Johannesburg-based organisations are hosting a press briefing today 21 September 2015 at the premises of of the Human Rights Institute of South Africa in CIVICUS House, 31 Quinn Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, to commemorate International Day for Peace.
This year’s theme recognises that the work of the United Nations would not be possible without the thousands of partnerships each year between governments, civil society, the private sector, faith-based groups and other non-governmental organizations that are needed to support the organization in achieving its goals.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by Resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and it continues to be kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. Peace education is seen as the key preventive means to achieve a sustainable reduction in war worldwide. This is in line with the principal aim of the United Nations – that of maintaining international peace and security.
On 12 November 1984, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 39/11 which proclaimed that:
1. the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace;
2. the preservation of the right of peoples to peace and the promotion of its implementation constitute a fundamental obligation of each State; and
3. ensuring the exercise of the right of peoples to peace demands that the policies of States be directed towards the elimination of the threat of war, particularly nuclear war, the renunciation of the use of force in international relations and the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations.
The United Nations appealed in their resolution “to all States and international organizations to do their utmost to assist in implementing the right of peoples to peace through the adoption of appropriate measures at both the national and the international level.”
This founding Declaration reaffirmed that the aspiration for peace is universal among all peoples and that every human being has the right to live in a peaceful environment.
We are proud that Charlize Theron continues her work as a designated United Nations Messenger of Peace, focused on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women. In this capacity, she volunteers her time, talent and passion to raise awareness of United Nations efforts to improve the lives of billions of people affected by gender-based violence, especially in conflict.
For Khulumani, we join with thousands of people today in Africa who join in solidarity in praying for peace on the African continent:
God bless Africa.
Protect our children.
Transform our leaders.
Heal our communities.
Restore our dignity and give us peace.
