The Peace and Human Rights Gathering

Excerpts from the January 1, 2003 message of Pope John Paul II for the celebration of the World Day of Peace include “…A greater awareness of universal human rights would greatly benefit the cause of peace…” This statement aligns with the 2 main themes of The Peace and Human Rights Gathering – Peace, and Human Rights.

The Peace and Human Rights Gathering’s main aim is to enlighten participants about peace and peace processes, to inspire them to be agents of peace, and to inspire them to be promoters of human rights.

Peace is possible. Every individual has a role to play towards personal peace, and world peace. Peace begins with a peace attitude, and peace begins with us. If everyone or almost everyone teaches, learns, and practices peace, peace will not only be possible but will be tremendously achieved.

Human Rights are rights that persons are entitled to because they are human beings.

The education, promotion, protection, respect, and enforcement of human rights are some of the strategies for peace. Peaceful societies make development possible. The event also aims to be beneficial to participants by providing more insight into Human Rights advocacy, and to ensure that laws, policies, regulations, and directives are in accordance with fundamental human rights.

There are various strategies for peace. Peace through the environment is one of the strategies. Human rights and nature rights are connected. We need solutions for the problems encountered by humanity and the planet, though a combination of factors, for instance knowledge, economy, policy framework, advocacies, sustainable partnerships for development, sustainability, and so on. As we advocate the respect and promotion of human rights, we must advocate nature and environmental rights as well as environmental justice.

Host or Publisher Ukpeme Akpan Okon