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02.10.2014 Feature Article

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON VIOLENCE

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON VIOLENCE
02.10.2014 LISTEN

Today is International Day of Non-Violence. The Day was founded in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly who decided to observe it each year on the 2nd of October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Gandhi's vision and example showed how one person can change the world. In tribute to his enduring legacy, we mark this International Day of Non-Violence each year on the anniversary of his birth. Gandhi showed the power of peacefully opposing oppression, injustice and hatred. His example has inspired many other history-makers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Václav Havel, and Nelson Mandela. Their message to each of us is to champion human dignity, reject intolerance and work for a world where people of all cultures and beliefs live together on the basis of respect and equality.

According to General Assembly, International Day of Non-Violence is an occasion to 'disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness'. The resolution reaffirms 'the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence' and the desire 'to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence'. The United Nations stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes and the end to all forms of violence, whether state-sponsored or imbedded in culture and practice, such as the violence and intimidation women and girls endure in all regions. Ending such violence can start with each of us – in homes, schools and workplaces. Violence can be contagious, but so can peaceful dialogue.

In these times of global turmoil and transition, it is fitting that we take a moment to reflect on Gandhi's message of understanding and peace. As we look around the world, tolerance is being tested. Fighting is taking a heavy toll from Iraq to Syria to Ukraine. The economic crisis is fuelling xenophobia and other forms of dangerous – and deadly – discrimination. Terrorism, human trafficking, rights abuses and violence against women threaten millions of people.

An estimated 150 million women and girls are victimized each year. Rape is increasingly widespread as a weapon of war. This appalling violence inflicted on women and girls throughout the world must also be at the centre of our concerns. Victims of sexual coercion are more likely to suffer sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. On this day, we call on all to unite to End Violence against Women, since no country is immune.

War is a crime against humanity. We must therefore determine not to support any kind of war, and to strive for the removal of all causes of war. We must promote nonviolent action against the causes of war, and to support and connect people around the world who refuse to take part in war or the preparation of war. On this day let works for a world without war.

The call to non-violence need not apply only to the use of deadly weapons. We must stop the human assault on our planet. Greenhouse gas emissions have been part of this onslaught, and now threaten catastrophic climate change. As populations grow and pressures on the planet increase, we need also to be aware of the violence we inflict on the natural world. As we set sights on a sustainable future we must be guided by the imperative to “do no harm” to people or the planet

Non-violence is neither inert nor passive. It takes courage to stand up to those who use violence to enforce their will or beliefs. It requires resolve to stand against injustice, discrimination and brutality and to demand respect for diversity and fundamental human rights.

Governments must lead. But ultimately, the foundation for non-violence will be built by people: teachers and faith leaders, parents and community voices, business people and grass-roots groups. Perhaps it may be easier to pick up a weapon than to lay down a grudge. It may be simpler to find fault than to find forgiveness. But us be inspired by Gandhi's example and make a real difference.

On this International Day, let us celebrate and embody the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi by heeding his call for a movement of non-violence. Let us end violence in all its manifestations, and strengthen our collective work for a safer, greener and more peaceful world.

A PRESS RELEASE BY THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION GHANA (UNA-GH)-TAKORADI CHAPTER.

Prince
CRANCHON.COM

Editor's Note:

Prince is a Social Media Consultant and a Blogger. Contact via @baahduoduprince and cranchon.com

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