bugeshi and Busasamana sectors border the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are often targeted by armed attacks from the country.
This weekend, on December 9, 2018, was one of happiness for over 200 children from 30 districts of Rwanda hosted by Mrs. Jeannette Kagame.
The children aged between 7 and 12 years old were treated to fun and games, as well as presents.
The First Lady reminded the children to set personal goals and strive to achieve them.
“You have to live with goals. If you draw, you must specify the number of what you will do. Someone who writes a poem must also target a certain number. You need to make your own plans, respect them, and take time to read and do other things that help you to acquire knowledge,” she advised.
She told them that their commitments will be achieved by co-operating with others, especially their parents.
“Let’s write the goals we want to achieve when we reach home, at least every month. This is the time to set goals for the new year. We have heard your wishes, our stakeholders are listening to you and we will look at them and see what we can do. Let your parents and your tutors know what you do at school, do not be afraid to tell them what’s on your heart and do not seek advice elsewhere, without talking to your parents first,” she told them.
She also reminded them that they should be physically clean, help their parents, and contribute to their community.
The children expressed gratitude for the programs that were brought to their communities and facilitated them to study. They said as a result of the programmes, students who had abandoned school returned and their lives were improved.
Fabrice Niyonkuru from Kagano Sector in Nyamasheke District recited a poem in recognition of the bravery of the people who eradicated Nyakatsi (grass-thatched housings) and the establishment of kitchen gardens.
“I thank President Kagame and Mrs. Jeannette Kagame who paid for ‘mutuelle’ health insurance for us. No one falls sick and remains at home. Now, we study and succeed. They introduced the Girinka Munyarwanda Programme for us and we drink milk. I thank you for the program that promoted people’s lives in all districts,” he said.
Kellya Cyuzuzo, a 12-year-old student in Camp Kigali, was delighted to be invited to the party and to the task they were given, saying she is prepared to “encourage children to maintain hygiene and help their parents.”
Children who have participated in this celebration are selected based on the performance they have shown in class, those from vulnerable families and those with special disabilities.
They ate and interacted with the staff of the Office of the President, Imbuto Foundation and Unity Club lntwararumuri which is comprised of current and former government members.
They received Christmas and New Year gifts. They were also entertained by Patience Uwiringiyimana, who created a talking toy dubbed “Golizo the Crazy”, children of the Rwanda Rocks Music School troops and various games organized.
Ingabire who was recently released had alleged that her imprisonment for genocide denial was unfair and politically motivated.
This happens two years after the government of Rwanda withdrew from the special declaration of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights because it had accepted to deal with a case of someone accused of genocide crimes.
Minister of Justice, Johnston Busingye, said that the cause of the withdrawal from the court was because it ‘targeted our country, and looked for cases of people who were most likely to sue us’.
In an interview with IGIHE, he said that the government doesn’t know about the fines because it didn’t appear in court.
“The decision seems to be a result of the case or issues that were not taken to the court nor did anyone see us in the court. We will see what will happen when the whole case will be available,” he said.
When Rwanda withdrew from the court, it announced that it also withdrew all it was involved in.
The decision to compensate Ingabire was taken on Friday 7 December.
The court stated that the fines are charged from the losses incurred by Ingabire during her imprisonment and the problems that her family went through when she was in jail.
For physical damages, the court ordered Rwanda to pay Rwf10 230,000, and the problems her husband and children sustained resulting from her imprisonment. On this point, the court ordered the government to pay Rwf55 million.
The court ordered the government to pay Ingabire the fines in less than six months, and in case of any delay, pay her with interest.
In October 2014, Victoire Ingabire submitted her case to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. At that time, she was asking the court to carefully examine the law on genocide ideology, and spreading rumors.
She also asked for release and compensation for the damages she incurred while in jail.
Last year, the court ruled on the case, asserting that her rights were violated because it was based on her own statements at the Genocide memorial which violates her right to say her opinion.
The court also said that the crime of spreading rumors was unfounded because what she said was already known.
In 2013, Rwanda signed an agreement with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights African Court of Human Rights, stating that Rwandan citizens or a group of Rwandans may file human rights-related cases.
