Lena Neuhaus
Just Access Legal Fellow
Understanding, inclusion, solidarity, unity, harmony, and peace—powerful words that embody a lofty, admirable goal. Yet, these words seem to be wishful thinking when we look at the current conflicts in the world. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict, as well as the conflicts in the Ukraine, Sudan, and many other locations are horrifying and deviate from the idea of international peace. These ongoing crises seem antithetical to the very idea of peaceful coexistence, so it seems important, now more than ever, that we understand the historical backdrop and intentions behind today.
The 16th of May was declared the “International Day of Living Together in Peace” by the UN General Assembly Resolution 72/130. “Peace” in this sense is defined as “freedom from civil unrest or disorder” and “public order and security”. But why is the International Day of Living Together in Peace so important? What does this day entail and what further lessons can be drawn from it?
Historical Origins
After WWII, the UN was created to prohibit such horrific events from happening again. The aim was to tackle international conflicts through international cooperation while complying with human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"We are way more powerful when we turn to each other and not on each other"
The International Day of Living Together in Peace was established after the General Assembly declared, through Resolution 52/15, the year 2000 as the “International Year for the Culture of Peace”. Shortly thereafter, the period from 2001 to 2010 was named the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World”. In addition, Resolution 53/243 was adopted by the General Assembly to declare a Program of Action for a Culture of Peace. This has been called a “universal mandate for the international community” benefiting all of humanity, including future generations.
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Characteristics
The goal of the International Day of Living Together in Peace is to encourage peace across the globe. In this context, the concept of peace also stands for understanding, inclusion, solidarity, unity, harmony, and tolerance. This is linked to recognizing the differences and distinctions of different actors and people around the world, while, at the same time, understanding that this uniqueness makes us special and that we should remain connected and act in solidarity.
The aim of this special day is to work for a better, more peaceful world, to live in harmony and unity, and encourage each other to achieve our highest potential. To do so demands continuous effort and work, as it requires a daily, collective decision to prioritize human rights, democracy, and peace. This day embodies the raison-d’etre of UNESCO to work towards a peaceful world.
The pursuit of peace is an ongoing process that should be addressed and discussed every single day
This day serves as an invitation for Nations to come together to resolve current conflicts through reconciliation and forgiveness. Precisely because we can see from the current conflicts what we are doing is not enough. For the attainment of international peace, the principles of understanding, inclusion, solidarity, unity, harmony, and tolerance need to be at the forefront of international relations, serving as cornerstones for decision-making and policymaking. Therefore, it is important to have a day dedicated to this objective: a day that recognises grievances and can be used to encourage more cooperation, improving how our society functions and bringing about positive change.
Hope for the future
Even the smallest commonalities can bring about change; the important thing here is to educate and inform ourselves. As Cynthia McKinney, an American politician and activist, said, “[w]e are way more powerful when we turn to each other and not on each other, when we celebrate our diversity… and together tear down the mighty walls of injustice”.
It is also important not to lose hope even in the event of a decline in peace, says Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Director General, as “in a world where conflicts are multiplying and polarizing ideas as much as societies, this day reminds us that it is precisely when this horizon of peace seems distant that we must relentlessly build this ideal of concord and social cohesion”.
While it is important to acknowledge the International Day of Living Together in Peace, it is crucial that these thoughts and actions go beyond this day. The pursuit of peace is an ongoing process that should be addressed and discussed every single day.
Just Access e.V. is a non-party political organisation, whose mission is to support human rights and access to justice worldwide. The views and opinions expressed in this piece and those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of Just Access e.V.
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