All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .
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A survey by CPNN

The following 74 events in 30 African countries include those listed in Google during the weeks of September 16-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” The events also include some listed on the facebook page for the International Cities of Peace.

About 52 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years.

For events in North Africa see the page of events in the Arab States .


Celebration in Monrovia, Liberia, with emphasis on women and youth’s role in mediation, conflict resolution, and early warning.

Here are excerpts from the articles.

AFRICAN UNION

The African Union (AU) Youth for Peace Africa Programme, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) have launched a serious game known as “Mission55 Conflict in Anaka”, to commemorate the International Day of Peace (Peace Day) 2022. The game, which the AU and GIZ developed, aims to raise awareness, educate and inform the public, particularly youth, on the mandate of the AU to promote good governance, peace and security in Africa.

BENIN, COTONOU

English International School. We celebrated World Peace We celebrated World Peace Day at school on Friday, 20th September.  Under beautiful skies, our march over to the school field was symbolic. Sitting down on the grass, in the formation of the peace symbol, we observed a minute of silence.  Some of the poems that the children wrote on that day are now on display in the school hall. (with photos)

BURKINA FASO, OUAGADOUGOU

The non-governmental organization (NGO) PAX celebrates, in collaboration with various structures, and for the first time, the Week of Peace in Burkina Faso. The climax of the commemoration will take place on September 21 with the “Night of Peace”, organized in collaboration with the NGO Diakonia, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Center for Democratic Governance (CGD) and the institutions and ministerial departments. This last activity will mobilize at least 300 people, equipped with lighted candles, who will stand around the monument to national heroes (located in Ouaga 2000) in a circle, they will carry out the During this sequence, the Monument to National Heroes will be illuminated with a play of lights with the sign “Peace”.

BURUNDI, BUGABIRA

As part of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Charles Nkazamyampi Foundation (CN Foundation), organized in collaboration with the representation of the European Union in Burundi, sports activities in Bugabira commune of the province of Kirundo. . . . Prizes were awarded. After the match between the Bugabira High School team and the Star FC team, prizes were awarded to the best athletes and players.

CAMEROON, DOUALA

Prelude to the International Day for Peace to be celebrated on September 21, some civil society organisations based in Douala have been meeting to sensitize the population on the importance of peace. The meeting that brought together civil society organizations including Peace Watch, Bringing Hearts Together amongst others was aimed at coming out on better ways on how to carry out sensitization campaign to push the peace agenda.

CAMEROON, YAOUNDÉ, ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

The NGO Women International League for Peace and Freedom, with the support of the UN Women agency, organized a series of activities aimed at making the voices of women and girls heard in the country, on the occasion of this day that is celebrated this Wednesday, September 21, 2022. . . . During this day, the students took part in workshops led by the officials of this non-governmental organization, with the assistance of the public administrations involved in the education of young people.

CAMEROON, YAOUNDÉ, TOWN HALL

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Fousou, this September 21, 2022, presided over the ceremony of the 41st edition of the International Day of Peace, at the Yaounde Town Hall (Hotel de Ville). . . . During the ceremony, training certificates will be presented to the participants of the Ambassadors for Peace training worksops and a call for peace will be made by religious, traditional rulers and youth leaders.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGASSOU

The city of Bangassou, like other cities in the Central African Republic, celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2022, under the theme “Ending racism, building peace”. A day organized by MINUSCA in collaboration with prefectural authorities, community leaders and civil society. . . . A football match was also played for the occasion. It opposed the staff of MINUSCA and young people from the three districts of the city of Bangassou. A match for cohesion and mutual acceptance.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI, MINUSCA

In Bangui, activities to celebrate the International Day of Peace were organized by the National Council of Central African Youth, with the support of MINUSCA, announced during a press briefing broadcast on Radio Guira FM , Guy Karema, the communication officer at MINUSCA, pointing out that this year, Central African youth wanted to combine the celebration of International Youth Day, normally celebrated on August 12, with Peace Day, to make it a single celebration, dubbed: “Month of Youth and Peace in the Central African Republic”, under the theme: “Youth, peacebuilding, local governance and empowerment”.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, BANGUI, URU

As part of the holiday, which is celebrated on September 21, the non-governmental organization URU held a seminar for young Central Africans. For two days, the participants of the event discussed the principles of building and developing a peaceful state.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, OBO

The International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 21 in Obo in the presence of local and administrative authorities, community leaders and international and national organizations. This commemoration took place at the town hall of the city. (with audio podcast)

CHAD, KANEM

On September 21 of each year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world. . . .On this day, the Association of Student Peace Ambassadors of Kanem in partnership with the PAMELOT / GIZ project is organizing a ceremony to celebrate this day.. . . In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of the Kanem Province SATADJIM SUCCÈS NOËL, representing the governor, stressed that this occasion challenges our collective conscience to achieve real peace. On the sidelines of this day, a mixing football match between the young people of the region will be organized.

