World Humanitarian Day - 19 August 2015
Rotary International is a non-political, non-religious, voluntary organisation with 1.2 million members around the
world. Since 1905, Rotary continues to assist people and communities in need. At the Tokyo Convention in 1928 Founder
Paul Harris said
"The most virtuous war is the war against war itself.“ Hence it is no surprise to note that one of the main areas of
focus of the Rotary is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. Rotary’s 4th Object is “the advancement of
international understanding, goodwill, and peace though a worldwide fellowship of business and professional persons
untied in the ideal of service”.
Whilst the UN Charter was being developed in 1945, Rotary International contributed to the debate and the development of
the UN ideals. It has also championed the eradication of polio and it has nearly succeeded in doing so. With these
humanitarian credentials, Rotarians worldwide believe that Peace is one of the most basic and important human rights.
Without peace, no other humanitarian effort can fully succeed.
ends