15 September 2011 - The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau encourages Bissau-Guineans to engage in the peacebuilding process, contributing to the consolidation of stability, strengthening of democratic institutions, rule of law, justice and the promotion and protection of human rights, in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy.

"All Bissau-Guineans should be encouraged to engage in the peacebuilding process (...)...all segments of the society, including the national authorities, political parties, and civil society organizations. Basically, there should be a wholehearted engagement of all the people of Guinea-Bissau, with continued support from international partners", SRSG Mutaboba stressed.

Joseph Mutaboba acknowledged the longstanding commitment and continued struggle of the people of Guinea-Bissau to achieve democracy, which was rooted in the birth of the nation. "It is, however, of the utmost importance to underscore that peace and stability are stepping stones to democracy."

Furthermore, Mutaboba, emphasized that Democracy is at the heart of UNIOGBIS priorities as it embodies the spirit of the mandate that was given by the Security Council in its resolutions 1876 and 1949, and represents both the foundation and the guideline of the work of the United Nations.

Addressing the youth, the SRSG called upon them to play an active role as the guardians and defenders of democracy and democratic rule of law as he reiterated UNIOGBIS support to Bissau-Guineans in the ongoing efforts towards strengthening democracy.

The UN General Assembly, in resolution A/62/7 (2007) encouraged Governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15 September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.