Statement of the Geneva Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
on the Occasion of the International Human Solidarity Day
On the occasion of the International Human Solidarity Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December, the call is renewed to uphold a fundamental human value upon which relations among peoples are built: solidarity, as a cornerstone for fostering a more just and stable world.
Solidarity is not a theoretical concept, but a collective practice that reflects our ability to work together in confronting the growing challenges that threaten human life and dignity across the globe.
Today, the importance of human solidarity has become even more pressing in light of the protracted armed conflicts and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, which have left millions of victims and displaced persons, deepening the suffering of the most vulnerable populations.
Protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and upholding human rights in times of crisis constitute a shared responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, guided by a spirit of partnership and mutual support.
This day underscores that our shared future depends on our capacity to translate moral and legal commitments into tangible and practical cooperation that alleviates the suffering of those affected, supports recovery and stabilization, and advances sustainable development grounded in human rights. It also serves as an opportunity to raise global awareness of the importance of solidarity as a means to combat poverty, reduce inequalities, and build more resilient societies in the face of crises.
In this spirit, the Geneva Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs reaffirms its commitment to promoting the values of human solidarity, strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, and working with its partners toward a world in which human dignity is upheld and assistance is provided to victims without discrimination particularly in situations of armed conflict and natural disasters in the firm belief that solidarity is the most genuine path toward peace, justice, and our shared humanity.