The Indian Action Committee (IAC) is calling upon all Guyanese, on 21st September 2018, to recognize the importance of the International Day of Peace which was established by the United Nations (UN) in 2001, to “commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.”
The IAC understands that this year’s theme is “The Right to Peace- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70,” which marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to the UN, its Sustainable Goals “cover a broad range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice.”
The IAC recognizes that conflict is currently ongoing in several parts of the world, and that millions of innocent people are being brutalized and victimized leading to massive migration of refugees, hundreds of whom are being enslaved in North Africa.
The IAC also recognizes that the world is being threatened by, what may be irreversible climate change and global warming, that will lead to drying and desertification in several areas of the world which will adversely affect millions of people, and also prevent the recharging of fresh-water aquifers in many countries, all of which will lead to conflict.
The IAC strongly believes that this global observance is pertinent to bi-polarized Guyana in 2018, and, therefore, urges all the political leaders and citizens to uphold the principles of peace, for the interest of the national, social and economic advancement of the country especially now that large deposits of oil have been discovered recently.
The IAC, which has several Ambassadors for Peace in its membership, also wishes to inform the public that the organization will be participating in the Universal Peace Federation’s commemorative event, tomorrow 22nd September 2018, at the Botanical Gardens (Benab), at Vlissengen Road, Bourda, starting at 10:00 am, and concluding at 11:00 am.