Ingabire was arrested in 2010. On 13 December 2013, the Supreme Court convicted her for
15 years of imprisonment after she had appealed against the term of eight years in jail requested by the Supreme Court.
She was convicted of the crimes of betraying her country, aimed at disturbing its safety and creating a gang group.
In September this year, Ingabire was released on the clemency of the President of the Republic.
It is an honor she was bestowed upon by UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, on December 7th, 2018 during the presentation on the vision and status of global HIV response by Michel Sidibe and UN Undersecretary-General at the Kigali Convention Centre. It was attended by government officials, the private sector, and ambassadors, among others.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame is the first to receive this responsibility given in recognition of her role in improving lives.
She thanked UNAIDS for the confidence it has in her by appointing her Ambassador of a department (Adolescent Health and Wellbeing) that cares for health worldwide.
“It is my great honor to share this moment with you today. To be named Special Ambassador of Adolescent Health and Well-being, by an institution committed to seeing healthier communities around the world,” she said.
“This is something that I cannot take lightly – and for that, I am humbled and sincerely grateful. This recognition goes beyond highlighting my efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Rwanda, and ensuring the health and well-being of our adolescents,” she added.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame explained that the journey she embarked on, along with her team, since 2001, was one rooted in the conviction to see all Rwandans educated and living a dignified and prosperous life. She said she believed that it was what they deserved.
“Indeed, through this journey, we have witnessed a tremendous positive change. This is reflected in the lives of hundreds of thousands of our people, as they grow more knowledgeable about their health; but also, demand better quality services, while holding their leaders accountable,” the First Lady said.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said that the step achieved is based on the vision of the Government of Rwanda but noted that the journey is continuing.
“This being said, however, we cannot sit back with the satisfaction that the worst is behind us. As the face of HIV/AIDS continues to change, we must remain vigilant, in order to respond to emerging challenges, in a timely manner,” she said.
She thanked partners including AVEGA, Solace Ministries, Rwanda Women Network and others.
“We share this recognition. Let’s continue the commitment to eradicate HIV/AIDS so that our children can live and grow well, “she said.
She promised to continue the commitment such that HIV/AIDS will have been completely eradicated by 2030.
Rwanda surpassed the target 90-90-90 in 2020 set by UNAIDS and achieved 95-95-95, where it targets that 95% of HIV-positive people will be aware of it, and 95% of them taking ARVs, and 95% of the virus so weakened in the body and cannot be passed on.
Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba said that “Mrs. Jeannette Kagame has contributed to the fight against AIDS, especially in women by striving for HIV contamination-free century in Rwanda.”
UNAIDS Director General, Michel Sidibé, pointed out that Rwanda made a significant step towards the fight against AIDS but that it should not make people slow down on the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“Recently, we marked 30 years of the fight against AIDS. It is a time of mutual consultation and commitment. In recent years, people did not understand it and even said that it was expensive and should not be politically justified. Through your own will, we may say we got out of critical times, we have confidence,” he said.
He appreciated the role of Mrs. Jeannette Kagame in dealing with AIDS.
He said that in less than 10 years, Rwanda has doubled the number of people on HIV treatment and that since 2010, AIDS-related deaths are down by almost 50% while mother to child transmission rate is 1.5%- on the way to ensuring no baby is born with HIV.
Moreover, he said that Rwanda knows all about the power of HIV testing because more than 90% of healthcare facilities provide it, and between July 2017 and June 2018, more than 2.5 million people accessed HIV testing services.
He appreciated the role of Mrs. Jeannette Kagame at the launch of the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA).
“She’s a loving parent to others. I will always remember that I had the opportunity to get acquainted with someone who has the heart of doing well to others, the people of Rwanda and the world. It’s someone who wants to build a bridge connecting people instead of setting up a separating wall,” he said.
Over the past seven years, the number of people succumbing to AIDS in Rwanda fell off from 6000 in 2010 to 3100 in 2017. The number of patients on HIV treatment rose from 89,000 to 186,000. New HIV contamination prevalence fell off from 9300 down to 7400 people.
Meanwhile, HIV/AIDS prevalence was 210,000 people in 2010 and 220,000 in 2017.