CHAD, N’DJAMÉNA

The United Nations System Coordination Office in Chad and the Ministry in charge of National Reconciliation and Dialogue celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2022 in a hotel in N’Djamena. Placed under the theme “end racism, build peace”, this day which is celebrated today, began on Monday with mobilizations of Chadian society in favor of living together through artistic, cultural and literary activities, children and young people to express the urgency and the need for peaceful cohabitation.

COMORES

The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Ndzuani on Wednesday, September 21. The official ceremony took place in Dar-nadjah, the governorate palace of the island, in the presence of the governor and other personalities such as the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, or the Honorary Consul of the Comoros to the Ivory Coast. Several other representatives of public institutions and non-governmental organizations also took part. . . . On the sidelines of this celebration, a “memorandum of understanding on the promotion of communal peace and security”, was signed between NGO Salam and the association of Mayors of Ndzuani

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

“Côte d’Ivoire has chosen national cohesion”, declared Kouadio Konan Bertin, Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 each year. Before an audience of personalities, including Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, representing Prime Minister Patrick Achi, he said he was working to achieve a truly reconciled Côte d’Ivoire. . . . This ceremony was also enhanced by the presence of the American, Swiss, Gabonese, Egyptian, Chinese and Belgian ambassadors residing in Côte d’Ivoire. . . . The artistic note was provided by the humorous duo Zongo and Tao, and the group Les Galiets, who returned to Abidjan after ten years of exile.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE, BOUAKÉ

The representative of the prefect of the Gbêke region, invited the populations and particularly the young people, to a change of behavior in order to guarantee peace, a guarantee of development. It was this Wednesday, September 21 in Bouaké, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace initiated by the APCI (Alliance for Peace in Côte d’Ivoire). This ceremony was marked by a conference delivered by the President of the National Youth Council on the theme: “The culture of freedom together for lasting peace and united youth”.

DR CONGO, LUCHA

On the occasion of the international day of peace, through peaceful demonstrations in Tshilenge, Beni, Kindu, Goma, Kisangani, Kananga, Tshikapa and Kinshasa, LUCHA is mobilizing to show its solidarity with the compatriots of Bunagana and other entities of the ‘East of our country living under occupation of the M23 and other armed groups . . . . LUCHA reiterated the call for the dismantling of MONUSCO, which is ineffective on the ground, as well as the end of the state of siege, which is unable to put an end to armed violence. In several cities, the demonstrations took place normally and the memorandum was read and deposited with the local authority. Nevertheless in Beni and Goma, it was fiercely repressed by the security services, which paradoxically do nothing against the attackers.

DR CONGO, LINGWALA, KINSHASA

Civil society organizations working in the protection of human rights and for the consolidation of peace, led by the spokesperson of the National Dynamics for Peace, Unity and Security (DYNUPS), Bénie Neze , on Wednesday invited the DRC government to provide the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) with the financial and logistical means to face the enemy and maintain peace across the country. It was during a sit-in in front of the People’s Palace, in the commune of Lingwala in Kinshasa, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace,

DR CONGO, KINSHASA, MONUSCO

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 each year, Monusco, through its Division of Strategic Communication and Public Information, in partnership with the club of Interuniversity Elites, organized a training and sharing session on September 21, 2022. It was at the Pullman Grand Hotel marquee, with the theme, at the international level: ”Ending racism. Building peace”. . . . Several great speakers took part in this conference.

DR CONGO, KINSHASA, WOMEN

The International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 of each year, was an auspicious occasion in this year 2022, for the women of Kinshasa, grouped within the National Dynamics for Peace, Unity and Security (DYNUPS ), to demand peace throughout the national territory, in the East, in Ituri, in Kwamouth, etc. They organized a sit-in in front of the Congolese parliament, before submitting their Memorandum to the Office of the Speaker of the Lower House, Christophe Mbosso.

DR CONGO, KOLWEZI

Zambia and Congo DR are celebrating the peace day together in Kolwezi town in Congo DR.

DR CONGO, NORTH KIVU

The Provincial Youth Division of North Kivu organized a conference-debate this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in the city of Goma, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace. In an interview granted to 7SUR7.CD at the end of this activity, Guy Kibira Ndoole, head of this division, invited the young people of North Kivu to show solidarity in order to defeat the attempts to destabilize the country, with in particular the occupation of the town of Bunagana by M23 rebels. . . Peace is a rare commodity in the province of North Kivu in particular and generally in the East of the DRC. Many young people even enlist in armed groups and commit a significant number of crimes.

GABON, PORT-GENTIL

It is within the framework of the celebration of the International Day of Peace that the National Coordination of PAYNCoP Gabon organized the consultative workshop for young people on political and civic participation in Port-Gentil. This workshop is part of the project to support the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon . . . This activity was punctuated by two highlights: the formal phase and discussion workshops. During their exchanges, the young people were able to recall that ” The International Day of Peace makes it possible to sensitize the various actors on the need to preserve peace “. They will strive to sensitize other young people to cultivate this lasting peace in the country and to be ambassadors of peace, in Africa, as everywhere else.

