UN Geneva marks Bahrain-initiated International Day of Conscience

Geneva, The United Nations Office in Geneva has held an array of events marking the International Day of Conscience, which falls on April 5 every year. Prominent personalities from various backgrounds, several permanent representatives of a number of countries, spiritual leaders, poets, artists, writers, academics and other stakeholders from civil society participated in the celebration. The celebration featured dialogue sessions and panel discussions with thinkers and writers to discuss ways to consolidate peace, as well as spread the culture of dialogue and tolerance, in order to foster fraternity among the various peoples. Hassan Musa Shafi'i, Acting Chargé d'Affairs at the Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UN Office in Geneva, delivered a statement at the Palais des Nations, at the invitation of the Initiatives of Change (IofC). He highlighted the basic principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations, stressing the need to reflect deeply on h ow humanity can work together to further promote a culture of peace, tolerance and conscience in order to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development. He indicated that the draft resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2019 regarding the proclamation of the International Day of Conscience, submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, is among the numerous initiatives that embody the keenness of the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to contribute effectively to strengthening global peace, security and development by providing appropriate conditions for countries and peoples to resolve conflicts peacefully and work collectively to overcome challenges. He indicated that this initiative is a prominent achievement that recognises the need for stability, mutual respect and coexistence, based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination based on race, gender, language or religion. Hassan Musa Shafi'i stressed that the Internat ional Day of Conscience, which brings all peoples of the world together, is a reminder of the urgent need to establish the principles of peace, tolerance and solidarity, based on love and conscience among all. Concluding his statement, the Acting Chargé d'Affairs emphasised that Bahrain is a role model for peaceful coexistence among different religions, sects and cultures, thanks to the atmosphere of freedom and openness established by its leadership as part of its comprehensive development process. Source: Bahrain News Agency