Today the world honours the spirit of togetherness, as a global initiative to promote respect, safety and dignity for people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of a better life elsewhere.

Like every other year, the world today observes the International Day of Peace. The United Nations has announced that the day should be devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace. Thus the theme is: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All. The day honours the spirit of togetherness, as a global initiative to promote respect, safety and dignity for people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of a better life elsewhere.

This year’s theme unites the organizations of the United Nations System, the 193 member states of the United Nations, private sector, civil society, academic institutions and others in a partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. It was initiated during the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September 2016.

In a statement, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that in times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats. He urges people around the world to resist cynical efforts to divide communities and discrimination as it diminishes us all. He stressed that together, ‘let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights’, together, ‘let us build bridges’ and together, ‘let us transform fear into hope’.

This year, the day emphasises on engaging and mobilizing people around the world to show support and solidarity for refugees and migrants. The United Nations hopes that the messages will be shared among the communities hosting refugees as well as migrants. It can help highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and underscore the benefits of migration to economies. Evidently, it is about reminding people of common humanity.

It is obvious that every able individual has an important role to play. This begins with extending the hand of friendship to refugees and migrants.

Fiinovation