GAMBIA

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-The Gambia) with funding from the UN Peacebuilding Secretariat yesterday organised a stakeholders’ dialogue in commemoration of the International Day of Peace. . . . The event attracted key stakeholders including The Gambia Federation for the Disable and marginalised constituents of society. It was celebrated through a stakeholders’ dialogue, panel discussion, social media campaigns and peace pledges made by various stakeholders as a sign of their commitment to promote peace and fight discrimination and racism.

GHANA, LIONS CLUB

The District 418 Ghana of Lions Clubs International joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace by highlighting the importance of promoting the Peace Poster Contest for children in Ghana as a means of maintaining, sustaining peace and security.. . . .the Peace Poster Contest is open for registration now and over 600,000 children would be sharing their visions of peace through the art of painting. Children of age between 11 and 13 years from various schools can take part in this contest and there is also a prize to be won by the overall winner with some consolation prizes for all participants in the Peace Poster Contest

GHANA, ACCRA

FOCUS: Intl Peace Day. ACTION DETAILS: The administration of Union Internationale des Voyageurs UIV has established ongoing project to register the mechanism in the country starting from Ghana before the end of the year to enable us to work through partnerships and cover more locations in combating crime against mankind as terrorism war, conflicts, corruption and discrimination among societies and communities.

GHANA, KUMASI

Kumasi: World Peace Day marked with calls to eschew ethnocentrism.This year’s World Peace Day was observed under the theme, “Ending Ethnocentrism and Discrimination for Sustainable Peace” and brought together various faith-based organisations, youth wings of political parties, students of senior high schools and colleges of Education and civil society organisations. Participants discussed challenges and priorities to support their active participation in peace building with respect to diversity.

GUINEA, MAMOU

International Day of Peace | Citizens of Mamou express their messages of peace! to the microphone of Rarili News — “Peace must reign. (Alpha Ousmane Diallo) — “Long live peace, long live peace” (Monique) — “Life is hard right now, we would like this transition to end in good conditions. (Ismael Traoré) — “I would like there to be more peace and justice in the country, that is what is best for us, for peace in Guinea” (Mamadou Saidou Baldé)

GUINEA-BISSAU

Under the motto “Ending racism and building peace”, the National Civil Society Movement for Peace, Democracy and Development (MNSCPDD-GB), in collaboration with the Collective of Peace-Promoting Organizations, celebrated yesterday the “International Day of Peace ”, through the Declaration of Support for Peace in Guinea-Bissau. According to the organization, the country commemorates the date in a difficult context, marked by political cleavages and the collapse of the foundations of Guinean democracy.

KENYA, MALINDI

Due to the plight of the senior citizens, a number of humanitarian non-governmental organizations dedicated yesterday’s International Peace Day to the elders under siege, holding a peace walk to sensitize the public on the need to protect elders. They walked from the Malindi DCC’s office next to the County Assembly of Kilifi through Malindi town to Moi area of Sabaki Sub-Location, where 28 elders rescued from murderers are being housed by the Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA). The murderers are hired to kill old persons suspected to be practicing necromancy.

KENYA, NAIROBI

CONTACT: Isaac Omondi. FOCUS: Intl Peace Day. ACTION DETAILS: We shall be organizing Football for Peace’One Day One Goal’. Additionally, there will be a clean-up in the locality to collect garbage from households and around the area.

LIBERIA, UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA

The Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT) at the University of Liberia (UL) and its partners on Wednesday, 21 September 2022 held celebrations in observance of the International Day of Peace.KAICT held the program in collaboration with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Liberia, and the Mano River Union on UL’s Capitol Hill campus. The event brought together several participants both national and international partners, to discuss the way forward for Liberia to maintain the peace it enjoys after nearly 14 years of civil war.

LIBERIA, MONROVIA

This year Liberia joined other countries of the world to celebrate the International Day of Peace, amidst social media reports of planned violence ahead of the 2023 General and Presidential elections. . . The celebration, supported by the UN Women and UNFPA, sought to raise awareness of the importance of sustaining the peace in the region and the Sahel with emphasis on women and youth’s role in mediation, conflict resolution, and early warning.

(Survey continued in right column)

Question related to this article:

What has happened this year (2022) for the International Day of Peace?

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LIBERIA, TARR TOWN

On the 21st September 2022, LEGAL/ SoSNoL Celebrate World International Peace Day with Tarr Town Local Community Structure to launch the community Watch Group to see that Safety and Security will be in Tarr Town Community.

MALAWI, LILONGWE

ORGANIZATION: Center for Enlightenment and Development – DATES PLANNED: September 23, September 25, October 2 – ACTION DETAILS:”EMPOWER WOMEN WITH KNOWLEDGE TO END GBV AT ALL LEVELS” We target young women to fully understand their rights and how they can form Nonviolence circles to spread the message. All women influential community leaders and professionals have been invited to demonstrate how important it is to have women know their rights. Young women from different colleges are preparing different activities to showcase how nonviolence brings harmony and peace of mind.

