INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HUMAN FRATERNITY
Every year on February 4th, the International Day of Human Fraternity seeks to promote cultural and religious tolerance. The day also focuses on interfaith harmony, dialogue, and mutual respect.
The word fraternity is defined as a group of people that share common interests. Fraternity also means the state of mutual support within a group. The United Nations hopes people around the world would begin to embrace these ideas. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should focus on what we as human beings have in common.
During a time when intolerance seems to be at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to raise awareness about embracing different cultures and beliefs. For this to occur, societal acceptance and respect for cultural diversity must be practiced on a global scale. Education, especially in school, is an important tool to make this happen. It’s also important to acknowledge that tolerance and mutual respect promote human fraternity. Oftentimes, before this occurs on a global level, these ideas must first be implemented at the local, regional, and national levels.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfHumanFraternity
The United Nations sponsors a variety of events on this day. Educational seminars, live streaming events, global TV webcasts, and interfaith services all take place to help foster human fraternity.
To participate:
- Learn about a different culture or religion.
- Discuss with others the negative effects intolerance has on today’s society.
- Commit to getting to know your neighbors or others in the community who have different religious or cultural beliefs.
- Attend an interfaith prayer service.
- Watch a movie with your kids that teaches acceptance, such as Remember the Titans, Babe, Ice Age, and John Carter.
You can also raise awareness for this day on social media with #InternationalDayOfHumanFraternity.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HUMAN FRATERNITY
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 4th as International Day of Human Fraternity. The first event was held on February 4th, 2021. This date commemorates the historical meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib. They met on February 4th, 2019. During this meeting, the two religious leaders signed a document titled, “Human fraternity for world peace and living together.” The day kicks off World Interfaith Harmony Week, which has been celebrated during the first week in February since 2010.
