“As we commemorate the International Day of Human Fraternity, let us commit to do more to promote cultural and religious tolerance, understanding, and dialogue.”
– UN Secretary-General António Guterres. [1]
The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on the 4th of February, according to the United Nations General Assembly, to remind us that our life on the same planet necessitates the unity of our destiny. and that we are brothers in humanity; men and women, young and old, regardless of our skin color, race, and religion. We are peoples and tribes created to know one another and to serve a higher purpose than greed that has been cultivated in us in one way or another.
Our world, which suffers from constant struggles and conflicts, is in dire need of a wake-up call to remember the meaning of its existence, redoubling the efforts to spread the message of peace, harmony, and coexistence, and a moment to remember the common values and human Fraternity.
Especially after incidents such as wars and their consequences from the refugee crisis and natural disasters, or what comes to mind as soon as we remember disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which showed us an aspect of discrimination and hostility. On this day, we remember the most important and prominent individual and joint initiatives for achieving human fraternity, reinforcing and empowering it through dialogue, tolerance, respect for religions, and others.
In 2019, the Document on Human Fraternity was signed in the UAE, by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad AL-Tayeb. It is a joint declaration urging peace among all people in the world. It intends to serve as a guide for the next generation to advance a culture of mutual respect, recognizing that we are all members of one human family. [4]
A document starting with: “In the name of God who has created all human beings equal in rights, duties, and dignity, and who has called them to live together as brothers and sisters, to fill the earth and make known the values of goodness, love, and peace… In the name of human fraternity that embraces all human beings, unites them and renders them equal.”
This document truly invites us to rediscover the values of peace, justice, and human fraternity and believes that among the most important causes of the crises of the modern world are a desensitized human conscience, a distancing from religious values, and a moral deterioration affecting international action, despite all the achievements of modern civilization. [2]
As a tribute to this historic event, the idea of the “Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity” arose. The Grand Imam, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and His Holiness Pope Francis were the first honorary winners of this award in 2019. The award also receives annual nominations for individuals and organizations from all over the world, to celebrate their collaborative work that transcends the boundaries of division and segregation. [3]
Based on the impact of large groups – such as institutions – we see how they can nurture and adopt these values. One example is the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty in Haiti “FOKAL”, which runs a wide range of programs to chart the future of young people there. The organization has been selected by the judges of the Zayed Prize Committee for Human Fraternity, in recognition of their work in programs aimed at serving the public interest and building a more prosperous and peaceful society. [5]
The matter will not depend on the strength of groups, as the individuals when their humanitarian motivation fuels them, will take the initiative to spread peace and goodness among people. Our example is Latifa Ibn Ziaten, a Moroccan-French activist, who works closely with families and communities to prevent youth radicalization and spread the message of human fraternity.
Mrs. Latifa’s motive for such actions is the loss of her son Imad, who was murdered in a terrorist attack in 2012. This prompted her to combat such extremist phenomena. She also established the “Imad Association for Youth and Peace” to accomplish her goals. In recognition of her efforts, Mrs. Latifa was awarded the Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity in 2021. [6]
We, at the Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative which includes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, believe that humanity in its highest sense is embodied in cooperation. Therefore, we do our best to help and support Syrian women, which, in our belief, will have an impact on reinforcing human fraternity in Syrian society.
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References:
[1] UN
[2] Muslim Elders