New Delhi (NVI): As public health emergencies like COVID-19 pandemic lead to fear and anxiety among populations, that give rise to stress, violence and stigma, UNICEF India has urged faith leaders to emphasize solidarity and help people in neutralising the negative effects of the crisis.
The need of the hour is solidarity, kindness, cooperation and support towards each other, UNICEF said in a statement.
Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India has said that in times of humanitarian crisis, faith can be a powerful sustaining force. Faith leaders play a critical role in influencing values, attitudes, behaviours and actions that affect the development and wellbeing of the world’s children, she said.
“The need of the hour is solidarity and compassion. Let us only look at facts and not misinformation. Let us be supportive of each other and observe social distancing. We are reaching out to leaders across faiths for their support to ensure that the most vulnerable women and children are supported, and their rights protected at this crucial time”, she added.
Faith traditions can play a critical role in containing the spread of the disease and helping people cope with its fallout, UNICEF said. By focusing on spiritual calmness and inner serenity, faith leaders have an important role in urging followers to take the necessary precautions to protect oneself, society and community in accordance with government directives, it said.
UNICEF has urges faith-based welfare organizations to:
- To honour national health authorities’ guidance on gatherings, physical distancing and other matters of public health
- Focus on hygiene and sanitation in keeping with religious teachings that emphasize cleanliness as an element of holiness.
- To counter all forms of stigma and discrimination with active promotion of attitudes and behaviours to uphold the principles of love that are central to all religions and the dignity and rights of all people.
- Provide spiritual and emotional care and support to everyone and specially to those experiencing disruption and distress during the pandemic.
- Stand together in hope and solidarity for the survival, protection and development of our children, families and communities.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President, Parmarth Niketan said: “It’s heartening to note that faith leaders are lending their voice to spread the message of togetherness and unity in times of crisis. All health workers, media professionals are all working tirelessly to support humanity. So help them to help you. Stay at home. We are getting to know that violence in the home is increasing a lot in this time.”
“Instead of turning to violence, let us support each other in the home and share the work in the household with love, especially in spending time with and looking after our children who can also get scared and anxious during this time. It is time to spread love and kindness and work together. This is the time to be peaceful and meditate. People are also getting swayed by misinformation and I urge them to only follow government instructions and guidelines,” said Swami Chidanand, also the founder of Ganga Action Parivar and Co-founder, Global Interfaith Wash Alliance.
Maulana Mahmood Madani, Secretary-General, Jamiat Ulema E Hind said, “At this time when humanity is under threat, we want to stand behind in full support of all our health workers. It is a shame that we are assaulting health workers. This is not the spirit of our country. To protect yourself and to protect your community is each one of our duty.”
“It is sin, haram if any of us do not follow the rules and do not practice social distancing or observe lockdown. It should not be that because of our selfishness or carelessness we risk our lives or lives of others. Let us be loving in our homes and in our communities,” he added.
Father Paul, Executive Director, Caritas India said, “Stay at home. Keep Social Distancing. Social Distancing is the best medicine to address this pandemic. Comply with all advisories given by Government authorities. And go with the principle that do no harm to anyone.”
“We are all one family. We are inspired and motivated by our faith. But, faith without action has no meaning. We see god in the lives of those people who are sick and ailing with corona and with people on the street who are suffering. Service to humanity is service to god – ManavaSeva hi Madhava Seva.” he added.