Sebastian Kurz who was in Rwanda for a one-day official visit is also the President of the European Union. He arrived in Rwanda on Thursday for his first official visit.
The visit came after new Austria’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Dr. Christian Fellner presented his credentials to Kagame on Wednesday.
In a joint press conference with Sebastian Kurz, President Kagame said Rwanda enjoys a strong and productive relationship with the European Union, which “we are happy to continue to build on.”
“Europe and Africa are neighbors, and we share several priorities including trade, security, migration, and the environment. These are all related to another common preoccupation, and that is maximizing opportunities for the young people of our respective continents” Kagame said.
Kagame explained that “the upcoming Africa-Europe High-Level Forum is an opportunity to build practical collaboration on several fronts, and we look forward to co-hosting this event in Vienna,”
“Rwanda continues to mobilize African leaders to participate in this important forum, so that we can continue to seek ways to unlock the potential of the digital economy, as a pathway to inclusion and prosperity,” Kagame said.
He also said that in the forum, “We will also be discussing in a wider context all kinds of activities including investments and partnerships that can and continue to bring Africa and Europe together so that this can lead to positive developments on either side.”
{{Europe ‘incited’ Africans to migrate
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On migration, President Kagame who is the current Chairperson of the African Union said: “If you look at numbers of people leaving our continent going to Europe, we have to ask ourselves how can this be managed properly. The how is there, we should have done this long ago but it’s never too late to do the right thing.”
“The partnership with Europe and Africa should have invested properly, created an environment to retain our young people and guarantee them that staying in your continent or country is better for you and you can find safety, security and jobs,” he said.
“If you look at the history of this migration, for a long time, let me use words you would not like, Europe was inciting, inviting people to go to Europe. The message was your countries of Africa are governed badly and you should come to us. The impression created was if you have a problem in your country, whether it’s false or true, just come to our paradise. And people came. To the point where people can’t have migrants anymore,” sadly Kagame said.
Kagame asked what can be done so that people feel happy about living in their country to which he answered as: “We can still have a conversation between Africa and Europe.”
“The kind of investment you spend on people who have come there is so huge that if you invested in Africa, we could create industries. The problem is not Europe; we have our own fair share of the blame we have to take,” Kagame said facing Sebastian Kurz.
“The way people are addressing it is through firefighting and sometimes it doesn’t put out the fire, it inflames it. We all need to sober up and find solutions even if they are complicated. We can’t find an easy solution to a difficult problem,” Kagame advised.
Kurz congratulates Kagame on Africa free trade area agreements signing and Rwanda’s impressive economic growth
In his remarks, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz congratulated Kagame and leaders responsible for the impressive growth Rwanda saw in the last years, the fact that Rwanda ranks second in easing business and the free trade area agreements signed during Kagame’s term as the Chairperson of the African Union.
“During the last years, in Rwanda, you had the economic growth of nearly 10 percent and now it is 7 percent. It is extremely high economic growth and it is also impressive.” Kurz said.
“The World Bank index says that Rwanda is among the best places to do business in the world. I think many reforms which have been done going in the right direction, have resulted in the positive economic development which has taken place here in Rwanda.” Sebastian Kurz added.
“I would also like to thank you for your leadership in the African Union by establishing the free trade area for the whole continent. This is a very good development for Africa as a whole and economic development in Africa.” He said.
The prevalence of major depressive episode is 12% in the general population and 35% among Genocide survivors who were interviewed.
Moreover, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 3.6% in the general population and 27.9 among Genocide survivors.
The survey was conducted for the first time this year by the Ministry of Health, National Commission for the Fight against Genocide and the Ministry of Culture and Sport, aimed at assessing the status of mental problems in the country, as well as the issue of trauma among genocide survivors.
RMHS is also aimed at estimating the prevalence rates of mental disorders in the Rwandan population, identify risk factors associated with common mental disorders, assess knowledge and utilization of mental health services by the general population.
The study also looked at the status of the role of drug abuse in causing mental problems in the country and establish how Rwandan citizens stand in the knowledge of services and institutions in charge of providing assistance in case of mental illnesses and how they consult them.
