Event participants at BINUB headquarters

In commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Bujumbura co-organized with the Media and Communications Section of the UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) an internal communications event for the UN staff in Burundi on 28 May 2010 in the BINUB headquarters in Bujumbura.

The commemoration, headed by the Executive Representative of the Secretary General and UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Petrie, placed under the theme, “Haiti standing”, included the screening of the documentary entitled, “In the name of Peace”, co-produced by the DPKO and DPI, followed by a documentary on the Burundian contingents in the African Union Mission in Somalia co-produced by the BINUB and the Ministry of National Defense.

The momentum of the ceremony was the minute of silence called up by the UN Resident Coordinator in honour of the UN colleagues who lost their lives for the cause of peace in Haiti and wherever in the world. The UN staff attending the event where asked to be standing while the RC was reading the Secretary General’s message on the Day, followed by the minute of silence.

A Haiti relief song produced by the Musicians Association of Burundi and interpreted by the Burundian major music stars in solidarity with the Haitian population entitled, “Haiti standing” was also screened. The BINUB assured the technical support of the event and sponsored the printing of the above Day’s posters and banderoles. The UNIC initiated the commemoration proposal.

The UNIC National Information Officer made the introductory remarks for the event which gathered the personnel of the UN System in Burundi.

Joaquín Cáceres briefs students about the role of UN peacekeeping

Law students from UNINORTE University from Eastern Paraguayan city of Coronel Oviedo attended a lecture on human rights and peacekeeping operations at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Asuncion premises.

Guest speaker was Joaquín Cáceres, an international law specialist and the UN inter-agencies local coordinator.

Students asked questions about the role of peacekeeping forces. During their visit to UNIC, information kits on peacekeeping operations and the UN Charter were distributed.
 

Children and teachers at UNIC Lagos

United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos observed the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 28 May 2010. UNIC Lagos held the commemoration at the Kamsek International School, a secon-dary school in a remote area of Lagos. 

The students from another school, Emmanuel Comprehensive College, also joined in on the celebration making for a total of 42 students and teachers present.

The addresses given at this year’s commemoration were dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in peacekeeping operations. The main feature of the event was the screening of videos on peacekeeping and the peacekeepers. Among the videos were, “In the Cause of Peace”, Courage for Peace”, “The Peacekeepers Code of Conduct” and “Women in Peacekeeping”.

Following the screening of the videos, there was a question and answer session and United Nations publications were distributed to the schools.

Minister of Defense Kalombo Mwansa (centre left) during an interview

The United Nations Infor-mation Centre (UNIC) Lusaka celebrated the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 28 May. Local high school students, the Zambian army, air force officials, police officers, and Zambian National Service personnel joined together for a church service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Minister of Defense Kalombo Mwansa joined the crowd for a moment of silence remembering those who have lost their lives in peace-keeping missions around the world. The themes for Zambia's International Day of UN Peacekeepers event were 'Haiti Standing' and 'Zambia's Contribution in Peacemaking Operations'. Speaking on the earthquake in Haiti, Mwansa commended the international community for swiftly responding, but acknowledged that there is still work to be done.

UN Resident Coordinator Macleod Nyirongo quoted the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, taking a moment to honor the men and women who lost their lives while serving under the UN Flag. Nyirongo’s speech paid tribute to the 122,000 military and civilian personnel who serve with distinction in operations around the world. Nyirongo addressed the crowd, urging defense and military pers-onnel to remain focused and committed to maintaining national peace. He emphasized that peace is the ultimate goal, but ment-ioned that unfortunately peacekeeping often includes the loss of human life. He reiterated that Zambia is a member of the global community and said that the nation will remain committed to peacekeeping operations.
 
Peace was stressed as an important guiding principle that, when absent, has the potential to bring destruction, misery, and despair. Peace can be disturbed by natural disasters or by any individual that engages in activities that breach peace. At the end of the service, guests were treated to an exhibition showcasing the various missions where Zambia contributed personnel, highlighting and honoring Zambia’s efforts to advance the world peace movement.