Geneva, Oct. 2 -- A special side event was held at the United Nations in Geneva on Thursday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on education as a tool to prevent human rights abuses through the principles of non-violence.

The event, titled "Celebration of International Day of Non-Violence: Preventing Human Rights Abuses and Violations Through Education on the Principles of Non-Violence," was organised by RADDHO, Interfaith International, Brahma Kumaris and other NGOs. Diplomats, civil society representatives and international observers attended the gathering.

The UN General Assembly first proclaimed October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence through resolution A/RES/61/271 on June 15, 2007, to spread...