In connection with its observance of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), the General assembly, on 22 December 2005, decided by resolution 60/209 to proclaim 20 December of each year as International Human Solidarity Day. In taking that action, it recalled that the Millennium Declaration identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century.
Observing International Human Solidarity Day which is marked every year on December 20, Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said “The promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is vital in combating poverty. Solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since its inception and its creation drew the peoples of the world together to promote peace, human rights, and social and economic development. International Human Solidarity Day reminds us about the importance of solidarity and how, guided by the spirit of human solidarity and a shared sense of justice and fairness, we can all make our own voluntary contributions in overcoming difficulties that challenge our world today. On this day let us not forget that International Human Solidarity Day was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2005 as an initiative in the fight against poverty”.
Dr. Homoud urged that solidarity with marginalized people who are oppressed and subject to poverty is the basic element of any egalitarian society. He called for unified efforts in which every spectrum of the society be it UN family, supporting organizations and governments or individuals should come on a common platform to address the issues of downtrodden people, “this day is the occasion where we pledge ourselves and renew our commitments to fight for the cause of oppressed people, this day also remind us that solidarity for the oppressed people is a must phenomenon and it should be continued under any adverse circumstances”
“Very urgent actions are required to this effect if we are truly sincere in achieving the targets as outlined in Millennium Developments Goals on the United Nation” Dr. Homoud urged. Dr. Naseer stressed that starvation remains the weapon of massive destruction against millions of people highlighting additional challenges, including disease, epidemics, environmental destruction, terrorist acts against civilians, and the world’s helplessness in face of natural disaster. “Solidarity is an effective tool for going in the masses to address their problems and to draw immediate attention of governments of the catastrophic situations which our world of plenty is facing”. Dr. Homoud said.
The concept of international human solidarity is the focal point to express brotherhood. It is a universal value rooted in the foundation of democracy, dignity, sustainability and international cooperation, and connotes protection and security for all. It holds the potential to unite the global community in addressing poverty, climate change, good governance and human rights, or in the fight against terrorism and HIV/AIDS pandemic, or in helping victims of natural disasters. “Human solidarity should be treated as foundation pillar of universal cooperation for the 21st century”. He contended.
A deep analysis amid prevailing situation demonstrates that no region of the world is on right track to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, with the slowest progress in Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. It reflects and collates the fact that faster economic growth does not promise wider human development. Several Human Development Reports illustrate that deep disparities based on wealth, region, gender and ethnicity are bad for growth, bad for democracy and bad for social unity. If the world is to make progress on achieving the Millennium Development Goals, sustained poverty reduction not only requires inclusive growth but also it requires strengthening social cohesion and inclusion.
Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. “These basic rights have been overlooked by our generation and amid developments and modernization we are lacking far behind yet to tackle this menace of world, which is like an eclipse.” Dr. Naseer added.
“This day is an opportunity for us to show camaraderie with millions of men, women and children who continue to live in wretched poverty, and to freely acknowledge and encourage the work of organizations and individuals who are making significant assistance to the fight against poverty and reaching masses to express their solidarity. It is also an occasion to raise public consciousness and mobilize various actors to show their renewed assurance to the eradication of poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals” Dr. Naseer added. “We must not allow the current global financial crisis and the food price crisis, divert us from the people and governments the Millennium Development Goals were created for, the poor” Dr. Naseer said while addressing the media gathering.
While giving the call to support IIMSAM and its initiatives which is channelizing its efforts to fight malnutrition and hunger among the masses particularly children, Dr Nasser hoped that under guidance of His Excellency Ambassador Remigio M. Maradona Director General, IIMSAM is pledged to support the oppressed section of society which is deprived of the basic requirement to life- food. We are penetrating to the malnourished people and exerting best efforts to tackle the catastrophic situation of malnutrition. “It would be people helping people, not governments helping governments,”
