SARA WECKERLE
Human rights activists from all corners of the Gold Coast attended Soroptimist International’s peace address at Nerang’s Somerville Chapel.
The event was held on the 14th of September, ahead of the 2017 United Nations Day of Peace.
Themed “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”, the addresses showed support for people fleeing from their countries to make a better and safer life.
Soroptimist Member Janet James said after attending a Peace Lecture in Brisbane in 2016 held by the U.N. Association of Australia Queensland, Soroptimist felt that a similar event would be of interest to the Gold Coast community.
“Peace in the world requires standing up for human rights,” Mrs James said.
“We have an obligation as members of an international community to reach out to refugees and migrants and welcome and assist them to build new lives for themselves whilst bringing the benefits of their own cultural diversity to our communities.”
The program included inspiring speakers and uplifting songs sung by the Gold Coast Children’s Choir, with donations going to the ONE GIRL project – educating girls in Africa.
“Statistics show that the majority of refugees settling on the Gold Coast, now, are from Africa. By being aware of and supporting the ONE GIRL project, we could well be supporting future residents of our culturally diverse city.” Mrs James said.
Director of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, Elijah Buol, was the keynote speaker.
“We are all human, regardless of our differences,” Mr Buol said.
Mr Buol is an advocate for the principle of justice and equality for all, and believes world peace is possible when we unite together.
“Refugees and migrants are here to stay. Australia is our home.”