February 4- International Day of Human Fraternity

⏰ 3 Minutes

 

February 4 was proclaimed as the International Day of Human Fraternity with resolution 75/200. The Resolution was passed to:

● Underline the importance of raising awareness pertaining to different cultures and religions or beliefs and also the importance of education in the promotion of tolerance. 

● Encourage the activities that are aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue to enhance peace and social stability. 

● Express concern for the acts promoting religious hatred, especially at the time when the world is facing unprecedented crises

● Take note of all the national, international and local initiatives to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

The Theme of 2021- A Pathway to the Future

The International Day of Human Fraternity shall be celebrated in the context of World Interfaith Harmony Week for the very first time. This will provide an opportunity to highlight the principles and values that have been included in the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” and further explore good practices for its implementation.

The event titled “A Pathway to the Future” is being organized by UNAOC (United Nations Alliance of Civilizations), in partnership with Permanent Missions of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to the UN along with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.

What is the Culture of Peace?

A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions, and modes of behavior and ways of life-based on:

  • Respect for life, ending of violence and promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue, and cooperation;
  • Full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States and non-intervention in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law;
  • Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms;
  • Commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts;
  • Efforts to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations;
  • Respect for and promotion of the right to development; Respect for and promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men;
  • Respect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion, and information;
  • Adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue, and understanding at all levels of society and among nations; and fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace.

Source: A/RES/53/243

The Role of Religious Leaders in Promoting Human Fraternity & Solidarity

While visiting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on 19 December 2019, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “In these turbulent and trying times, we must stand together for peace and harmony.” Mr. Guterres conveyed his “deep appreciation” for the Catholic leader’s “extraordinary service in promoting interfaith relations,” including his landmark declaration with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on human fraternity for world peace and living together. “This declaration is extremely important when we see such dramatic attacks on religious freedom and the lives of believers,” said the Secretary-General.

For more information:

https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-fraternity

By: Mahak Rathee 

Global Representative (India) 

Roya Institute of Global Justice