URUZGAN and ZABUL – Ulemas, women and youth representatives came together to speak with one voice in support of peace efforts in a series of UN-sponsored radio programmes broadcast in the southern provinces of Uruzgan and Zabul.

“Youth participation is very important in the peace process because they have energy and potential to broker a peace deal acceptable to all,” a local peace activist and civil society representative in Uruzgan, Gran Hewad, told listeners.

Participants also discussed their roles in building a culture of peace, and in preventing and resolving local conflicts.

Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Sabiri, head of the public awareness section at the Pilgrimage Department in Zabul, in another programme, highlighted the role of Ulemas in raising awareness concerning a peaceful settlement to the conflict. “Peace is central to Islam and therefore it is vital to convey this message to parties and those fighting on the frontlines,” he said.

Other participants echoed the importance of freedom of expression, human rights, access to education, health, work, movement, assembly, and demonstration and other basic rights should be protected and preserved. They also listed women’s rights as an important and something that must be protected.

The ten radio programmes are estimated to reach around half a million listeners both in Uruzgan and Zabul provinces.

UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission also supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights. The UN in Afghanistan is a civilian organization, delivering its mandate with impartiality, according to the UN Charter.