Students perform during the International Day in Memory of Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade commemoration

On 25 March 2009, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Antananarivo organized an event to commemorate the International Day in Memory of Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade. 350 students and teachers attended the event. This was the first time this observance was held in Madagascar. The programme focused on raising awareness among youth about slavery and its impact. The Secretary-General's message for the Day was read to participants and students presented a short play on the topic of slavery. At the end of the commemoration, a drum was played, echoing the theme for this year's commemoration "Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum."

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Haile Menkerios, being interviewed in Antananarivo

On 9 February 2009, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Haile Menkerios, met with President Marc Ravalomanana and the Mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, in an effort to determine how best the UN can assist the two parties in resolving their political differences peacefully.

Mr. Menkerios called for a dialogue between the parties and also said he was ready to help in whatever way he can to promote a solution peacefully and democratically.

In separate meetings with the President and the Mayor, Mr. Menkerios received assurances from both parties that they were willing to accept the UN's aid in facilitating a dialogue.

Winners of national contest to promote good governance through the use of theatre

On 10 December 2008, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Antananarivo organized a ceremony to commemorate Human Rights Day. Speakers at the ceremony included the Ambassador of the European Union in Madagascar, the Minister of Justice and the UN Resident Coordinator. Each speaker stressed their commitment to supporting actions that favoured respecting human rights in Madagascar.

The ceremony included a trophy presentation for the winners of a national contest entitled “Atsika Jiaby Tompon'andraikitra”, (All of us are responsible). This contest was initiated by the Ministry for Justice and supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNIC Antananarivo. The objective for contestants was to promote good governance with theatre productions.

Students view screening of film "ZIOGA"

On 22 November 2008, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Antananarivo, together with the UN Club and the Association of Women Leadership of Ifanadiana, organized training sessions to discuss the issue of violence against women in Madagascar. Over 50 students from Ambodirafia, Ranomafana and Ikelilalina attended the event.

The sessions opened with a screening of the film "ZIOGA", a film about violence against women and girls. The screening was followed by a discussion, where women in the audience gave examples of how they experienced violence in their own lives.

Representatives of the Association of Women Leadership of Ifanadiana discussed ways in which women can learn about their rights and what can be done to decrease the rate of violence against women.