International Peace Day falls on September 21.
The numbers and images that we have been seeing in the news are appalling. It is very easy to get caught up in this despair and strife.
But we humans have proven to be extraordinarily competent at fighting adversity and, on this International Peace Day, let us remind ourselves of our own resilience and kindness in the face of war through these numbers and facts of hope.
1. Taken in
Turkey, with almost two million Syrian refugees, is the country with the largest number of refugees taken in and registered towards resettlement. Other countries are increasing their quotas every day to accommodate the stream of people from war-torn countries.
European countries like Germany (accepting around 800,000 Syrians), Sweden, Austria, and Malta are spending much more than their UN quota for refugee aid aimed at safe living conditions for the refugees and possible resettlement. The annual budget by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for 2015 is estimated at over US $7 billion.
2. Outnumbered yet winning
Volunteer groups in Syria, such as the White Helmets, have saved more than 12,500 lives to date. This is despite there only being 2200 of them. There are hundreds of volunteer groups saving lives and spreading hope in the war-ridden countries, ignoring high risks to their own lives. Doctors Without Borders have three ships out in the Mediterranean Sea saving people every day; 1,658 being their daily best.
3. Activate Peace
Christopher Catrambone and his wife, Regina, returned from their Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2013 with a mission and created the Migrants Offshore Aid Station with a personal investment of US $8 million. They have a volunteer team comprising of humanitarian workers, doctors and other experts and have saved over 3000 lives this summer.
Migrants Offshore Aid Station stage another rescue
There are many peace activists to date, some awarded and celebrated, while many others remain unknown. Peace activism is simply believing in a world of peace and doing everything in your power to make this a possibility.
4. Digital war against war
“Airbnb for Refugees”, by Refugees Welcome, is a Berlin-based website which allows Europeans to enlist and offer housing to refugees escaping war from Africa and the Middle East. The site aims at matching offered housing options to refugee requirements. Helpers offer housing ranging from a month to one year. This is just one example of online refugee aid which is more about individual participation. Other sites include Stop The War coalition and Move On. There are countless more.
5. Start now, today
You may not be wealthy or have a political influence; all you need is an able mind and the will to help. Volunteer with organisations near you or registered online websites. Donate money and clothes through legal and registered organisations for victims of social evils. Bring your friends and family in as well. Promote peace and co-operation as best as you can. It is the gesture that creates hope and hope that triggers action.
The horror we all felt as one at seeing Aylan’s lifeless body is not to be forgotten but used as a spearhead towards peace. The basic agenda for all of us should be to start the change, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Let our proven human resilience take it forward.
Here are some links to get you started:
