Ayacucho, Peru—For the second consecutive year, Ambassadors for Peace in Peru focused their attention on the mountain city of Ayacucho for the celebration of the UN International Day of Peace. Ayacucho was the center of terrorist activities in Peru from 1980 to 2000, and it is estimated nearly 70,000 people died during the two-decade long armed conflict between the government of Peru and terrorist organizations. The population of this region still carries the scars of this conflict. UPF has been active in this city in the past four years, appointing Ambassadors for Peace, and hosting educational programs and activities.
A team of Ambassadors for Peace from Lima, the capital of Peru, arrived in Ayacucho early on the morning of September 19 and met with the mayor of the city, who warmly received them in the plaza of the municipal building. The team presented him with a large UPF flag, which would be used for the International Day of Peace event. Later, they visited places where the remains of citizens who had died in the conflict had been found in recent years. Many families still do not know what happened to their husbands, wives and children who disappeared during those years.
On September 20, UPF held a forum in the Municipal Theatre. The mayor opened the event and various experts spoke on the theme, “Education for a Culture of Peace.” Dr. Trevor Jones, president of UPF-Peru, presented the vision of UPF Founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, through the speech, “Constructing a World of Peace: The Family is the Cornerstone.” Afterwards, 12 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed.
On September 21, an estimated 1,500 people marched through the city and joined together in the main square where they listened to speeches from city leaders, who also presented prizes to several organizations that promote peace in various ways.
Also during the program, the Peace Road 2016 in Peru was launched. It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see the flags of Peru and UPF raised together in the city’s main square.
After the event, Dr. Jones was interviewed by various radio stations and in the evening, spoke on local television.
The following morning at a ceremony held at the town hall, the mayor recognized UPF’s work and awarded Dr. Jones “honored guest” status and presented him with a key to the city.
Also, in the city of Trujillo, the third most populous city in Peru, two forums were held, which were attended by more than 200 people.