The United Nations (UN) Charter clearly champions a peaceful, non-violent approach as the first recourse and utilizing means such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration and judicial settlement.
On the occasion of International Day of Non-Violence today Sunday, President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell, calls on the nation to use non-violence in addressing issues.
The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
According to a UN General Assembly resolution of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.
The resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.
"There have been many persons in the past whose names have become synonymous with their actions and message through the application of non-violence approach to change a society. Icons such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa have played a significant role in changing the world.
"As a peaceful community presently plagued with violence, I make a passionate appeal to every individual to reach out, join hands and do your part to help eradicate violence in all shapes and forms from within our homes and neighbourhoods.
"Let us continue to educate our children and the rest of our communities about the merits of returning to a kind and gentle society. Let’s support our Police and judicial entities in their fight against violence in our beautiful Sint Maarten.
"As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.’," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.