I applaud all Member States that co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity, especially the United Arab Emirates and Egypt for co-facilitating the process.
I also acknowledge the significance of the 2019 publication of “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”.
Co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, this declaration is a model for interfaith harmony and human solidarity.
I thank both religious leaders for using their voice to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual respect and understanding across the faith spectrum.
In these trying times, we need this spirit more than ever.
Around the world, deep-seated discrimination, acts of intolerance and hate crimes persist against people simply because of their religion or belief, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
Such vile acts are an affront to internationally agreed human rights and the values of the United Nations.
Cultural diversity and freedom of belief are part of the rich tapestry of our civilizations.
As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding and dialogue”.
FORUM: As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, on 4 February, let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding and dialogue.
What is the Culture of Peace?
A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behaviour 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
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.
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