GIHR - Sudan Office Commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day!

On the 29th of July 2021, the Geneva Institute for Human Rights organized a lecture on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day of Nelson Mandela,

In his opening speech, Mr. Nazar Abdelgadir - Executive Director of the Institute, highlighted the importance and impact of the late Nelson Mandela’s contributions to conflict resolution, ethnic relations and the promotion and protection of every individual's human rights.

Mr. Nazar further stressed on Mandela’s decades-long impact on humanitarian issues, which prompted the United Nations General Assembly to designate the 15th of July as Nelson Mandela International Day, in accordance with Resolution A/RES/64/13. Nelson Mandela was able to restore the dignity of the vulnerable, solidifying him as an inspirational leader for the oppressed.

Beyond being South Africa’s first black President, Nelson Mandela’s accomplishments included paving the road for restorative justice through the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, designed to document human rights violations, as well as the repealing of the long standing apartheid regime in 1991 through the negotiation with former State President de Klerk for a new Constitution void of end racist policies, that would allow majority rule.

Nelson Mandela’s commitment to equality and social justice was monumental to Pan-African Solidarity, with Sudan granting him a diplomat Sudanese passport in 1962 in support for the anti-apartheid liberation movement.

On the other hand, Ambassador Dr. Khaled Mohammed Farah - Director of Department related to African Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sudan), noted that Sudan has consistently demonstrated its support of the liberation efforts of Mandela, made evident as Permanent Representative of Sudan to the UN, Abdel-Mahmoud Abdel-Hali, stressed on assigning a day dedicated to Nelson Mandela.

South African Ambassador, H.E C. Mbuyane-Mokone , stated that the biggest lesson taken from Nelson Mandela is ridding oneself of bitterness and instead inspire the fight against injustice patiently and selflessly, to ensure a better world for future generations. H.E then extended her appreciation to the Sudanese people for the solidarity shown and the sheltering the late Mandela in 1962.

Finally, in regards to translating Mandela’s experience to Sudan, South Africa does not impose anything on the Sudanese government, however, the ambassador stated that when it becomes necessary, South Africa will lend it’s support in ensuring a sustainable and peaceful democratic transition.