UNISFA Marks International Day to End Racial Discrimination

UNISFA Marks International Day to End Racial Discrimination

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in their Headquarters in Central Abyei, with a short walk to the main foyer in the camp.

In his remarks, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander UNISFA, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr stated that the idea of the short walk signified that the world cannot take a long walk to eliminate racism.

He noted that the short walk also symbolizes the fact that everyone can help attain the goal of ending racial discrimination, within a short time.

The United Nations declared International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, six years ago after police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful protest against apartheid in Sharpeville, South Africa.

Each year since then, the world comes together to remember its collective obligation to promote understanding, tolerance, and the building of an international community free from all forms of racial discrimination, segregation and barriers, racism, and related intolerance.

The Acting Head of Mission urged peacekeepers to reflect on the anti-racism principles and legacy of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela in combatting racism.

General Sawyerr said the fight against racism does not have to be a very long walk but that it cannot be done alone.

“We will reach our destination only if we all walk as a community and share the equal burden of common purpose and values as UN peacekeepers from all over the world,” he said.

By PRNigeria