MALI, BAMOKO

The Board of Directors of the School of Peacekeeping, Alioune Blondin BEYE (EMP-ABB), composed of 11 member countries and ECOWAS countries, celebrated the International Day of Peace, Wednesday, September 21, 2022 , at the Peacekeeping School, Alioune Blondin BEYE in Bamako. . . . After the opening ceremony, a tree dedicated to Peace was planted in the middle of the EMP-ABB, by all the officials, panelists and participants in this day whose objective is to evaluate the doctrines and approaches governing the Peace Operations, faced with the complexity of the current environment. Two panels, as well as cultural and sporting activities were on the menu for this day

MAURITIUS, BRAHMA KUMARIS

Calendar of events organized by the Brahma Kumaris Mauritius in the context of the International Day of Peace 2022

MAURITIUS, MAHEBOURG

This year, the theme is to combati inequalities, racism, discrimination and intolerance that exist in all societies. In Mauritius, the Emmanuel Anquetil SSS college is launching this initiative with the aim of instilling these values in young people.

MAURITIUS, PORT LOUIS

In the context of the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21, the Cardinal Jean Margéot Institute organized a conference-debate on Monday September 05, 2022. The resulting resolution demanded the authorities, inter alia, to pursue and intensify efforts to combat any systemic violence within the Republic of Mauritius, by consolidating a national education system aimed at promoting the integral human development of the Mauritian child; to contain situations and conditions that lead to violence against girls and women; and to tackle, the poverty and misery that still plague the lives of tens of thousands of citizens of the Republic.

MAURITIUS, MORCELLEMENT ST. ANDRÉ

As part of the International Day of Peace, around twenty associations from the Morcellement St. André region and surrounding schools took part in a collective march aimed at promoting peace. The Vice-President of the Republic and the Minister of Labor also took part.

NIGER

Like the international community, Niger celebrated the International Day of Peace this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 under the theme “Ending racism. building peace”. It is the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP) which had the honor of organizing this event at the General Seyni Kountché stadium with the support of its partners including the UNDP and the Peace building fund (PBF). Several sports and cultural activities were on the program.

NORTHERN STATES OF NIGERIA

The Network of Peace Journalists in Northern Nigeria has mobilised over 100,000 Citizens and Journalists to mark the 2022 World Peace Day through creative initiatives in Nigeria. Ahead of the 21st September 2022 event, the Network under Interfaith Mediation Center Kaduna and Mercy Corp said it’s doing this through Social media and other broadcast stations on the need to boost the ‘Christian and Muslims relationship’ across the 19 Northern States of Nigeria. The media organisation also has plans to take Peace campaigns to schools, communities, markets and football view centres. “We are going to use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to educate youths on the role of promoting peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among different faith base organisations.”

NIGERIA, ABUJA, ECOWAS

Dr Omar Touray who is the President of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), has made an open call for some more stakeholders’ collaboration which would be geared towards the promotion of peace, equality and the process of ending racism as well. The president made the call at an occasion which had been marking the World Peace Day and the launching of a documentary on the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, (ECPF), at the ECOWAS commission, yesterday in Abuja.

NIGERIA, ABUJA, NATIONAL DEFENSE COLLEGE

The National Secondary Schools Security Awareness Programme was organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on Wednesday in Abuja. The programme was in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser, NDC and Ufuk Dialogue to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.. . . .The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 secondary schools comprising nine public and six private schools in FCT were selected for the programme. A student each from the schools made presentation on peace during the event.

NIGERIA, ABUJA, SUSO

Speak Up, Stand Out (SUSO) Project Nigeria on Friday called for support for youths to be drivers  of the implementation process of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda in the country. Mr Rafiu Lawal, a SUSO activist, made the call at a news conference to commemorate the International Day of Peace with the theme “End Racism, Build Peace” in Abuja.

NIGERIA, ANAMBRA STATE

The 2022 World Peace Day Celebration took place Friday September 23 at the United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Center with culture of peace awareness, peace awards, appointments, investitures and paper presentations.

NIGERIA, BENIN CITY

Faculty of Peace Organisation will be hosting its Annual World Peace Day conference on the 21st of September, 2022 and it will be held in Benin City, Edo State.

NIGERIA, CALABAR

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has stressed the need for politicians to eschew all forms of hate speeches and violence ahead of the 2023 general elections. Mr Samuel Fadeyi, the Cross River Commandant of the corps, gave the advice on Wednesday in Calabar during a peace walk to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA, CROSS RIVER

Cross Riverians have been urged to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the forthcoming general election. The State Technical Committee of the Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War campaign made the call during a press briefing to mark the 2022 International Peace Day. (with video)

NIGERIA, DUTSE

NSCDC state commandant, Musa Alhaji Malah led the officers and men of the command to a peace walk across the streets of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital in commemoration of the International Peace Day, 2022.

