As the International Day of Peace is being observed around the world each year on 21st September, the Executive Director, Hope For Second Chance Foundation, HOSEC, Mrs Ibunkunoluwa Otesile has identified sound Education, gender equality and regard for human rights as factors that must be promoted to achieve peace.
Mrs Otesile made this known in a statement In commemoration of this year’s International Day of Peace with the theme “END RACISM, BUILD PEACE”.
The HOSEC Director who said education plays a significant role in ending racism and an effective means to ensure peace in the world, explained that the role of education was to empower children and adults to become active participants in the transformation of their societies.
Otesile also identified promotion of gender equality and human rights as foundations for sustainable development, freedom, justice and peace.
The statement reads in part
“The UN General Assembly has declared this day devoted to “strengthening the ideals of peace.” In commemorating this year’s International Day of Peace, HOSEC foundation joined other CSOs round the country in collaboration with UNESCO to hold several programmes with different thematic areas from the 6th to today the 21st of September. The theme for this year is END RACISM. BUILD PEACE.”
“However, as a child protection organization, our activities are focused on promoting access to qualitative and safe Education, Gender Equality and regard for Human Right”.
“It cannot be over emphasized that EDUCATION plays a significant role in ending racism and can be an effective means to ensure peace everywhere in the world. The role of education is to empower children and adults to become active participants in the transformation of their societies. Therefore, education can create peaceful societies if we strengthen teaching and learning; promote awareness of our right as individuals; extol right values and attitudes that enable us to live together in diverse environments.”
“Close to that is promoting GENDER EQUALITY. Every man, woman has the right to enjoy socially valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards. it means men and women have equal power and equal opportunities for financial independence, education and personal development. It is an essential factor in a country’s security and stability. Creating a world of gender equality means building collective power rather than dominating power. It means creating a world where people and planet can flourish regardless of age, race, class, ethnicity and gender identity. Nations that promote gender equality are more likely to use diplomacy before force in conflict and are less likely to get involved in violent crisis.”
“Let me at this point bring to our remembrance that HUMAN RIGHTS are fundamental basis for sustainable development as they are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. Human rights are intrinsically linked to sustaining peace. Therefore, if we are ever going to realize our dream of a peaceful world, promotion and protection of Human rights must be embraced by all. An understanding and acceptance of the right ever man has first as a human will calm the storm of racism that has continued to rage on. promotion and protection of human rights builds confidence by strengthening a sense of common values and shared humanity, promoting peaceful resolution of conflict grounded in respect for the rights and dignity of others.”
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, I use this opportunity to call on everyone to Stop Racism and Promote Peace. Let’s drop the guns as it takes humanity to save humanity.”
