There is an international agenda for peace
The culture of peace began as the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/res/53/243A, known as the Declaration for a Culture of Peace. This ambitious document outlines the importance of a culture of peace and how it is an integral part of realizing world-wide goals to end atrocities and inequalities.
The declaration for a culture of peace recognizes the constitution of UNESCO, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that peace is not only the absence of war, the need for a year and international decade for a culture of peace as well as the responsibilities of UNESCO, governments and civil society have to promote and strengthen a culture of peace.
Defining a Culture of Peace
The culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions, behaviors and ways of living that are based on:
- Respect for life: This way of life includes advancing education, dialogue and cooperation that promotes non-violence
- Full respect for the principles of sovereignty: People and states have the right of self-rule, the integrity of territories must be respected and respect for the international rule of law is required
- Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
- Commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts
- Sustainable Development: Meeting the developmental and environmental needs of current and future generations
- The respect and promotion of the right to development
- Equal rights and opportunities of men and women
- Freedom of information, expression and opinion
- Advancing principles of democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue among all levels of society as well as among nations to foster national and international environments for peace
The Culture of Peace is Integrally Linked With
- Conflict Resolution
- Democracy & International Rule of Law
- Human Rights
- Eradicating poverty
- Sustainable Development
- Empowerment of Women
- Government transparency and accountability
- Tolerance, Cultural Diversity and Solidarity
- Eradicating racism, discrimination and intolerance
- Free flow of information
- The right to self-determination as detailed in the UN Charter, The International Covenants on Human Rights, and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
Interpersonal
Each person has to build their understanding of a culture of peace to reflect it in their personal lives
Sustainable Development
A culture of peace must be systemic to include care for how people are treated, using Earth's resources wisely and maintaining a fair economy for all.
Respect for All Life
A culture of peace requires the cessation of violence, equality and dignity of life for every living being.
Fundamental Freedoms
A culture of peace requires full human rights that include equal rights for women and the sovereignty rights of nations within the global rule of law.
Dialogue & Solidarity
Information, open dialogue and solidarity must be a conscious, continuous effort between nations and within them to make the culture of peace work.