Have you ever heard of the International Day of Human Fraternity? Probably not, considering that its commemoration is very recent; it has only been celebrated since 2021!
Here we tell you a little about this day.
February 4 is the International Day of Human Fraternity.
What is the origin of this international day?
The main background that prompted this initiative was the meeting between Pope Francis and the Muslim leader Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, during the apostolic visit of the Holy Father to the United Arab Emirates.
As a result of that meeting, the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Common Coexistence, also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration, was signed.
On December 15, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim February 4 International Day of Human Fraternity, to be celebrated every year from 2021.
Why is it celebrated?
With the promulgation of this day, peace is promoted in the world, sustainable development and the union of efforts of the international community to be able to promote tolerance, inclusion, respect for diversity and solidarity between the nations of the world and the villages.
It is a call to reduce and eradicate situations of violence, xenophobia, political and religious fanaticism, and discrimination based on race, gender, and ideology.
Importance of fraternity as a fundamental value
Talking about fraternity implies talking about values: values of tolerance, respect, dignity, solidarity, and equal rights for all human beings.
Fraternity as a value leads us to be supportive, respectful, and empathic with others.
How can we contribute to the human fraternity?
We all can and have the duty to contribute to human fraternity, applying it through simple actions in our daily lives:
•Smile! This action constitutes the first gesture of charity and connection with the people around us.
• It all starts at home. We can share with our loved ones the fundamental importance of values, applying them with our example.
• Serve and help others, for example, helping an older adult to cross the street, providing support to people in vulnerable situations, or any other action that has a positive impact on others.
• You can support the causes of non-profit organizations and foundations whose objective is to work for the human fraternity: join volunteering or participate in activities and events.
