On October 2, the world celebrates the International Day of Non-Violence, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 61/271 of June 15, 2007, with the aim of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.
Alkarama emphasizes that it is difficult to strengthen human rights in a context marked by the violence prevailing in the Arab world in its multiple forms: from direct violence that threatens the life and safety of civilians, to structural violence that prevents the enjoyment of fundamental rights, to cultural violence that legitimizes injustice.
The Palestinian people have been subjected for the past two years to the most extreme forms of systematic violence by the Israeli occupation forces. At the same time, many Arab countries are affected by internal wars and sectarian or political conflicts, often supported by regional and international actors. Populations live under authoritarian and corrupt regimes that deprive them of their fundamental rights and freedoms, frequently resorting to excessive violence against any peaceful demonstration advocating legitimate rights.
On this day, Alkarama calls for the promotion of non-violent means of struggle and the protection of victims of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and arbitrary detention.
Alkarama reaffirms the importance of building states where justice, freedom, and security prevail under the rule of law, while denouncing any discourse or policy that is authoritarian and contrary to the values of dignity and justice. For more than two decades, Alkarama’s commitment has aimed to reduce violence and defend human rights in the Arab world.