Thursday October 27, 2005

By Chernor Ojuku Sesay

Cocorioko Correspondent in Freetown

The United Nations family in Sierra Leone observed their 60 years anniversary with the theme ?Child Health and Survival’ on the 24th October, this year, at United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) Headquarters, Mammy Yoko Hotel, west of Freetown.

Delivering the Secretary General’s message, the Special Representative of the Secretary General Ambassador Daudi N. Mwakawago said the morning gathering was a fine illustration to the fact that the United Nations is an organization for all people, governments, civil societies and the private sectors.

“Although the UN is an association of states, the rights and freedoms it exists to uphold and advance belong to everyone.  To carry out its mission to the best of its ability, it needs the support of people every where” Ambassador Mwakawago said.

He also said that, whether the UN is fighting disease and hunger, or working to strengthen democracy; advancing human rights and the rule of law, or combating terrorism; building peace, or making the UN more effective and more accountable to the people it exists to serve, the UN always respects the rights of people everywhere.  “That is why celebrating UN Day is so important.  It energizes us.  It strengthens the bonds between us.  It makes us stop for a moment and realize how thrilling it is to work alongside people from every corner of the earth who share the goals of the UN Charter”, he said

The programme was witnessed by heads of UN Agencies, government officials and civil society. The medal presentation ceremony was done by the SRSG. Other activities included a Medal Parade, UN Agencies and UNAMSIL sporting activities at Lumley Beach.

It could be recalled that the United Nations officially came into existence on 24th October 1945, when the charter had been ratified by China, France, the then Soviet Union, the United Kingdom the United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on 24th October each year.