Pia Philip, undersecretary at the Ministry of Peace Building, at Eye Radio studios on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | Credit | Lou Nelson/Eye Radio

An official at the National Ministry of Peace-building is encouraging South Sudanese to observe a 24-hour non-violence in the communities as the country marks the International Day of Peace.

In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously voted 21^st September as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire around the World.

The 2023 global theme is “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for Global Goals”, while the national theme is “Me and You for Peace in South Sudan”.

Pia Philip Michael,  the Undersecretary at the National Ministry of Peace-building says the day is a reminder to the local population in the country to refrain from violence and maintain peace.

“We need to educate our community about the 21^st of September every year , that is a day of peace that is a day should be mandatory by every human being to observe the ideals of peace.”

Mr. Pia violent conflict creates displacement, delays provision of services and hinder development in the communities.

“Displacements to our people is not going to give us the ultimate objective why we have a country. The communities will not get the development they deserve, the basic services that they deserve.

“So, until when all of us agree and say no to violent conflict, that is when we will reap the fruits of the independence of the Republic of South Sudan,” he stressed.

The day was marked Tursday in Juba with official public gathering at Nyakuron Cultural Center where there will be key note address by government officials, UN and diplomatic corps, cultural performance among others.