English translation of an article published originally in Maltese, in ‘In-Nazzjon’. IMAM Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta.

In September of this year, the United Nations adopted the ‘Pact for the Future’, which promises to build a ‘brighter future’ for humanity. This pact is aimed at addressing the challenges of the 21^st century ranging from conflicts to climate change and human rights.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres declared it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape human history by rekindling international cooperation; and leaders promised to protect the needs and interests of current and future generations. This pact is very detailed and promises a lot of progress and says that: “We believe there is a path to a brighter future for all of humanity.”

Undoubtedly, when one reads this document finds that it contains immense worth and encouragement. But, the question is, how can we achieve such goals? Can the United Nations apply what it promises in this document?

Together everything is possible

I am a very optimistic person and I always wish and believe that together everything is possible; unity is our strength. When there is a strong will, solid determination and a firm conviction, we can do anything; everything becomes possible and we can achieve the desired results.

After having strong political will, the second point, which is also extremely important, is the equality, equity and justice between all nations and peoples, without any favour or discrimination.

Safeguarding the rights of weak

I firmly believe that, if there is no justice, there will be no peace; if there is no equality, there is no future; and if there is no equity, we cannot make this dream come true. Therefore, the United Nations must implement absolute justice, equality and equity in its treatment of all nations. And it should never forget that, its foundation was not established to safeguard the rights of the big and rich countries, but of the under privileged nations.

Therefore, it is very important for the United Nations that before starting to apply this strategy, it should examine its position that it should always be in favour of the weak and not the other way around, and its functions are based on a firm implementation of equity and justice. Peace cannot be established without justice.

The veto power

The United Nations should immediately remove the use of the veto; and it should make sure that no one has the power of veto — where a few nations have a dominance that can easily override the views of the majority. But each issue must be decided on the basis of its facts and merits.

I firmly believe that unless we give priority to justice, the human rights cannot be safeguarded and world peace cannot be established.

It is also true that, instead of moving in the direction of justice, we have seen many times that the big countries in the world only care about satisfying their interests, and nothing else. Sometimes we hear cries for justice from various leaders, but these calls are not implemented.

When a small country does something against international law or against the agreement with the United Nations, all countries rise up against it, but if a country that has power and influence does what it does, no one pays any attention. The example of this before us is that of Israel, which has killed thousands of innocent people in Gaza, Palestine. The people of Gaza are suffering a lot, children and women are crying because of hunger and disease, but no one is listening to their cries and pain.

Growing cherry in the desert

Everyone is asking: where is the United Nations, where are the big countries that always talked about justice and equality when it suits them. If the United Nations does not work with the principle of justice, it cannot get where it wants to nor apply this new pact in the world.

Can one build a castle on the sand? Can cherries grow in the desert? Can we build a strong and long lasting building on a fragile and weak foundation?

Absolutely not! Then, how can the United Nations claim to implement its plans without the implementation of justice?

Justice is the foundation of world peace. Peace is born with the implementation of justice, equity and equality.

Strict implementation of justice

The Caliph and Supreme Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who has the cause of peace very close to his heart, spoke clearly and repeatedly on this subject and says that, the key requirement to fulfilling this primary goal is absolute justice and fairness in all matters.

The Holy Quran, in Chapter 4, verse 136, has given us a golden principle and lesson, guiding us about this. It states that as a means to fulfil the requirements of justice, even if you have to bear witness and testify against yourself, your parents or your closest relatives and friends, then you must do so. This is true justice where personal interests are set aside for the common good.

If we think about this principle at a collective level, then we will realise that unfair lobbying techniques based on wealth and influence should be abandoned. Instead, the representatives and ambassadors of each nation should come forward with sincerity and with a desire to support the principles of fairness and equality. We must eliminate all forms of bias and discrimination, as this is the only means to bring about peace.

Save the world from destruction

Hence, in this context, it is my request to you to play your role to save the world from the destruction that looms before us. Irrespective of nationality, religion, caste or creed, we should strive to our utmost to save humanity. (World crisis and the pathway to peace, p. 49 & 230)

Let us work together, hand in hand, to establish true and lasting peace, and human rights in every part of the world. In addition, the United Nations should deeply ponder over and evaluate why it has not succeeded in establishing long-term peace and safeguarding basic and fundamental human rights!