War Victims Day Football Game in Kampala Sends Powerful Message of Survival

 

in Face of Unspeakable Atrocities, Says Secretary-General 

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the War Victims Day Football Event, in Kampala, Uganda, 30 May:

It is wonderful to be here.  Thank you for inviting me to participate.

I love football.  But I never thought I would have a chance to play it with the President of Uganda!

I thank the African Youth Initiative Network and the Uganda Victims Foundation for organizing this event.

This game sends a powerful message.

It is inspiring to see so many brave individuals.

Survivors.  People who have been subjected to unspeakable atrocities.

Instead of being crushed, you fought back.

Instead of giving up, you reclaimed your dignity, you helped others recover, too, and you gave yourselves to the cause of justice.

You are making history.  Now it is up to the delegates meeting here to make history by strengthening the International Criminal Court.

This was a friendly match.  But I declare you all to be winners.

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For information media • not an official record