Quianna Canada’s Statement on the International Day of Living Together in Peace
“International Day of Living in Together in Peace is About a World Free of War, Gun Violence and Racism,” says American Human Rights Defender.
On this International Day of Living Together in Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from war, gun violence and racism.
World Wars
On the International Day of Families, I called on governments to implement substantial reforms in their policy as they relate to the separation and reunification of families, further calling for an immediate ceasefire in all wars abroad. The toll of armed conflicts on innocent civilians is immeasurable, and the continuation of violence only perpetuates suffering and instability. War also extends far beyond the battlefield, leaving scars on the collective consciousness of humanity. To end these wars, all States must prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over aggression and hostility.
Another motivation in the elimination of all wars and armed conflicts is that it can lead to radicalization and the spread of violent extremism (A/RES/70/109). The General Assembly reaffirmed that violent extremism constitutes a serious common concern for all Member States, which threatens the security and well-being of human societies. Hence, there is no justification for violent extremism, whatever the motivation. It is only through peaceful negotiations can we hope to achieve lasting resolutions and pave the way for reconciliation and reconstruction.
Gun Violence
As an American citizen, the specter of gun violence is frightening. To stem the tide of its devastating impact on countless American lives, our legislators must bravely confront this epidemic because it grips our communities and threatens our collective safety. I am further saddened by the statistics released by the Gun Violence Archive, who reported that the United States has seen 157 mass shootings in 2024.
“International Day of Living in Together in Peace is About a World Free of War, Gun Violence and Racism,” — Quianna Canada
Our leaders cannot authentically uphold the ideals of peace and security when our streets are marred by the tragic aftermath of gun violence. To reiterate, Congress has the power to stop gun violence. So, on this International Day of Living Together in Peace, I call on the United States to enact comprehensive legislation that protects our citizens from lethal violence, including measures to hold accountable those responsible for lethal use of force, especially within law enforcement agencies. It is time to prioritize the safety and well-being of Americans impacted by gun violence.
In essence, we must work towards a future without guns — where peace and justice prevail in the court of law — regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
Reparations for Descendants of the TransAtlantic Slave Trade
The United States stands at a critical juncture in its history, where the scars of slavery and systemic racism continue to cast a long shadow over the nation’s collective conscience. It is imperative that the United States confront this painful legacy head-on by acknowledging the historical injustices inflicted upon Black American descendants of slaves.
For centuries, Black Americans have been plagued by intimidation and violence perpetrated by law enforcement. Police brutality inflicts profound physical and emotional scars, while in fatal instances, it tragically robs families of their loved ones.
The racial profiling and the mass incarceration of Black Americans further perpetuate a cycle of injustice and reinforces the legacy of slavery. To truly reckon with this legacy, the United States must go beyond mere acknowledgment and take concrete steps towards reparations.
Reparations are not just about financial compensation; they are about rectifying the systemic and social disparities that have been perpetuated for centuries. That is why its important for the United States to lead the charge on reparations for Black American slave descendants. The United States must also implement policies that prioritize de-escalation, demilitarization, and accountability mechanisms for law enforcement officers, which is a crucial steps towards ensuring equal treatment under the law. By acknowledging past wrongs and taking decisive action to address the systemic injustices that continue to plague Black communities in the United States today, our leaders can move closer towards fulfilling its promise of liberty and justice for all.
Racism
In keeping with the International Day of Living Together in Peace, all countries who are signatories to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination must redouble their efforts in eradicating racism within their borders.
Engaging in the profound act of listening, wholeheartedly respecting, and sincerely appreciating the lived experiences of others can prove to be a nuanced endeavour. That is why, as humans on this earth, we must all work on our relations with others in the pursuit of empathy and genuine connection.
Another key point is the General Assembly has acknowledged — and I have observed — the growing threat to the freedom to seek, receive, and disseminate information in the context of combating racism and racial discrimination. Under these circumstances, I must call on States to uphold the editorial independence and autonomy of citizen journalists and human rights defenders in addressing these crucial issues.
Given the points above, I feel each State must redouble their efforts to ensure a peaceful and violence-free life for its people, while fully respecting the human rights of all persons without distinction of any kind, so that everyone can live together in peace with their neighbours (A/RES/70/109).
