Minister Meriton’s message: ‘Let’s promote and nurture peace for a happy Seychelles’ |25 November 2013

The Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton has urged the nation to harness the notion of peace in their everyday lives, at home, at work, at school and in society, so that we can maintain a peaceful, just and happy Seychelles.

The call comes in Minister Meriton’s message on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
The full text of Minister Meriton’s message reads:

“From November 25 to December 10, Seychelles is joining the rest of the world to commemorate 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (see separate story below).

“This year’s international theme, ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World, Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence against Women!’ remains unchanged from last year’s theme. This decision reminds us that the realisation of peace is an on-going challenge for humanity. The need for peace in the home is also highlighted in our locally adopted theme which is ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in our Communities’.

“Here in Seychelles, despite the many efforts to eliminate domestic violence, too many women are still on the receiving end of abusive partners. Such abuse is not necessarily physical, but can be emotional or psychological. It is important to note the effect of domestic violence on children as an audience, as this only contributes to the vicious cycle of violence and abusive mentality.

“Violence against women, violence against any human being is never acceptable. This is why we have been working this year at implementing and strengthening laws that condemn and reprimand acts of violence. The Domestic Violence Bill, drafted in collaboration with my ministry in the second quarter of this year, is aimed at eradicating the issue of gender-based violence in Seychelles.

“We are all equal partners in our right to live positive, stress-free lives. Every individual holds the inalienable right to freedom from physical or emotional violence, irrespective of their gender, age, disability, ethnicity, income or religious beliefs. It is imperative that we recognise and ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of our wives, husbands, children and vulnerable members of our families and of society.

“I therefore urge parents to act as role models to their children by exemplifying peaceful attitudes.  I urge the nation to harness the notion of peace in their everyday lives, at home, at work, at school and in society, so that we can maintain a peaceful, just and happy Seychelles.”