ACCESSIBILITY of information promotes peace because the youth will know how to exercise their rights and be heard, anti-violence and youth empowerment activist Patience Masua has said.
Masua was speaking at a meeting to mark the third anniversary the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) – an initiative to end wars and promote peace – in Windhoek on Thursday.
The DPCW event is held on the margins of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) council of ministers meetings taking place in Windhoek on Friday and Saturday.
“The Ministry of Justice is making summaries of the laws to teach people about their rights and accessibility to information is one of those things that promotes peace,” Masua explained.
Masua said although voting was a key tool in promoting peace, the youth does not vote, which can lead to chaos.
“Your government is representative of what the people want but the problem we often have with youth is that we do not vote. When the youth does not vote, there is a high chance that they will be dissatisfied with the outcome and this is where the lack of peace stems from,” Masua said.
Speaking at the same event, former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba shared similar sentiments, saying a culture of peace can be promoted by revoking and rejecting a culture of conflict in all facets of life as well as addressing the root causes of conflict.
“A generation that has its roots established in a culture of violence, conflict and war is doomed and cannot develop, neither enjoy peace and prosperity. The promotion of peace forms the basis of a civilised and cultured society,” Pohamba said.
She further pointed out that women and the youth are the most affected in any situation of conflict and this demographic should therefore be involved in securing peace. – Nampa
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