NIGERIA, EFFURUN

A humanitarian-driven non-governmental organisation, Shadrack Agediga Foundation, SAF, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, joined the rest of the world to mark the ‘International Day of Peace’. . . . The celebration took place at Canewood Hotel, Effurun, Delta state with a lecture delivered by Professor Andy Atare Otite. He spoke on the theme: End Ethnic Intolerance And Build Peace.

NIGERIA, EGBEDA

THE National Association of Seadogs, NAS, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has called for an end to racism and ethnocentrism. The Cap’n of Hawkins Deck in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Shola Ajayi, made the call during a roundtable discourse to mark the 2022 International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA, KADUNA STATE

As the International Day of Peace is celebrated worldwide, Kaduna state Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufa’i has advocated for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections. He made the call at an event organised by the Kaduna state peace commission to commemorate the 2022 international day of peace in Kaduna.

NIGERIA, LAGOS

ORGANIZATION: Peace Mindset Ambassadors. FOCUS: Intl Peace Day, Racial Justice. ACTION DETAILS: Building a community of peacemakers- Bringing people from different spheres of influence to create a culture of Peace.

NIGERIA, OYO STATE

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, marked the International Day of Peace in all the Local Government Areas in the state.
The event took place in schools and marketplaces to sensitise citizens on the importance of embracing peace, as well as tolerating one another in society, for sustainable development and to move the nation forward.

NIGERIA, PLATEAU STATE

Community and religious leaders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have agreed to live in peace and harmony, eschew all forms of bitterness and rancour, and push for the advancement of the state and the nation in general. The leaders made the pledge when the Christian Rural Development Associations (CRUDAN) commemorated the International Day for Peace. . . . Highlights of the event were songs presentation, drama, and short display by Christian and Muslim leaders to emphasise the significance of peace in the world.

NIGERIA, SANGO-OTA

Dr. Kelicha Ochonogor, has urged Nigerians to shun discrimination and embrace peaceful co-existence. She made this call to commemorate the 2022 International World Peace Day, held at Covenant University Sango-Ota, Ogun State. . . . Ochonogor unveiled her new book, “United Nations partnership with God”. . . . She stated that the book was published to project harmony and partnership amongst people.

NIGERIA, TARABA STATE

 The Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini has reiterated the importance of peace, stating that it is an inevitable part of every society and no nation, no matter how great, can progress without peace. Kunin,i said this on Tuesday in a message to mark this year’s International Day of Peace.

NIGERIA UYO

It was a gathering of great minds from all walks of life earlier today at Onyema Ugochukwu Auditorium, Town Campus University of Uyo, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital as great scholars assembled to mark this year’s world peace day. In his opening address, the President of Peace International Interdisciplinary Research Institute (PIIRI) said that the 2022nd International Peace Day Conference was organized to  provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for participants to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, concerns, practical challenges and recommend solutions for adoption in the field of Global Peace and Security for sustainable development of a better society and the world at large.

REUNION, LA LIGUE DES DROITS DE L’HOMME

This Tuesday, September 21, 2022, the League of Human Rights in Reunion mobilized against racism and discrimination. A total of ten people were present. This year, the theme of this day is to “end racism”. (with video)

REUNION, CHAMPS FLEURI

In a press release, the Réunionnais Movement for Peace, the Human Rights League, the Réunion-Palestine Solidarity Association and the Chagos-Réunion Solidarity Committee invite all those who wish to come together and take action. to speak, this Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 5.30 p.m., at the Human Rights Square, in Champ Fleuri.

REUNION, MAHÉ DE LABOURDONNAIS

This September 21, the day of peace is celebrated around the world. For this event, students from the 5th Kahlo carried out this work. We therefore invite you to view this video in the hope that peace spreads around you.

RWANDA

Speaker of Parliament Donatille Mukabalisa has urged youth to stand up and fight hate speech and Genocide ideology in the quest to build sustainable peace and unity. She was speaking at a youth parliamentary dialogue organised by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagements (MINUBUMWE) working together with Never Again Rwanda (NAR) and partners. The dialogue was organised in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace which is observed every year on September 21. It brought together over 500 participants including youths from different districts, parliamentarians, peacebuilding actors, policymakers, and development partners to discuss strategies and approaches to uphold unity as they tackle hate speech in different forms as a hindrance to Rwandan unity.

SIERRA LEONE

As Sierra Leone joins the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace yesterday 21st September, 2022, the country’s two main political parties,the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have committed to upholding peace. His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressed his government’s commitment to peace, citing the Bintumani-III Conference as one which was inclusive and provided the opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to voice their frustration about the failure of governments to fulfil the recommendations of the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.

SOUTH AFRICA, CAPETOWN

At the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) celebrated the eighth anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit. Building a Culture of Peace as Global Citizens was the event’s theme. . . . The occasion began with a speech of congratulations from Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, chair of the City of Cape Town’s Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, who stated that the city is dedicated to creating peace and a society free from ongoing fear and anxiety.

