Press release by the African Union
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22nd June 2010: The countdown to Peace Day reached a major milestone today for the African Union 2010 Year of Peace and Security in Africa campaign. June 22nd marks 90 days to a planned cessation of hostilities and a day of non‐violence across Africa on 21 September 2010. Peace Day aims to put peace in practice through a collective cooperative moment of unity. Africa will demonstrate and communicate the dividends of peace. This will create an impact on the human psyche and motivate political actors, businesses and civil society to work together to address the root causes of conflict and violence.
Many of the ongoing activities for the Year of Peace and Security are geared towards making Peace Day a resounding success, and demonstrating to Africa and the world that peace is possible in Africa. A successful Peace Day will also demonstrate African leadership, commitment and capability to mobilize for peace, and that if peace can be attained on Peace Day, it can be accomplished permanently.
Calling on support for the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, and in particular Peace Day, Jean Ping, AU Commission Chairperson said,
“I urge the African civil society and private sector to join hands with the AU and its Member States to make peace happen in 2010 and beyond. Indeed, to achieve peace between nations and non‐violence in our homes, communities and schools requires everyone’s involvement. I challenge every African to take a step of faith and do something to support the Year of Peace and Security, for none of us is too small to make a difference.”
Activities around the Year of Peace and Security and preparations for Peace Day are in full swing, with a two‐pronged approach being planned for the 21 September programme of activities: cessation of hostilities in all conflict areas and areas which are still experiencing varying levels of violence; and the distribution of humanitarian supplies and material to communities in conflict areas, as well as non‐conflict areas in critical need of services. The objective of this activity is to meet some relevant basic needs for the day, such as food, health care, clothing, school supplies.
Other planned activities for Peace Day include:
• One minute of silence for peace across Africa at a pre‐agreed time;
• Relevant developmental work and community support by members of the armed and security forces in Africa, such as building bridges, repairing schools and community facilities, and providing humanitarian assistance;
• One Day One Goal football games, these are football games to be played across Africa to bring communities together around one common goal – peace; and
• Make Peace Happen Lesson Plan: utilisation of a special lesson plan by schools and colleges in Africa on peace and Africa’s aspiration to be free from want and fear.
Read more: www.makepeacehappen.net