PRESS RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: “THE RIGHT TO PEACE – THE UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AT 70”
DATE: 21TH SEPTEMBER 2018
Peace is defined as an incidence of harmony characterized by lack of
violence, conflict behaviours and the freedom from fear of violence.
Frequently understood as the absence of aggression and retribution, peace
also suggests sincere attempts of resolution. Understanding on the
characteristics, peacefulness is always perceived as an internal sense of
tranquil that comes from being still in order to reflect and meditate on
the inner insight. Thus, it is said that a peaceful heart is one that is
free from qualms and difficulties.
The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on
the 21st of September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations
resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to
commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a
Culture of Peace. People across the globe engage in diverse and meaningful
ways from observing a minute of silence, attending peace education events
and writing peace poetry, to participating in peace marches, yoga and
meditation.
The theme celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone
document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with
different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world,
the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in
Paris on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievement for all
peoples and all nations.
We, at World Assembly of Youth (WAY), pledge to promote a culture of peace
especially amongst the youth. We appreciate that every person has a right
to peace and that the achievement of peace is a shared responsibility. In
respect with that, WAY support and encourage young people to actively show
their input on how to apply the values of patience and mutual esteem in
creating the ideal peace that our world and its population need.
We urge everyone to engage young people in peace building by creating
space for them to express their opinions and listen to them rather than
simply acknowledging them as victims or perpetrators of violence. It’s
vital to engage youth as social actors with their own views and
contributions. Although most young peace builders create positive impact
with minimal resources, it’s important to provide them with the tools they
need. By enhancing the peace-building knowledge and skills of young people
is another way, they should be given opportunity to become more effective
change-makers.
Let us embrace and reflect the value of peace in our hearts and minds and
gently nurture it through our actions so it may blossom as a tradition in
our societies.