SOUTH SUDAN, JUBA

In South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation and a place where the quest for sustainable peace is very much ongoing, International Peace Day, that special day to reiterate the wish for global harmony to rein supreme between and within countries, is likely to mean more than in most other locations. An indication of that significance could be found at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre in the capital: Most everyone with a say in the future of South Sudan was present. A list of them would include First Vice President Riek Machar and numerous other senior government officials, diplomats, a myriad of international entities, national civil society organizations, representatives for women and youth, and, most importantly, ordinary citizens craving that elusive peace more than most.

SOUTH SUDAN, COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

The South Sudan Council of Churches joined South Sudan in celebrating the day with the THEME “End Ethnic Discrimination; Build Peace in Diversity.” . . . Eighty participants from different sectors graced the International Day of Peace celebrations at ECS guest house, i.e., church, youth peace ambassadors, women peace committee, women link, partners, and church leader Rev. Canon Emmanuel Nattania.

TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR

ORGANIZATION: Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA NGO) – NUMBER OF PLANNED ACTIONS: 4

TOGO, WANEP

As part of the International Day of Peace, celebrated every September 21, 2022, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-TOGO), with the help of its financial partner UNDP-Togo, is organizing a series of community dialogues from the 21 to September 23 in 6 municipalities in the Savannah and Maritime regions. On the program, actions to raise awareness of the values and foundations of peace; distribution of kits to 23 groups of young people and women; radio broadcasts and transmission of advocacy topics to local authorities.

TOGO, LOMÉ, CNDH

As part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) organized on September 21, 2022 at the Maison des Jeunes d’Amandahomé in Lomé, an awareness-raising meeting on aimed at young people from the Gulf and AgoèNyivé prefectures. The meeting focused on the theme: “Contribution of young people to the consolidation of peace”. It was organized in partnership with the National Youth Council (CNJ),

TOGO, LOMÉ, DEBATE

The Ministry of Grassroots Development, Youth and Youth Employment organized, on Wednesday September 21 in Lomé, a conference-debate with youth leaders around the theme “Strengthening social cohesion to build peace”. It is part of the activities of the International Day of Peace observed every September 21st. 

UGANDA, KAMPALA

Prospective City of Peace in Kampala during the International Peace Day celebrations.

UGANDA, LIRA CITY

ORGANIZATION: Facilitation for Integrated Community Rural Development – FOCUS: Intl Peace Day – ACTION DETAILS: Peace Marching campaigns in Lira City, Uganda

WESTERN SAHARA, UN MISSION

On 21 September, MINURSO celebrated the International Day of Peace under this year theme: “End Racism, Build Peace”. MINURSO personnel at the Mission HQ in Laayoune, Tindouf Liaison Office and the Teams Sites west and east of the berm commemorated the Day raising the UN flag. A military parade was held at MINURSO HQ in the presence of the SRSG Alexander Ivanko alongside the senior officers as well as MINURSO civilian and military personnel. SRSG read the Secretary-General’s message on the occasion, recalling particularly that “peace is a noble and necessary pursuit, and the only practical pathway to a better, fairer world for all people.”

Arab and Middle Eastern States: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION . .

A survey by CPNN

The following 28 events in 15 Arab and Middle Eastern countries were listed in Google during the week of September 17-28 this year under the key words “International day of peace” “peace day”, “journee internationale de la paix” and اليوم الدولي للسلام .

About 18 events are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years


Meeting of the League of Arab States on the International Day of Peace

ALGERIA

Today, Wednesday, on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the National Council for Human Rights affirmed that Algeria had several initiatives in this regard.

BAHRAIN

On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, Her Excellency Mrs. Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is a symbol of coexistence and openness and an example to follow in peace between different religions and sects, thanks to the wise visions and wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

BAHRAIN, ABDUL RAHMAN KANOO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 

Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS) celebrates International Day of Peace also known as Peace Day, which is observed worldwide each year on September 21. . . . Under the direction of Mrs. Abeer Mahmood (Events & Activates Coordinator), 18 classes from Preschool supported the peace day celebrations and each class was given a large cardboard picture of a dove and were given the opportunity to stick a green leaf to paper, understanding the importance of the day. As a separate event, an olive tree was fitted to the garden at the Schools Main Gate, as a symbol and reminder to all students, parents, and stakeholders of peace and friendship.

BAHRAIN SCHOOLS

The schools of the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated the International Day of Peace, which falls on the twenty-first of September each year.
The events focused on benefiting from the activities of the “School Enhancing Citizenship and Human Rights” project, which it implements The Ministry of Education for several years, with the aim of promoting the values of peace, tolerance, coexistence and dialogue in the school community . In an example of these efforts, 550 students and 58 administrators and teachers at Al-Qadisiyah Primary School for Girls participated in several Activities that varied between storytelling, coloring, crafts and educational games, with the participation of all school departments.

