Media unites for peace

6 Aug 2008

Media unites for peace


Timor-Leste, 30 July 2008 -
The head of media agencies in Timor-Leste participated in a joint press conference yesterday to raise awareness of the 100 Day Peace Campaign celebrated around the world. The 100 days will end on 21 September, the International Day of Peace.

This year's Day will commemorate the 60 year anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. The specific theme in Timor-Leste is encapsulated in the slogan: What are you doing for peace?

The slogan is asking all people in Timor-Leste to consider their personal contribution to peace. It is to realise that the creation of peace is not just in the hands of ordinary, everyday people as well as the police and military.

At the press conference, Hipolito Gama, UNMIT National Spokesperson explained:

"Peace can mean many things. It can mean the absence of conflict or war. It can mean the peace people feel receive from their family, community or faith. We want everyone in Timor to think about peace, to talk about it and to consider how their individual actions are contributing to peace."

Radio Timor Leste (RTL) Director Rosario Martins, Timor Post Editor-in-Chief Mouzinho Lopes, Dili Weekly Director Otelio Ote, Timor-Leste Media Development Center Director Francisco da Silva and the recipient of the 2008 Timor-Leste Journalist of the Year Award, Nelson Philomeno Rego De Jesus, discussed the importance of media and journalists in creating peace.

Journalist of the Year Nelson Philomeno Rego De Jesus said:

"The Media contributes to the development of society by forming a bridge between the government and the grassroots. Each individual journalist also contributes to peace by providing accurate and balanced information to the public."

In the remaining days leading to September 21, many activities will take place around the country to celebrate peace. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste and UN Agencies will be raising awareness through a variety of multimedia and outreach activities.

Facts for journalists and editors:

- The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations as an annual observance of global non-violence and ceasefire.
- Every year, people in all parts of the world honour peace in various ways on 21 September.
- This year the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a 100 Day Peace Campaign which culminates on 21 September.

For more information, please call Rama Razy on +670 7311693 or Hipolito Gama on +670 7311839.