Live as one: Social activists unite against hate speech

Observe International Day for Peace at Peshawar Press Club

PESHAWAR: Social activists marked International Day for Peace on Monday and launched a campaign against hate speech to protect non-Muslims in the country. Declared by the United Nations in 1981, the day is an effort to promote resolution of conflicts.

“Our region needs peace more than any other region of the world,” said former MNA Jamila Gillani, while speaking at Peshawar Press Club. “There is still blood being spilled in our cities despite tireless efforts by the authorities.”

Aurat Foundation, Society for Strengthening Participatory Organisation, South Asia Partnership-Pakistan and Sungi Foundation launched the campaign against hate speech called ‘Bolo Zimaidari Say.’ Rights activists and lawyers took part in the event.

Gillani was confident lasting peace can be achieved if leaders come together and identify problems before devising solutions.

Non-Muslim representatives, civil society members and lawyers also talked about the persecution of religious minorities. They said a peaceful society was necessary for people to live harmoniously and respect each other.

Mukhtar Bacha, one of the participants, said conflicts cannot be resolved with weapons and that policies need to be revisited.  “We have to educate our children in a better way so they learn to respect other religions and people,” he added.

All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Chairman Haroon Sarbdiyal said forced conversions were still a massive problem. “Democracy must be strengthened and all non-Muslims should have the right to elect their leaders,” said Sarbdiyal.  Criticising the education syllabus, he pointed out that lessons promoting hatred need to be removed. “This is essential for the integrity of society in the country. How can the policies of people who study such a syllabus be effective?” Sarbdiyal asked.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2015.