BAHRAIN, ISA TOWN

In order to enhance the concept of peace, the Al-Amal Institute for Special Education of the Child and Maternity Welfare Association held a simple celebration on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, which included a chant about peace prepared by Professor Batoul Abdel Rahim and implemented by the students of the Institute.

EGYPT, CAIRO

Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman Al Asoomi marked the International Day of Peace, celebrated annually on September 21. The Speaker stressed the importance of spreading peace and the culture of coexistence, especially in light of the conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world. Al Asoomi called for unifying Arab efforts in tackling violence and hatred.

EGYPT, DAMIETTA UNIVERSITY

Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. El-Sayed Mohamed Daadour – President of the University and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Wael Farouk Al-Taibani – Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, the UNESCO Club, in cooperation with the General Administration for Student Welfare, organized today, Wednesday, 9/21/2022, the celebration activities of the day The International Peace Conference on the University Campus, in the presence of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kamel Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Zaki, Head of the Department of Fundamentals of Education at the Faculty of Education, Coordinator of the UNESCO Club, and a number of faculty members and university students.

EGYPT, SHARM EL-SHEIKH

Sharm El-Sheikh hotels celebrated today, Wednesday, the International Day of Peace . . . A group of hotel staff, led by Sherine El-Hawary, assistant manager and training officer at the hotel, gathered, raising some slogans calling for peace, and taking a group of memorial photos at the peace icon. The icon, located in the Peace Square in Sharm El Sheikh, is the tallest peace icon in the world . . . The icon design is in the form of black granite clusters bearing lotus leaves topped by eight wings inspired by the wings of the god “Ra”, the sun god, among the ancient Egyptians. Above it is the pigeon carrying an olive branch as a symbol of peace, and the eight wings indicate the main directions, North, East, South, West, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest.

ISESCO

The International Day of Peace comes this year under the
 slogan: “Ending racism.. and building peace.” The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) seizes this occasion to call for mobilization and solidarity, to meet the challenges of peace and security , which impede social development and human capital building around the world, with an estimated economic impact of approximately 10.5% of global GDP. In an effort to achieve a tangible qualitative leap, ISESCO launched its Leadership Training Program for Peace and Security, which in its first edition enabled the training of 30 young men and women who became ambassadors of peace, while 50 others from 45 countries will benefit from the training in its second Edition. ISESCO, in cooperation with the International University of Rabat in the Kingdom of Morocco, launched the program for integrating ISESCO’s “360 Degrees for Peace” approach into academia.

IRAQ

As the world celebrates the “International Day of Peace”, a number of Iraqi women activists and a human rights center are taking advantage of this day, to reveal discrimination against women at work, as well as the pressures and difficulties they face in their various activities, amid calls to stop “arbitrary practices” against them, which amounted to killing and displacement. . . . In this regard, the head of the Iraq Center for Human Rights, Ali Al-Abadi, explains to Shafaq News Agency, “Women have started resorting to civil activities due to the lack of justice in their rights, and despite the Iraqi and international laws’ emphasis on gender equality, but many aspects of life are still monopolized by men, or unequal pay, as The tribal institution, especially the southern one, underestimates women’s rights.”

JORDAN, ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLES OF EURASIA

On September 21, 2022, the Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia held a reception in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, approved by the UN General Assembly. The event was attended by prominent public and scientific figures, senators, members of Parliament, representatives of international organizations, state and non-state structures of Jordan. . . . The culmination of the evening was the charity ceremony “Peace Bell” for strengthening peace and mutual understanding between countries and peoples, which was accompanied by a video recording of the musical composition “Stork on the Roof” performed by Yaroslav Degtyareva and Valentina Biryukova.

JORDAN, AMMAN

 The participants in the conference “The Holistic Transformation Towards a Green Feminist Economy” unanimously agreed on the importance of empowering women and enhancing social, economic and psychological security; To achieve a green feminist economy in its holistic form.
The Minister of Culture, Haifa Al-Najjar, who sponsored the opening ceremony of the conference organized by the Feminist Economy Foundation and the “Think Project” yesterday evening, at the “W” Hotel in Amman, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, said that she came to the conference not as a minister, but because of her absolute belief as a partner and a person who believes in a project. Think of all humanity and world peace.

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Question related to this article:

What has happened this year (2022) for the International Day of Peace?

(Survey continued from left column)

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES

The statement of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab
States on the International Day of Peace . . . .  On this day, the League of Arab States affirmed, through joint regional efforts, the commitment to exert more effort and support joint Arab action, which would activate the participation of all parties in efforts to build and sustain peace without exclusion or discrimination. As well as emphasizing the importance of exerting more effort to support the peace process, unity and reconciliation, spreading a culture of non-violence in all circles, and working for a world free of racism and discrimination.

LEBANON, UNIFIL

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held on 21 September 2022 a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Peace at its headquarters in Naqoura, South Lebanon. Peacekeepers representing the current 48 troop-contributing countries in UNIFIL were joined at the event by representatives of the local authorities, religious leaders, Lebanese armed and security forces and members of the international community.

