LEOGANE (Haiti) – 9 September 2024 – UNICEF today launched an innovative initiative titled “Gita pa m lan sonnen pou lapè” or "My Guitar Sounds for Peace" to raise awareness about the dangers of armed recruitment and to prevent children from being enrolled in armed groups through art and music. Led by UNICEF National Ambassador Jean Jean Roosevelt, this initiative harnesses Haiti’s rich cultural heritage to engage and inspire children and communities affected by the ongoing crisis. The “Gita pa m lan sonnen pou lapè” initiative focuses on educating youth, adolescents, and the broader community about the risks of armed violence. The initiative will feature workshops in music, dance, and drama, including the creation of advocacy songs, providing guitar lessons, and conducting guitar-making workshops. Activities will also include developing and disseminating key messages on recruitment risks and the consequences of armed violence through community networks, media, and U-Reporters. “In Haiti, culture is not just a part of our identity; it is a powerful tool for change,” says National Ambassador Jean Jean Roosevelt. “Through music and art, we can reach and inspire young people, providing them with an alternative to violence and a voice for their future. Art and music have always been integral to our culture and resilience. This initiative reflects the strength of our traditions and our hope for a peaceful future.” Haiti faces severe challenges, including widespread poverty, political instability, and natural disasters, which have intensified humanitarian needs. In 2024, approximately 5.5 million Haitians—nearly half the population—are in urgent need of protection and humanitarian aid. The ongoing violence has compounded these issues, exposing children to heightened risks such as family separation, psychosocial distress, abuse, exploitation, sexual violence, and recruitment by armed groups. Approximately 1.3 million children are affected by civil unrest and gang violence. According to latest estimates, almost 600,000 people – over half of whom are children – are now internally displaced in Haiti and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. “By leveraging art and music as tools for advocacy and reintegration, the initiative aims to make a significant impact in preventing the recruitment of children and protecting their rights,” stated Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. “The initiative not only provides a platform for creative expression but also fosters a sense of community and hope amidst ongoing challenges. Together, we can transform the hearts and minds of young people, offering them a future where music, art, and peace resonate louder than guns."

Autor: unicef.org

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Date: 01 November 2024 / 09:24 pm