The International Day of Non-Violence, observed annually on October 2nd, commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, one of modern history's foremost champions of non-violent resistance. This day provides an opportunity for the international community to underscore the importance of preventing violence in all its forms, including verbal, physical, and psychological aggression. While the ideal of non-violence is often associated with fostering peace at individual and societal levels, one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century is the issue of organized violence perpetrated by terrorist and extremist groups. This type of violence has garnered global attention due to its widespread violations of human rights and its devastating impact on societies.
Violence Perpetrated by Terrorist Groups
Terrorism is recognized as one of the primary examples of organized violence, with its primary objective being to instill fear and terror within a society. This terror-inducing act itself constitutes a form of violence, even when it does not result in human or material losses. It leaves lasting psychological scars on individuals and communities. The severity and diversity of violence inflicted by terrorist groups directly correlate with the nature of their acts. Terrorist attacks resulting in casualties not only spread terror but also claim lives and cause economic damage, intensifying violence. Terrorist groups employ both physical and indirect methods like psychological and verbal abuse to achieve their goals. Daesh and Al-Qaeda, notorious for violating human rights, use bombings, kidnappings, mass executions, and rape. These acts not only claim thousands of lives but also disrupt daily life and economies. Boko Haram's attacks in Nigeria exemplify this, with religious extremism driving the kidnapping and sexual enslavement of young girls and women, violating their rights and making society vulnerable to organized violence.
Domestic Examples of Violence and Extremism
Within Iran itself, groups such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), Kurdish separatist groups, and extremist groups in the southeast are examples of organizations that engage in various forms of violence. For instance, a terrorist radical group like Jaish ul-Adl in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan, not only carries out terrorist attacks against conscripts, border guards, and police forces but also issues threatening statements to intimidate citizens. These threatening statements and messages are a form of violence against the psychological security of individuals and society. Interestingly, one of the primary targets of these groups is always those who advocate for peace, unity, and the prevention of violence. Among the victims of these groups in western and southeastern Iran are individuals who share the same religious beliefs as the extremist terrorists but are targeted and eliminated due to their promotion of anti-violence, peace-loving, and unifying ideologies.
The Role of Human Rights Institutions and Treaties in Combating Violence
Given the significance of violence perpetrated by terrorist groups, the international community has sought to curb these threats through human rights institutions and treaties. International laws and agreements such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004) have provided legal tools for countries to combat the violence of these groups and protect victims of violence and terrorism. The United Nations Human Rights Council has repeatedly adopted resolutions calling for greater efforts to prevent human rights abuses by terrorist groups.
One of the most important legal instruments in this regard is United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, which obliges all countries to combat the financing and support of terrorist groups. This resolution emphasizes that acts of violence by these groups directly violate human rights and endanger global security. In fact, terrorism is not merely a security issue but also a serious challenge to human rights systems.
Rights of Terrorism Victims
One of the human rights issues associated with violence committed by terrorist groups is the situation of victims of these attacks. Victims of acts of violence typically suffer not only physical harm but also psychological and social distress. International organizations such as the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have developed laws to support these victims and strive to recognize their rights at a global level. For example, after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, various governments around the world enacted protective laws for victims of terrorism, seeking to protect their rights against damages and injuries incurred. However, the experiences of terrorism victims in Iran and other countries in the region show that due to the political approaches of some countries and their pressure on international institutions, as well as the adoption of double standards, these people become victims of political behaviors and decisions, and international laws enacted have not been effective in their cases.
The Necessity of Combating Violence and Promoting a Culture of Non-Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence serves as a reminder that in a world full of conflicts and differences, there are ways to combat violence that respect human rights. On this day, governments, civil society organizations, and individuals reflect on how to replace violence with a culture of peace and dialogue. One of the most important solutions is to promote education for peace and peaceful coexistence, which is particularly important in societies facing terrorist threats.
For example, in countries like Iraq and Syria, which were victims of Daesh terrorism, educational and cultural programs for young people are being implemented to prevent them from being recruited by extremist groups. These programs demonstrate that education and public awareness can serve as a powerful weapon against violence and ultimately lead to the creation of societies with lasting peace.
While violence by terrorist groups poses a serious challenge to international communities and human rights, the International Day of Non-Violence is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of global efforts to combat this phenomenon. By supporting victims, strengthening human rights institutions, and promoting a culture of peace, we can hope to create a world with less violence and greater respect for human rights. We are reminded today that violence breeds more violence, and it is a global problem exacerbated by the unequal treatment of victims.