Statement by Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, Secretary-General of No Peace Without Justice:
“On this International Day of Non-Violence, No Peace without Justice (NPWJ) and the Nonviolent Radical Party Transnational and Transparty (NRPTT) want to extend a special salute and recognition to all the outstanding individuals around the world who, in the face of brutal repression, work tirelessly to encourage and inspire nonviolence as an essential and effective political instrument to advance meaningful democratic reform, the rule of law and respect of human rights in their country.
“Courageous men and women from Syria to Bahrain and elsewhere are at the forefront of the nonviolent quest to champion the values and principles of human rights and democracy, and seek recognition of their broader political and social rights and those of their communities at large. NPWJ and the NRPTT recommit ourselves to standing by their side in the struggle to ensure that liberal and democratic institutions thrive in their countries as the home-grown aspirations they are. Through their commitment to nonviolent dialogue over revenge and hatred, they are the most inspiring forces in the pursuit of freedom, equality, justice and human dignity, all core universal values.
“Supporting the empowerment of nonviolent activists and human rights defenders is one of the best ways to help prevent conflict, to break ravaging cycles of violence and to build democratic societies grounded firmly on a culture of tolerance and nonviolence. On a daily basis, they face brutal regimes that dedicate considerable resources to silencing these brave men and women through censorship, repressive legislation, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, intimidation, violence and worse.
“The international community should throw its full weight behind these human rights champions and do all in their power to help secure their ability to contribute fully to the democratic transition in their countries. We are heartened by the support received today from Mahatma Gandhi’s family to our longstanding partner and friend Victor Ochen, Africa’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize nominee and newly appointed United Nations Global Goals Ambassador for Peace and Justice. This endorsement, together with the support expressed by Desmond Tutu and other renowned voices, is a further sign of recognition for Victor’s outstanding commitment and effectiveness in advancing rehabilitation and active empowerment of war victims, in Uganda and beyond, through peace and justice”.
For further information, contact Nicola Giovannini on ngiovannini@npwj.org or +32-2-548-3915.
