A Call for Prayers and Actions to Mark The 2022 International Day of Peace

News / Fri, 08/18/2023 - 06:08

A CALL FOR PRAYERS AND ACTIONS TO MARK THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on the 21st of September. The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.”

Looking at the drivers and causes of the different conflicts in Africa nowadays, racism, xenophobia, discrimination, division, distrust, intolerance, and hate are often among the root causes of conflicts, due to the marginalization, discrimination, and sometimes dehumanization that they foster within societies and between population groups. They continue to be drivers of persistent inequality and deny people their fundamental human rights, including equal access to services. Tackling racism would be a crucial way to contribute to peace and everyone has a role to play.

In the lead-up to the 2022 International Day of Peace that will be celebrated on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) calls on all churches, governments, relevant actors, and all people of goodwill to intentionally take actions contributing to the elimination of racial discrimination in all its forms, guarantee the right of everyone, and promote equality before the law according to the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, notably in the enjoyment of political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. Particular attention must be paid to early warning signs, including the marginalization and social exclusion of specific groups of individuals; discriminatory legislation and policies; the persistence of racial prejudice and negative stereotypes; hate speech by public officials and the media; and violent attacks and harassment targeting ethnic groups.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God". (Matthew 5: 9)

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki

GENERAL SECRETARY