21 July 2010 - Afghan youth peace volunteer groups illuminated the site of the renowned Bamyan Buddhas with the word “Sulh,” which means peace in Dari, to send a message of peace to the world on the occasion of Kabul Conference.

“We have come together tonight to light up the great Buddhas of Bamyan to welcome participants of the Kabul Conference in Afghanistan and to send our messages for peace to them” said Mohammad Jan, an 11th grade student and a member of the Bamyan Peace Volunteers in Bamyan Province, west of Kabul.

At the Kabul Conference, co-chaired by the United Nations, the Government of Afghanistan asked the international community to realign its pledged aid and programmes behind a set of national priorities which focus on improving daily lives of Afghans.

The national agenda is part of an Afghan-led political framework for reconciliation and peace.

In their own way, the youth volunteers in Bamyan are contributing to the long-term goal of a secure Afghanistan.

“Fighting cannot bring peace is the message we want to send to our Afghan country men and women, and to the world. As we say in Afghanistan: blood can not wash away blood,” added Mohammad.

In the spirit of peace, the youth group recently sent peace souvenirs to the youth groups in Kandahar to establish closer relationships with youth in difficult provinces of Afghanistan, said Mohammad.

Throughout the year, the volunteers campaign for peace with sister groups in other provinces and abroad, with volunteers in United States, Iraq, Palestine and Israel. 

“Our message is very simple to understand: Why not love, why not peace,” said Mohammad Jan.

By Jaffar Rahim, UNAMA