Human Rights Day has been colorfully celebrated in Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site. The commemoration was organized by the UNMISS –Human Rights Division (HRD) in collaboration with other groups defending human rights, such as International Medical Corps (IMC), UNICEF and members of the PoC site’s Peace and Security Council, under the theme: “Stand up for someone’s rights today”. The event took place at the food distribution center within the Protection of Civilians site.

In his remarks, the chairperson for peace and security in the PoC site urged South Sudanese generally to stand up for other people’s rights in general and the rights of vulnerable groups like women and children, the disables and the elderly in particular.

The message of the High Commissioner for Human Rights underscored the importance of combating messages of hatred and intolerance.

“We don’t have to stand by when the haters drive wedges of hostility between communities .We can build bridges. We can raise our voices”, continued the message, read out by Ms. Tara Sadasivan from the Malakal HRD’s office.

The acting Head of Field Office in Malakal, Keikura Seingah Braima, read the Human Rights Day message of the UN Secretary- General, which in part read: “I have also underscored that human rights are at the work and identity of the United Nations. This understanding is at the core of our Human Rights Up Front initiative”.

“All of us can- and must –act in our daily lives to advance the Human Rights of the People around us”. The message stresses.

The day was crowned by cultural performances presented by Shilluk women and the Nyajwado band, and a drama presented by youth of the Future Generation Group.