It indicated that about 4% of respondents aged 14-35 exhibited.symptoms of trauma when the research was bei
ng conducted.
For genocide survivors, the number of cases was high where 27% of the respondents aged between24 and 65 had symptoms of trauma.
As regards depression, about 12% of Rwandans aged 14-35 interviewed, had the illness, while 35% of the genocide survivors aged 24-65 interviewed, suffered from trauma.
Previous surveys had shown that between 11 and 44% of Rwandans have trauma related-problems, while those suffering from depression are estimated to be between 15.5 and 5.3%.
Head of Mental Health Department at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Yvonne Kayiteshonga, said that despite the abuse of various types of drugs in Rwanda, there is still something to be proud of.
“We may be proud that the number of people suffering from mental illnesses as a result of drug abuse is very small, less than 0.3%, while in the case of genocide survivors, they are 1.3%,” she noted.
Jean Ruzindaza, director of the Unit of Advocacy for genocide Survivors Representative of the department for the genocide survivors’ advocacy at CNLG Jean Ruzindaza said that the findings of this study are not surprising.
“It is not surprising that there are some issues related to depression and trauma among survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis. It is clear that they have mental health problems that the genocide against the Tutsi inflicted on them. We will continue doing advocacy to enable them to access basic health care,” he said.
The survey showed that Gasabo District has the majority of people with mental issues 36.7%, while Nyabihu District has the minority with 5.8%.
The Ministry of Health states that there are measures in place such as increasing the number of expert doctors, psychiatrists, as well as those trained, from the level of health centers to hospitals.
Health extension workers will also be trained to help care for those with mental issues.
Figures released by the Health Organization (WHO) indicate that around the world, there are 450 million people suffering from mental disorders. On the African continent, about 17.9 million in 2015 had mental health problems.
The prevalence of major depressive episode is 12% in the general population and 35% among Genocide survivors who were interviewed. Prevalence of PTSD is 3.6% in the general population and 27.9% among #Genocide survivors.
The university recently won the tender to host the AMLA 2018 in a very competitive bidding amongst several countries.
IGIHE has learnt that the university will host the prestigious African Mining Legislation Atlas on Sunday, where international lecturers and African students will be discussing Mining in Africa.
The official opening of the AMLA workshop will be held at Serena Hotel on Sunday 9th-18th December, 2018 from 09:30 AM by the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board Chief Executive officer and Member of Cabinet, Francis Gatare.
On that day, eminent participants from across the continent and beyond including government officials, private sector representatives, NGOs, international organizations such the World Bank, the African Union Commission and Academics will participate in an engaging session on “Governance and Transparency in the Extractive Industry”.
The director for University Relations & Partnerships at University of Kigali and Coordinator of the University of Kigali Center for Economic Governance and Leadership, Gregoire Piller said that it is very rewarding to see so many international Lecturers and African students coming to Kigali.
“It is very rewarding to see so many high-profile international trainers and African students coming to Kigali! Being able to bring such a workshop in the country is a great achievement for the University of Kigali and Rwanda,” he said.
Idi Gaparayi, the dean of the Faculty of Law, at the University of Kigali said the Faculty of Law at the University of Kigali is gratified to co-host this event.
“The Faculty of Law at the University of Kigali is gratified to co-host this event. As a Faculty, we are driven by a desire to expand opportunities for interactions and learning. The opportunity to bring such an important workshop to the University is a great achievement and we command University of Kigali leadership for their support and inspiration that will no doubt continue to drive our ambitions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the workshop will gather academics and practitioners in mining law that serve as advisory to the Legal Research Team (LRT) to facilitate knowledge sharing and the creation of a network of specialized African experts.
The African Mining Legislation Atlas (AMLA) project was initiated by the World Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency in 2013, with original funding by African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) and afterward by Extractive Industries Technical Assistance Facilities (EI-TAF). The AMLA project is being implemented in partnership with the ALSF, the African Union Commission (AUC), and several African law faculties.
The University of Kigali aims to provide quality higher education programmes that match the labor market and development needs of Rwanda for graduates who are capable of contributing to national economic and social needs and who can compete on the international labor market.
