International Day of Human Fraternity: History & Significance

The International Day of Human Fraternity, observed every year on February 4, was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2020. The day falls within the International Interfaith Harmony Week and aims to highlight the importance of unity among diverse communities, especially under increasing instances of ethno-nationalistic, political, and economic polarisation. The day was instituted following the signature of a historic document by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis in 2019, endorsing values of love, respect, and cooperation between different religions and cultures. In a world marked with numerous conflicts due to various causes, International Day of Human Fraternity underscores the importance of compassion, religious tolerance, and respect for each other, while also acknowledging the range of emerging threats to these values such as hate speech, religious division and conflict.

Important points to remember:

  1. The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed every year on February 4.
  2. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 21, 2020.
  3. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis signed a historically significant document promoting interreligious and intercultural respect and peace on February 4, 2019.
  4. This day falls under the International Interfaith Harmony Week.
  5. The observation of this day emphasizes on religious tolerance, respect and unity in an increasingly divided world.
  6. Alongside celebrating these principles, it also calls attention to the rising challenges of hate speech, religious division, and conflict.