Arab Non Violence Society Commemorated International Day of Non Violence

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Foreign Affairs Advisor of the Arab Non- Violence Society Dr. Naseer Homoud’s message on International Day of Non Violence. He asserted that at heart of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, was his belief - that strength comes from righteousness, not force and power comes from truth, not might.

Observing International Day of Non Violence, Arab Non- Violence Society is calling for all on this day to participate in a day of fasting to remember the nonviolent activists everywhere in the world which have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom, justice and peace.  Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum while marking the day said “the name of Gandhi echoes with pacifist values. Throughout his life, Gandhi has been a spiritual leader for millions in his native India and all over the world. Gandhi led the way to the independence of his country through principles of nonviolence, peace, and truth. Today, these values are considered to be universal in part due to Gandhi’s nonviolent activism”.
 
The UN recognizes a philosophical connection between the human rights principles in its universal declaration and those that Mahatma Gandhi used. He is remembered today for his contributions towards India’s freedom and for sharing with the world a doctrine for dealing with injustice and disharmony. He taught people the philosophy of Ahimsa, which encourages the use of non-violence as a tool for the peaceful resolution of differences. The UN General Assembly came up with a resolution in 2007 to establish the International Day of Non-Violence. The day aimed to spread the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness, around the world. The resolution reflected universal respect for Gandhi and his philosophy.
 
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Homoud said that by commemorating this day every year, the UN General Assembly hopes to reinforce the timeless message of non-violence, and to encourage Member States, UN entities, civil society organizations and individuals to step up their efforts to deliver this urgent message through education and public awareness. He also referred to the article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations on the need to settle international disputes in a peaceful manner.
 
He further mentioned that the efforts of the UN to promote tolerance, the respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, development and mutual understanding are all underpinned by one common idea: that to make lasting, sustainable change, our efforts must be undertaken peacefully and in the spirit of consent and cooperation. He asserted his remarks by quoting Martin Luther King Jr. and said, "Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."
 
Addressing the gathering assembled to mark the day Dr. Homoud said “we must ourselves become the change we seek. As we look around us today we see violence everywhere. Violence against each other reflected in the spread of terrorism, the disturbing emergence of non-state players. Violence against the poor and the vulnerable, against women and children caused by social strife and inequities spawned by economic globalization”. He further said “I believe that nonviolence is the only way through which significant lasting positive change can be achieved, yet also realizes that the road to long-term change requires endurance and sacrifices. The International Day of Nonviolence is a fitting moment to reflect and remember these great sacrifices. I hope that the observance of  the Non-violence day will stimulate discussion and awareness of our traditional value systems and the need for their revival to inspire in our societies, peace, tolerance, non-discrimination, co-existence, non-violence and respect for each other”.
 
Paying tribute to Mahatma, Dr. Homoud said “at the heart of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, was his belief - that strength comes from righteousness, not force. Power comes from truth, not might. Victory comes from moral courage not imposed submission. He held that means and ends are inseparable, and that in fact the means themselves shape the ends. He believed unworthy means can never produce worthy ends”.
 
Dr. Homoud underlined that Mahatma Gandhi himself was, first and foremost, a man of action. “While he was indeed a man of deep contemplation, he was also a man of galvanic energy. It is this energy that enabled him to overcome resistance arising from hostility, indifference and cynicism. It is this energy that gave him the resilience to press ahead, in spite of tremendous obstacles and tribulations. As he himself once said: “we must ourselves become the change we seek. Let us then strive to follow this path of non-violence and in so doing become truly human”.
 
 “Gandhi’s message of love and peace, of non-violence, of the equality of all peoples, of harmony between all religions, is a universal message. It is a message for all times, for all societies and for all peoples” said Dr. Homoud. He asserted that Mahatma’s message is more important today than ever before since nations across the world continue to grapple with the threat of conflict, violence and terrorism. “For as long as there is temptation to resort to violence in the human mind, the Mahatma’s message of non-violence will tug at our hearts”, said Dr. Homoud.