Myriam Dessaivre

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” 

(Excerpt from the Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution)

Tribute to Myriam Dessaivre (1994-2020), a young French girl killed in Niger on August 9, 2020. Master in “International Affairs and Development specialized in peace processes and conflict resolution”.


Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” (Excerpt from the Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution)

This is the leitmotif that was in the heart and animated the commitment of Myriam, a young French girl killed in the attack in Niger on August 9.

“Engaged in the NGO Acted since 2018, Myriam led several missions (in Tunisia, Tchad, and Niger), with the task of planning humanitarian logistics in different fields: in food supply, in access to water, and in the construction of shelters…”.

What his loved ones and colleagues have shared:

  • from the University of Paris, where she graduated with a Master in Peace Studies: “We remember Myriam’s joy, her incessant investment, her curiosity, her willingness to always support others and, above all, her goodness.”
  • “Myriam died loving, giving her life for what she considered right. She was there to do good. Myriam, will you also help me to do good and make the most of the life I still have the chance to live?”
  • “We all knew what her dreams were, what motivated her heart. I think we all have the commitment to carry on her struggle and to make her desires and love live in us”.

We are sure that her generous life is a great inspiration for many young people, because with courage she has taken care of the people in need.