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Christabell Opudo's Blog
Christabell Opudo's Blog
Go Out to Your Neighbour With Message of Peace
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I for one have always looked with pride at the Kenyan runners bearing a flag for Africa. I used to say with pride and conviction that Karibu Kenya, hakuna matata. I would hate now to say the reverse: Matata mengi. That should not and cannot be allowed to continue.

Today, I would like to encourage the youth to understand and observe one of the most important principles of the UN. That is to solve disputes through negotiations, by peaceful means, without interfering in other people's basic human rights. The United Nations condemns violence.

It also recognises that if you deny people freedom of assembly and freedom to express themselves, they resort to violence. It follows that the UN principles must be upheld by all of us, both as individuals or groups, or government officials.

It is also clear that both immediate and long standing historical grievances must be addressed, once and for all. The UN family is active in practically all these areas and stands ready to assist if and as requested.

My challenge to you is to go out to your school, to your neighbour with the message that violence is not an acceptable part of how individuals should treat each other. You must make everyone understand that the main reason people attack neighbours is because they are the soft target. You cannot reach those who are really the cause of the problem so you vent out your frustration on your neighbour.

At the same time criminals take advantage of violent protests to commit crimes. Imagine those raping women, what has that got to do with governance issues?

Imagine those murdering and robbing people? Once you are associated with these sad acts, the public gets tired and forgets your cause, which could well be a valid one. Surely, grievances must be tackled, wrong actions must be pointed out, and those involved named and shamed?

But clearly that does not happen after you have killed your neighbour, torched their homes, or thrown then out of their jobs. So please go out with the messages "Peace begins with you and me", "No more violence, lets talk". The leaders are talking.

They asked former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to come and mediate. That takes time and humility but it will pay a high reward. That is why we talk of truth, justice and reconciliation. This can be done at all levels, including in communities who want to move on. If youth groups want a facilitator in such matters, you can invite UN experts to come and help.

Dr Tibaijuka is UN Habitat executive director.

February 29, 2008 | 3:42 PM Comments  0 comments

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