{{For more information about the University of Kigali, please visit: [https://uok.ac.rw ->https://uok.ac.rw]
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The call was addressed to the Minister of Culture and Sports, Espérance Nyirasafari, Minister for Gender and Family Promotion Solina Nyirahabimana, the State Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Evode Uwizeyimana and the Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs and Social Protection, Alvera Mukabaramba during a Family Promotion stakeholders’ seminar at the Parliament, Thursday where they discussed issues that pose a threat to the Rwandan society and accelerating development based on the principles of a secure family.
Some of the major challenges facing the Rwandan family unit that were highlighted include; domestic violence, divorce, teenage pregnancies, promiscuity, and drug abuse, among others.
MP Pie Nizeyimana said that male prostitutes are a silent problem that is growing and pose a real threat to the family unit.
“Promiscuity is increasingly becoming common to the extent of destroying families. Women can get involved in this behavior, ‘kwipfubuza’, loosely paraphrased as an act of looking for another sex partner because yours does not satisfy you (participants burst in laughter). It’s fun, but it’s a problem,” he said.
He said this behavior emerged recently but is taking on a new face and needs to be urgently addressed.
“What are we going to do stop this behavior and eradicate it?”, he wondered adding that it will constitute a threat to the family in the future.
Nizeyimana further said that another social challenge that needs to be addressed is bleaching which he said damages skin and has negative consequences to the society.
“I wonder whether the law should not punish someone caught with bleaching lotions in the same it does to one with drugs,” he said.
Minister Uwizeyimana said that it is not easy to identify the male sex workers because they act clandestinely.
He added that in discussing promiscuity, people should look at all sides since it emanates mostly from relationships especially when it happens between married individuals.
He cited an example whereby a husband is always busy with work, and when they come back home, they find that their wife has already fallen asleep. He said this is a challenge because they cannot fulfill conjugal responsibilities.
“When a woman needs but cannot find you, you just remain her husband in papers without conjugal obligations,” he said.
Article 136 on adultery and its punishment, stipulates that anyone who has sex with someone else other than their spouse has committed a crime.
When convicted by the court, they are sentenced to a term not less than six months but not exceeding one year.
Has the abolition of apartheid and peaceful passing-away of Nelson Mandela led to a whole new reality in South Africa? Sadly not. The conflict between ethnicities is still ongoing. It still casts a deep darkness, making the future of South Africa uncertain.
{{▲ Beginning of Discrimination
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As apartheid became an official law, policies that discriminated against people with color increased. The Pass Law forced Native Africans to carry identification; the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act separated living area, schools, etc., according to ethnicity; and the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act forbade marriage among different ethnicities. Native Africans began to resist when the suppression intensified. Hatred and struggle against Afrikaners mounted even further after the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and the death of Steve Biko, the anti-apartheid activist. Afrikaners responded to even more aggressive oppression and tighter regulations, deepening the hostilities.
Nelson Mandela, as the chief of an armed wing called Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), was arrested for having attacked Afrikaner organizations several hundred times since 1964. He was only freed in 1990 when President de Klerk lifted the bans on anti-apartheid groups. Mandela then served as the president of the African National Congress (ANC). And on the fourth year since he was discharged from prison, the first election that included Native Africans as voters were held after consultation between the Afrikaner government and the Native African party. In May the same year, he became the first native African president of South Africa. Thereafter, the problem of racial discrimination that had lasted for decades was officially abolished through numerous negotiations.
In his presidency and life, Mandela led the movement for peace in South Africa through ‘harmony, forgiveness, and love’, instead of ‘fighting and revenge’. After being elected president, he organized the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to deal with the unfortunate conflict in the past. The ultimate goal was to give a chance of repentance to racism offenders and make sure the victims of state violence within that era were not forgotten. He left a famous quote that is still on the lips of the people: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”
{{▲ The Abolished Policy and the Aftermath, Yet to be Resolved
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Although apartheid entered the history books in 1994, its aftereffects still exist. Through the Bantu Education Act, which had taken root over a period of forty years since the 1950s, the quality of education between Afrikaner and other ethnicities have widened. This impacted job opportunities and salaries. Chances for choosing one’s residential area and job were not equally given, which led to economic polarization and unemployment. According to BusinessTech, a South African media agency, there is an average 32% difference in salary between Afrikaners and Native Africans in the country (As of July 2016).
