Celebrating International Day of peace

Introduction:

On September 21, 2023, Harikar Outreach Team and Community Outreach Volunteers (COVs), in collaboration with UNHCR, organized a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Peace. The event took place in the Gawilan refugee camp, as part of the Protection and Assistance program for Refugees and IDPs in Duhok-Iraq Project. The primary aim of this initiative was to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among the community and all peoples.

Activities:

Regarding the activity plan, there was a march starting from Sector (G) and ending at the Gawilan community center in Sector (E). During the march, the participants wear white caps and hold and raise white flags in their hands showing the visibility of Peace. While reaching the end point there was a short session on Peace and social cohesion importance, then the participants planted trees inside the community center. In the end, all the participants, COVs, and the Outreach Team cut the celebration cake and distributed a package of gifts (books for reading, plastic water bottles, and white T-shirts) among the participants.

Objective(s)

1. Promoting peace and tolerance: The primary objective is to raise awareness and promote the idea of peace among individuals, and communities., especially for the recently transferred families from Bardarash camp to Gawilan camp.
2. Conflict prevention and resolution: Efforts can be made to prevent conflicts and resolve existing ones. It aims to emphasize the importance of dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy in resolving disputes, rather than resorting to violence or war.
3. Advocate for the rights of refugees: The International Day of Peace can also serve as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of refugees within the camp. It creates an opportunity to address the issues they face and work towards finding sustainable solutions, which are fundamental for ensuring lasting peace.

Impacts:

Reviving the International Day of Peace in a refugee camp can have far-reaching positive impacts on the well-being, empowerment, community cohesion, and advocacy efforts of the residents. It offers hope, healing, and a vision for a peaceful future.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the International Day of Peace celebration organized by Harikar Outreach in collaboration with UNHCR in the Gawilan refugee camp aimed to promote peace, tolerance, conflict prevention and resolution, and advocate for the rights of refugees. The event had a positive impact on the well-being, empowerment, community cohesion, and advocacy efforts of the residents, providing hope and a vision for a peaceful future.