ZIMBABWE on Monday joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Peace Day amid calls on government to end all forms of violence against humanity.
BY NUNURAI JENA
Addressing guests at the International Peace Day commemorations held in Chinhoyi, Minister of State in Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Office, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga development would not thrive in an environment where there is no peace.
“It is a day we should listen to the marginalised people of our communities, respect each other despite our political affiliation,” she said.
Kanengoni-Malinga said government’s goal was to create sustainable peace from all levels of society.
Speaking at the same event, United Nations resident co-ordinator in Zimbabwe, Bishow Parajuli, who read the United Nations Secretary-General’s speech, said this year’s International Day of Peace comes at a time of deadly violence and destabilising conflicts and appealed to the world to join hands to end hostilities.
“We have a collective responsibility to end the brutality and impunity that prevails,” he said.
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This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme Partnerships for Peace — Dignity for All.
Meanwhile, the Tendai Biti-led opposition People’s Democratic Party said it was ironic that Zimbabwe was commemorating the day while its citizens continue to endure negative peace and fear-related silence. “The number of people leaving the country, the number of people incarcerated in State facilities and the percentage of our defence expenditure as a ratio to our National Budget is still very high. The above factors leave our country ranked below average on the World Peace Index,” the party said in a statement.
“It is the PDP’s view that the social and economic situation prevailing in the country also threatens the already delicate peace in the country.”
