The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 4th February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, with a resolution of 75/200.
This is very interesting as it means nobody is an island. We need to assist one another; that is when the world will go round.
(Doves sharing in love)
Why Do The World Mark International Days?
International Day and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues that concern us, mobilize political will and resources to deal with global problems and celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity.
International Days predate the emergence of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful tool.
It cannot be over-emphasized therefore, that the world needs good relationships, peace and fraternity to make the world habitable for human beings.
Unless we are not sincere with ourselves, the whole world is going topsy–turvy.
There are wars between nations, within nations; political tensions and braggadocio of world leaders spread here and here.
For the world to forge ahead, there is a reason to embrace Human Fraternity Day as a deliberate and conscious effort for peace and cooperation all over the globe, having universally acknowledged that the whole world is now a global village.
It is imperative now to recognize the valuable contribution that you and I can make to humanity, be it in our places of work, environments, religions or beliefs and the contribution we can muster to dialogue among religious groups towards an improved awareness about our different cultures, religions or beliefs; and the promotion of tolerance and respect for our cultural diversities, including with regards to free religious expressions.
EDUCATION:
One of the weapons to prosecute peace Fraternity is Education. Education is fundamental to creating awareness of peace, and the torch of civilization. Education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to promoting tolerance and the elimination of discrimination based on religious beliefs.
Right from the elementary school level, pupils must be given sound tutorials that tolerance, pluralistic traditions (as in Africa and other climes), mutual respect and the diversities of our beliefs promote human fraternity. This must exist or preach in different homes. The falcon should be able to hear the falconer so that things will not fall apart, in order to make the centre holds_apology to Chinua Achebe).
The United Nations(and all of the nations) are to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith or bigness or smallness.
Aside, the UN also recognizes a need for dialogue among different groups in order that human fraternity exists without rancour or going to war, in order to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Remember, jaw-jaw is a sane and a better option than war–war.
To this effect, this year’s February 4 celebration today, should be an eye opener to the arrogant nations of the world and their leaders to have a rethink and choose peace and harmony and not weapons of war of destruction.
The UNO and other world bodies should intervene and intensify efforts to assuage the frail nerves of conflicting nations especially the current Russia /Ukraine faceoff.
The concept of the UN is to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all humanity. People suffer where there is a lack of peace and war. The means of livelihood and sustenance are destroyed and lives are wasted on daily basis alarmingly, either through the barrel of guns or hunger. Many lose their homes and could not find a place to rest and become destitute in neighbouring countries as political asylums.
As a result of a long-held and cherished concept contained within the constitution of UNESCO- that ‘’since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed’.’
This piece is appealing to the consciences of world leaders and individuals to come to terms with the agreement of peace.
To buttress the UN assertion above, ( Laozi Laotzu Laotse) says:
‘’If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there must be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there must be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart’’.
We are all involved to make Fraternity with PEACE. Politicians, Artisans, Public servants, Business moguls, students, villagers, media, and city dwellers, all rolled into one.
Nigeria is on the march again, going to the polls in twenty-two days’ time to elect its leaders for another four or more years. We must remember that we are brothers and sisters, uncles, nieces and nephews. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing one another’s children or burning one another’s properties or government infrastructures built with poor taxpayers’ money.
Let us eschew violence and be on the side of peace, as the practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital artistic of human actions.
Wishing the world a Happy Celebration of the 2023 International Day of Human Fraternity.
Tunde Idowu
Publisher/Editor -in Chief
The Interviews Nigeria
Writes from Osogbo, Osun State