The Nairobi International Peace March

THE NAIROBI INTERNATIONAL PEACE MARCH - SEPTEMBER 2007

Time:
7.00 A.M to 1.00 P.M

Brief on the March

In recognition of the special partnership that this event will be ushering in between the Nairobi International Peace March series and the annual peace march held in Assisi, Italy (this year to be held in October) the theme is also a reflection of the Assisi Peace March spirit “ All Human Rights for All.” Therefore, the Nairobi peace march localizes the Assisi march’s call for a more inclusive humanity while highlighting the specific challenge of an exclusionary society in Nairobi and Kenya at large.

The theme for this year’s march also reflects the problematic of community exclusion in resource exploitation in much of Africa, a topic that will be more thoroughly investigated in the conference that will take place just before the march.

Since its founding in 2000, APP has been hosting the Nairobi International Peace Rally. The Rally is an annual event hosted in collaboration with other peace initiatives both within and outside Kenya who share a common desire of a world where people organize to emancipate themselves from all forms of oppression, recognize their social responsibilities, respect each other’s differences, and work towards realizing their full potential to enhance a culture of peace. The Rally is also organized to coincide with the UN’s International Day of Peace and thereby serves the purpose of annually bringing the world citizens and civil societies together in charting common approaches to issues of peace that need our attention.

The objectives for this year’s peace march are;

1. To highlight the socio-political, economic and cultural challenges of exclusion in Nairobi.

2. To institute measures towards a more inclusive society in Nairobi and more specifically, in the light of the coming general elections.

3. To establish an ongoing collaborative working relationship between the Nairobi International Peace March the Assisi Peace March.

Peace March Day Activities

At the end of the march at Uhuru Park, a number of activities will take place. These include:

Entertainment – songs, drama, recitals and other forms of entertainment will be provided on that day reflecting the day’s theme. They will be provided both by well known and also upcoming entertainers.

Speeches – Organized around socio-economic, political and cultural exclusion, speakers from various sectors of society including the slum dwellers, civil society, government and international figures will address the gathering. A practical report from the conference on resource conflicts will also be delivered at the venue. It is also expected that a representative from the Assisi March will address participants on the Assisi march and its importance to the Nairobi March.

Koinonia Peace Builder of the Year Award – During the event, the Koinonia peace award will be given out. This is an annual award that promotes a culture of peace through honoring and bringing to the public attention individuals who have worked for peace, justice and reconciliation at grassroots level using simple means. Nominations are currently going on. It is awarded by Africa Peace Point and Koinonia Community.