“End Racism, Build Peace”
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace and appeals to all people in Zimbabwe to live together in a united, kind, loving, and peaceful way.
The International Day of Peace is commemorated every year on the 21st of September and is set aside for all humanity to build a society where every individual feels safe and can flourish regardless of race. This year’s theme is “End Racism. Build Peace”.
NANGO affirms section 56(3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which guarantees the right to equality and non-discrimination and states that “every person has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner on such grounds as their race”. In this light, it is important to promote dialogue and counter hate speech by addressing the root cause of inequality.
Therefore, in commemoration of this day, the International Day of Peace offers everyone, a shared date to organise events and undertake deeds celebrating the importance of peace and democracy in realistic and useful ways. It is pertinent to appreciate that tolerance of faces is a crucial aspect of democracy and any violent actions will further limit the right of people to exercise their constitutionally protected rights of equality and non-discrimination which are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights.
Sustainable Development Goal 16 aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. Without peace and stability, we cannot hope for sustainable development. We are living in a world that is increasingly divided. In Africa today, some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security, and prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is by no means inevitable and must be addressed. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity.
As conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, vulnerable groups, such as racial minorities, the poor, and the sick, have been impacted more than others, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Race-based discrimination in whatever form – hate speech or violence – is not tolerated by NANGO.
NANGO applauds the efforts that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have made so far in a bid to advocate for peace and the respect of basic human rights by all especially toward ending all forms of discrimination, racism, and tribalism. We, therefore, commend the achievements garnered so far and also, aim to echo the need for CSOs to continue their work in lobbying and advocating for the respect and protection of basic human rights, especially the marginalised groups that are usually left out based on their race, gender, and ethnicity.
We say “let us resolve to strengthen harmony and togetherness in our society, which are the hallmark of peace”.
Dr Phiri ~ NANGO Board Chairperson
Peace is the basis for prosperity and progress. Through understanding, compassion, and supporting each other, we can create a peaceful Zimbabwe and world.
NANGO is the official voluntary coordinating body of registered NGOs in their diversity operating in Zimbabwe. NANGO is registered as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) under the PVO Act Chapter [17:05]. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making and non-denominational organisation mandated to strengthen the voice of NGOs for the betterment of the people in Zimbabwe.