It is also argued that antagonism against apartheid resulted in reverse discrimination as well. One citizen in the Orania region said “We can’t get jobs. It’s like we are being punished for the past.” In addition, after the regime change, power and water to three white squatter camps were cut off – making the local residents miserable. This shows South Africa’s challenge in social cohesion, in that the anti-apartheid policy to eradicate racial discrimination actually bring about reverse discrimination.
So, do racial discrimination problems only occur in South Africa? Apartheid still exists in our societies – only differing in intensity. In the UK, in June 2016, the Labour Party MP who was leading the cause for protection and migration of Syrian refugees was killed by Thomas Mair. It was reported by the Guardian that the murderer was discovered to be a supporter and subscriber of a far-right, pro-apartheid group called the White Rhino Club, which harbored ill-will toward the migrants.[7] Also, last February, a bill was passed which legalized illegally built settlements on Palestinian land. This received much condemnation from international society. Mahmoud Abbas, the president of Palestine, stated “What we want is peace … but what Israel does is to work towards one state based on apartheid.”[8] In addition, Secretary-General of the UN Antonio Guterres warned, “Legalisation of the Israeli settlement in Palestine is a violation of international law.”
{{▲Religion, Ethnic Identity and Peace
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Overcoming racial discrimination and the ensuing socio-financial gap requires the peaceful cooperation of the global village based on human rights and democracy. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organization registered under the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), is creating a collective voice, gathering all the efforts for peace from around the world. With this as a background, international law experts associated with HWPL have drafted the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). HWPL is calling for the international community to make a collective effort for peacebuilding based on this peace initiative. Among the 10 articles and 38 clauses, Article 9 of the DPCW, ‘Religion, ethnic identity and peace’, addresses the need to settle ethnic or religious conflicts that can threaten peace in countries. Article 10, “Spreading a Culture of Peace” emphasizes the global cooperation to build a foundation of agreement for peacebuilding efforts. HWPL has branches in South Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, India, Israel, etc. to conduct peace projects such as campaigns, seminars, and peace education with local communities. International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) contributes to raising awareness in youth empowerment for peace.
HWPL and IPYG South African branch are working to settle a culture of peace in which youths play a key role. On 28th May, the 2016 Peace Walk Festival was held to commemorate the third anniversary of the proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace.[10] 1,300 people including the Cape Town city councilor and women members of United Nations for Youth graced the event with their presence. The event instilled a recognition of peace among citizens, with booths for the “Legislate Peace” Campaign, sharing of activities of the HWPL Peace Advocacy Committee, and diverse cultural performances. On 10th December 2016, the ‘Creating a Culture of Peace Festival’ was held to introduce the DPCW to the public and conduct an advocacy event for the “Legislate Peace” Campaign. On top of these events, on the 23rd of February this year, IPYG hosted ‘A Piece of Peace: The Peace Forum’ in cooperation with African Unite. At this forum, education to aid understanding of the DPCW; discussion on universal issues of humanity such as education, women, children, refugees, conflicts, etc. to take part in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and debate on the role of youth in achieving peace and local safety took place.
The Senior Research & Monitoring Specialist of the Africa Monitor, a South African organization founded in 2006 under the principles of ‘protecting the human rights’ and ‘construction of a just society’, Mr. Yared Tsegay, stated “Apartheid was over for more than 23 years. But if you look into South Africa, you experience apartheid every day. It is over officially, but in a material sense, people who were discriminated during that period are still in that situation where they are very much poor, the lives are not good. I would say the consequences are still there in a way. In the community where violence breaks out frequently, the DPCW will bring a lot of differences.” He also added his expectations on IPYG’s peace activities and its results: “I think IPYG is a good initiative. It involves young people and trying to make them champions of peace. In terms of South Africa, most of the violence is committed by young people. So trying to involve young people in IPYG’s peace activities, learn resolving conflicts and peace communication effects: I think that has a great impact.”
