Youth civil society organisations last Friday in a joint statement commended the government for its regional integration efforts.

This was on the eve of celebrating the 2nd African Youth Day at Kimisagara Youth Centre in the Nyarugenge District.  This year’s theme is: ‘African Youth Promote Positive Values and celebrate Peace and Solidarity’.

"We laud the steps taken by the government in promoting regional integration, in particular the membership to the East African Community,” the statement read in part.

This event brought together seventeen recognised youth organisations in the country. In their address, they called upon all the youth to prepare themselves in order to maximize the benefits of regional integration.

The youth organisations also showed concern with the recent out break of war in Eastern Congo and called upon all concerned stakeholders to take urgent measures to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

The organisations also commended Rwanda’s ratification of the African Youth Charter. They, however, urged the government of Rwanda in particular the Ministry of Youth, in collaboration with development partners and the civil society, to popularise the charter and ensure that the rights, responsibilities and freedoms embedded therein, are understood and enjoyed by all.

In regard to promoting positive values, the youth acknowledged the commendable efforts made by the government to enact a code of positive values including patriotism, hard work, tolerance and integrity.

They urged Government officials to be exemplary and Rwandan youth to emulate these positive values for sustainable development.

Ends