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Fair play is the model of social interaction which shapes
UNJustice’s vision and mission in the context of
the
United Nations internal justice system.
Team
sport is probably the best metaphor of fair play. A fair game
is a meeting of minds producing binding effects because it remains true
to the principle that both sides, playing by rules that are equally
fair, can win.
The
utility of fairness is so peculiar, and it is such a
universally
understood concept, that it also informs the way that the people of the
world think about justice. Without fairness, justice, like sport, is
devoid of any meaning.
Certainly, although it is not enough to resolve disputes on its own,
fair play offers models for dealing with conflict, if it is resolute
in its stance against abuse.
In
its pure form, fair play means an acceptance of the others at the top
of the agenda. It
leads to an agreement, between all of those involved, on shared values.
It also has to do with making choices and regularly considering what is
right and what is not.
"Fair" and "play", taken alone, sound
like two simple words. Yet, at the same time, fair play is a serious
and indispensable commitment which is considered by many as the ethos of
social life. This is also because
fair play offers opportunities that can be understood for finding one's
way in a world where not everybody enjoys basic human rights.
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