International Peace¶
International peace refers to the absence of conflict and the presence of harmonious relationships among nations and peoples. The United Nations (UN) plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.
International Day of Peace¶
- Date: September 21
- Purpose: To commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
- Activities: Observance of 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
Responsibilities of the United Nations¶
The UN is tasked with:
- Preventing threats to peace: Taking collective measures to prevent potential conflicts and threats.
- Suppressing aggression: Acting upon any acts of aggression or breaches of peace to restore stability.
- Political facilitation: Aiding in the facilitation of political processes to prevent and resolve conflicts.
- Civilian protection: Implementing measures to protect civilians in conflict zones.
- Reintegration of combatants: Assisting with the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants.
- Election organization support: Backing constitutional processes and helping organize free and fair elections.
Other Peace-focused Organizations¶
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- International Peace Institute
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Peacemaking¶
Peacemaking is a process that helps resolve conflicts and establish peace. It involves a variety of measures, including diplomatic actions, nonviolent tactics, and justice and forgiveness. Peacemaking is often used interchangeably with peacebuilding, but the two concepts are distinct. While peacemaking focuses on resolving conflicts in progress, peacebuilding aims to transform the conditions that lead to conflict.
Peacemaking involves measures to address and resolve conflicts in progress, which typically encompasses:
- Diplomatic actions: Initiatives to bring conflicting parties to a negotiation table.
- Nonviolent tactics: Employing nonviolent methods to end conflicts and establish lasting peace.
- Justice and forgiveness: Using these principles to interrupt cycles of violence.
- Equitable power relationships: Creating balanced power dynamics within communities.
- Community-based ethical decisions: Making choices that benefit the whole community.
- Conflict dialogue: Discussing issues openly to resolve underlying problems.
Notably, Mahatma Gandhi was a major proponent of nonviolence as a tool for peacemaking.
Peacebuilding¶
Peacebuilding is a process that aims to transform the conditions that lead to conflict. It involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and promotes long-term peace. Peacebuilding is often used interchangeably with peacemaking, but the two concepts are distinct. While peacemaking focuses on resolving conflicts in progress, peacebuilding aims to transform the conditions that lead to conflict.
The concept of peacebuilding emerged to transform the conditions leading to conflict. It is a comprehensive approach involving all affected parties and focuses on:
- Communication: Opening dialogue between conflicting groups.
- Relationship repair: Mending the ties that have been damaged by conflict.
- Institutional reform: Modifying institutions to prevent future conflicts.
- Cross-boundary relationships: Promoting understanding across diverse groups.
- Nonviolent resolution of injustice: Addressing grievances peacefully.
- Transformative measures: Changing societal and structural factors that lead to conflict.
Peacebuilding aims to not only resolve current conflicts but also to prevent future ones by addressing root causes and promoting enduring peace.
The Role of the United Nations and UNICEF in Peacebuilding¶
- The United Nations' goal: To save future generations from war and uphold human rights.
- UNICEF's mission: To ensure all children live in peace and address issues that could lead to unrest and conflict.
The efforts of these organizations, among others, are crucial in the long-term process of peacebuilding, striving for a peaceful global environment.
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