Tag: Non-Violence

International Day of Non-Violence 2020: Say No to Violence

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day 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”.

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4 October: World Animal Day

On October 4, the world comes together to celebrate and protect animals. World Animal Day is a worldwide day of awareness and action that transcends the boundaries of nationality, religion and ideology. It celebrates protecting all animals, from companion animals and wildlife to those in captivity in places like labs, zoos and factory farms. World Animal Day unites the global animal welfare movement to raise the status of animals, and improve animal welfare standards around the world. YUVA is supporting World Animal Day because we share a mission: to ensure compassion and respect for all animals by all societies, and to fight exploitation and inhumane practices. Learn more about our duties towards animal welfare here.

Every year, people in countries around the world sign up to host events that have a positive impact on the lives of animals. From hosting veterinary clinics to leading animal protection protests and fundraisers, people have mobilized into a global force for animals each October. Whether you run a shelter, wildlife rescue, work in animal advocacy, or are a volunteer or concerned citizen, World Animal Day is the perfect time to draw attention to the animal welfare cause. Animal lovers around the globe have embraced World Animal Day, but Mauritius has been slower to embrace it. We want to change that this year, and encourage even more people to host an event and make a difference for all animals like we did in the first session of the Mauritius Youth Parliament (MYP) held on 25 September 2015 which was based on Animal Welfare.

World Animal Day’s mission is to protect all animals in their unique situations, and to make animal issues front page news around the globe. It also spreads recognition that we as humans do not live in a vacuum. Every day, we affect the lives of animals, and their issues are ours. Whether it’s providing the best care for our pets, championing the rights of lab animals, or fighting to protect the environment for wildlife, we have a responsibility to the animals who live with and around us. When animals are recognized as important, sentient beings, the world will pay full regard to their welfare and establish effective animal protection. With awareness and education reaching every corner of the globe through World Animal Day events, we can create a world that is safer and better for the animals who share our planet.

World Animal Day is not just a day of service to protect animals; it is a reminder of the bond we share with animals. So many people spend their lives with a dog or cat and devote their time and love to their care. All animals deserve that same dedication, and raising awareness will help set humane standards for their welfare. Helping animals not only combats cruelty and keeps our planet thriving with diverse life, it connects us together as human beings. No matter where we are, we all have animals who have touched our lives. The purpose of this day is for people to “use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for animals by doing something special to highlight their importance in the world. Increased awareness will lead the way to improved standards of animal welfare throughout the world.” So go out and do something fun and positive! Empower. Educate. Collaborate. Be a part of something special this October 4th to celebrate all of the animals of the world!

2 October: International Day of Non-Violence

“There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” – Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, 1927

The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolutionA/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day 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”.

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

The life and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.

Definition of Non-Violence

The principle of non-violence — also known as non-violent resistance — rejects the use of physical violence in order to achieve social or political change. Often described as “the politics of ordinary people”, this form of social struggle has been adopted by mass populations all over the world in campaigns for social justice.

Professor Gene Sharp, a leading scholar on non-violent resistance, uses the following definition in his publication, The Politics of Nonviolent Action:

“Nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act effectively in politics, especially how to wield powers effectively.”

While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war.

One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.

There are three main categories of non-violence action:

  • protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
  • non-cooperation; and
  • non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.

Documents

30 July: International Day of Friendship

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).

To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organisations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Background

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO and taken up by the UN General Assembly in 1997 (A/RES/52/13), which defined the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems.

In its resolution of 1998, proclaiming the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001–2010) (A/RES/53/25), the General Assembly recognised that enormous harm and suffering are caused to children through different forms of violence. It emphasized that the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence should be instilled in children through education. If children learn to live together in peace and harmony that will contribute to the strengthening of international peace and cooperation.

The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (A/RES/53/243) adopted in 1999 set 8 areas of action for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in order for a culture of peace to prevail:

  • foster a culture of peace through education;
  • promote sustainable economic and social development;
  • promote respect for all human rights;
  • ensure equality between women and men;
  • foster democratic participation;
  • advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
  • support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
  • promote international peace and security.

The International Day of Friendship is also based on the recognition of the relevance and importance of friendship as a noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings around the world.