Uvira, 8 October 2015 – Within the framework of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace on 21 September of each year, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in DRC in Uvira, organized on Thursday 8 October 2015, a public information session for students of the “Institut Aksanti” and “Institut des Techniques Médicales.”

More than 100 participants took part in this commemoration activity which occurred in the compound of the “Université Panafricaine de la Paix” in Uvira.

During the sensitization session, the head of the Public Information/MONUSCO-Uvira gave the outlines of the UNSC Resolution 2211 on the DRC while representatives of the Civil Affairs Section and MONUSCO Pakistani contingent focused on the different mechanisms established by the UN Mission as part of the protection of civilian populations.

After the Questions and Answer Session, participants were reminded that MONUSCO is not a humanitarian or development agency whose objective when coming to Congo was to build roads, bridges, schools or hospitals. Protecting properties and persons is the primary responsibility of the Congolese Government through its defense and police forces; MONUSCO is there to support authorities’ efforts towards achieving this goal.

Participants were further urged to cultivate peace in their communities, families, schools, etc.
The speakers reminded that there were lots of dividends to draw from peace, unlike violence and war which bring nothing but desolations, death, destruction and as a result, delay peoples’ and nations’ development.

Participants were invited to adopt a conduct likely to promote peace everywhere and in every circumstance, prioritizing dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance of diverging opinions, especially on the eve of the major election period in the country.

Jean-Tobie Okala