Context
International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on 4th February globally. International Day of Human Fraternity aims to underline the importance of raising awareness about different cultures and religions, or beliefs, and the promotion of tolerance.
Background
- On 4th February 2019, leaders from the two largest religions Pope Francis (from Christianity) and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib met in Abu Dhabi to promote interreligious peace and cooperation.
- They signed the document titled “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” which marked the start of crusades against religious intolerance.
- On 21st December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity, with resolution 75/200.
- However, the core essence of the ideology behind this day has been present since 1999.
- The General-Assembly adopted, by resolution 53/243, the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace in 1999 which continues to serve as the universal mandate for the international community, particularly the United Nations system, to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that benefits all of humanity, including future generations.
- The International Day of Human Fraternity acknowledges that tolerance, pluralistic tradition, mutual respect and the diversity of religions and beliefs promote human fraternity.
Theme
- Theme 2022 for International Day of Human Fraternity is “Human Fraternity in Action” which means that humanity has decided to disperse and renounce all kinds of religious bigotry and xenophobia.
- Thus, the global community has agreed upon developing a new global culture where no one is hated or discriminated against based on his/her caste, creed, skin colour, religion, or something like that.
- After the Holocaust, it is the greatest action against xenophobia, religious bigotry, and hate for “others”.
- First-ever in history, the global community united on the platform of the UN has decided that every religious community would be treated equally.
- This year's International Day of Human Fraternity 2021 theme: A Pathway to the Future.
Significance
- The International Day of Human Fraternity promotes peace and understanding between different religions and cultures.
- It advances dialogue between these groups and also hopes to promote acceptance of religious and cultural diversity.
- The International Day of Human Fraternity came at a time when several incidents of hate crimes were committed against religious minorities world over.
- From the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, to the Uighur Muslims in China, and Asians in the West.
- In its resolution that was passed in 2020,the UN has stated that as intolerance, hostility and conflict are rising in today’s world, it is imperative for people to remember the common values shared by all of humanity and march towards a more peaceful, diverse, and harmonious world.
- International Day of Human Fraternity, the UN underlines the importance of raising awareness about different cultures and religions or beliefs and of education in the promotion of tolerance.
