New year’s message by Victor Angelo, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone Freetown, 1 January 2007 --- A new year brings hope for better lives, better prospects and better opportunities. But it is only through sustained peace, security, respect for human rights and development that the hopes of every Sierra Leonean will be realized. There are many challenges ahead of us – credible elections, women’s empowerment, tackling unemployment, and creating the conditions for human development.
I am sure that the people of Sierra Leone will build upon the successes achieved so far, and continue to work together to promote and consolidate the existing culture of peace, through dialogue on critical national issues. When there is peace, there are dividends to enjoy. People will feel safe enough to go about their daily lives – to till the land, harvest the crops, develop livelihoods, go to school, invest, create jobs, construct homes and build a future 2007 is a significant year for Sierra Leone as the country prepares for the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in July. The experience we have so far with the electoral work has convinced us that the process can remain on track. We salute the independence demonstrated by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and encourage all the parties to continue to collaborate with the Commission. Adherence to the Political Party’s Code of Conduct will decisively contribute to a constructive electoral climate. It is encouraging that in November 2006, eight political parties signed a Code of Conduct for the Elections.
The establishment of a Media Code of Conduct for election coverage is also vital. So too is voter education and a successful registration, which will start on 26 February.

Other critical tasks call for attention. As we recognize the relevance of being the first country to partner with the newly established UN Peace building Commission, and congratulate the government for this meaningful international commitment, we should keep in mind that the priorities agreed with the Commission require steadfast implementation to consolidate stability and democracy. Youth unemployment remains a major issue. There is a need to harness the young people’s abilities and to sharpen their skills through education, vocational and professional training programmes, and to develop their management skills. Food security is also imperative for the well-being of citizens. Improved agricultural productivity, and adequate post-harvest techniques, will provide better nutrition and health for both rural and urban communities. The growth of small-scale farming and farm-related businesses and industries will generate additional rural incomes. All these will create firmer conditions for private sector growth. Efficient management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources, such as mining and fisheries, will ensure a sustainable future for its people. However, providing regulated access to these resources and markets remain a challenge. This is where public-private sector partnerships are useful for infrastructure and market development.
The establishment of a Media Code of Conduct for election coverage is also vital. So too is voter education and a successful registration, which will start on 26 February.

We must step up our work to secure a viable future for the men, women and children of Sierra Leone. There are still mountains to climb. The international community must continue to support those negotiating steep inclines to ensure that no key player loses balance. We believe in the future of Sierra Leone.

As 2007 beckons and as we stand together, the UN staff and I share with the people of Sierra Leone a vista of hope in the year ahead.

新年帶來了希望，帶來了更好的生活以及機會，但僅限在和平、安全、重視人權的地區。獅子山的人們就沒法過著相同的日子，因為當地充斥著各種不安、危機。不過，當地的人們致力於重建屬於他們的現存的和平文化，想要享受著各種和平帶來的好處：上學、做生意、找工作、以及盛大的收獲。然而現在機會來了！在2007年7月的總統大選就是獅子山民眾的機會。因此他們尋找NEC(National Electoral Commission)的協助以確保一切能夠順利。當然，其他的事情也被密切注意著，像是當地的失業率、食物來源、農業採收量以及當地資源管理等。現今，依然有許多的事需要各地的幫忙、協助，幫助獅子山人民去掌握屬於他們的未來！ 資源來源：http://www.uniosil.org/