United Nations Marks International Day of Non-Violence

To mark the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, 2013, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon challenged people around the world to follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and other people who courageously stood up against violence, division, and hatred. He insisted that there is a need for more leaders in nations across the world, as well as in homes and communities for there to be peace, fairness and freedom. Mr. Ban extended the idea of non-violence not just to keeping from doing harm to human beings but to the planet as well.

Securing a culture of non-violence

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly established the observance of this important date every year for the purpose of disseminating the idea of non-violence by increasing public awareness and educating people around the world. A General Assembly resolution dated June 15, 2007 established the International Day as a venue for disseminating the message of non-violence. The resolution was an affirmation of the universal relevance of non-violence and through it the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.”

Gandhi’s birthday

The International Day of Non-Violence coincides with the birthday of India’s independence movement leader Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence has become the guiding principle for many world leaders that came after him. The principle has also been integrated in many of the movements aiming for social justice that has since emerged. The message of non-violence is one of the pillars of the teachings of Gandhi and it served as one of the primary foundations for the Indian Liberation Movement in its fight for political and social change at that time in the country’s history.

The UN is one such organization that was founded on Gandhi’s beliefs. Every year on October 2, the United Nations commemorates Gandhi’s teachings and works. In his speech the UN Secretary General said that courage is an essential ingredient for countries and peoples to move away from conflict and “embrace peaceful negotiation.”

Justice, peace, and prosperity

The UN Secretary General is calling on to everyone to practice the principle of non-violence every single day while standing up and working for prosperity, justice and peace. Secretary Ban also highlighted the fact that resolve and courage are needed and that non-violence is not passive. People who are actively working to promote human rights are not following an inert, but rather a dynamic idea. In his message the Secretary General was very specific in saying that in order for the world to see an end to violence, change must start in homes, in schools, and in the workplace.

Combating poverty

Mr. Ban was also keen on identifying poverty alleviation as a key component in ending violence, citing that crime and violence are deeply rooted in poverty particularly in the most vulnerable people.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been put in place to put an end to social ills that affect the world today such as poverty and hunger. The target date, 2015 is looming closer and as such, the new development agenda has embraced poverty alleviation at its very core.