LIBYA, BENGHAZI

The Permanent Peace Foundation, in partnership with Vision Research, Training & Consultancies and Barah Culture & Arts, celebrates the International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21 of each year. At five in the evening at the headquarters of «Brah for Culture and Arts» in Benghazi.The celebration includes many cultural and artistic activities and a dialogue session for speakers who have experienced peace, according to “ Facebook ” .

OMAN, SALALAH

Participants in the first Omani Cultural Forum, which concluded in the Omani city of Salalah today, Wednesday, affirmed that “the Gulf states represent a global model for peace and coexistence among peoples, as it includes dozens of nationalities living in peace and brotherhood on one land.”  The conference was held over two days under the slogan (Oman, Love and Peace), in the presence of a crowd of people interested in culture and peace from various Arab countries, coinciding with the International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21 each year.  

QATAR, DOHA

Wijdan Cultural Center of the Ministry of Culture celebrated today the International Day of Peace, which falls on the Sept. 21 every year, which this year adopts the theme “End racism. Build Peace,” through organizing an event in which researcher Yasser Al-Gharbawi, head of the Research and Studies Department at the Center, delivered a speech, which was broadcast on the center’s social media platforms. . . . Wijdan’s head of the Research and Studies Department said that this global occasion is an opportunity to promote a culture of peace.

SAUDI ARABIA, RIYADH, MUSLIM WORLD LEAGUE

In conjunction with the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, which falls on September 21 of each year, the Muslim World League, with the participation of the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly and a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Sweden, celebrated the inauguration of the famous symbol of peace; “The Knotted Pistol”, at the sub-headquarters of the Muslim World League in Riyadh, which has become a global icon that started from the United Nations headquarters, bypassing the framework of its first idea in New York, where the United Nations installed a model of the knotted pistol for its global connotation calling for peace and rejection of violence.

SOMALIA, MOGADISHU

Today, Wednesday, Somali Deputy Prime Minister, Saleh Ahmed Jameh, inaugurated an event to celebrate the International Day of Peace, organized by the Ministry of Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation in Mogadishu, under the title: “Together to Promote Peace and Reject Racial Discrimination.” This came with the participation of the Minister of Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation, His Excellency Ahmed Moallem Faki, his deputy, Mr. Abdul Hakim Ashkar, the United Nations envoy to Somalia, Mr. James Swan, and the ambassadors of a number of concerned brotherly and friendly countries to Somalia, in addition to representatives of regional governments and the Banadir Governorate administration. civil society organizations, and the Women’s Union.

SUDAN, DARFUR

To mark the International Day of Peace, ten youth peace advocates from Darfur met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Volker Perthes, and his Deputy, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Khardiata Lô N’Diaye. . . . The discussion covered a wide array of subjects including the impact of the continued political crisis on the escalation of violence across Sudan, and gaps in the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement and the National Plan for the Protection of Civilian. Participants also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and the importance of empowering women and youth as peace advocates.

SUDAN, KADUGLI

On Wednesday, the women of Southern Kordofan marched from Freedom Square in Kadugli to the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Government of Southern Kordofan on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. The women participating in the procession handed a memorandum to the Deputy Governor of Southern Kordofan, Al-Rasheed Attia, which contained 16 demands, including speeding up the formation of a civilian democratic government, involving women and not tolerating violence against them, in addition to activating the role of the police in protecting women and appointing policewomen.

SUDAN, KHARTOUM

On the International Day of Peace, the director of the General Administration for Women at the Ministry of Social Development, Mrs. Suad Dishol, said, “We celebrate this great occasion and take a moment to reflect on it and slowly read the slogan of this year’s celebration, to see between these phrases the state of our country and the pain that squeezes the hearts of millions of those who have been stung by the fire of racism.” The hateful and the distortion it caused in the relations of the various groups and tribes and torn apart their entities that were known for tolerance and living in peace.

SYRIA

Video: Peace Day, Syrian youth sing for peace and harmony.

SYRIA, WOMEN’S COUNCIL

The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Peace in 1981 in order to celebrate and promote the ideal of peace among all nations and peoples. Two decades later, the General Assembly set September 21 as the date to celebrate the occasion annually. On this occasion, the Women’s Council in North and East Syria and the Human Rights Organization in Al Jazeera prepared a lecture entitled Women and Peace. (with photos of poster and meeting).

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, DUBAI

The International Peace Day Celebration, by the Council for Universal Peace, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is held at Sheikh Rashid Tower World Trade Centre, Dubai. The summit was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Obaid Suhail Al Maktoum and was presided over by Khaled Al Maeena, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Addressing the summit, His Highness Sheik Obaid Suhail Al Maktoum said, “It’s the right time to work together for Global Peace and Bond beyond boundaries.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, SHARJAH

The Department of Social Services in Sharjah organized community events and activities on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. . . Maryam Ibrahim Al-Zarouni, happiness specialist and social educator in the department, said that the occasion receives the attention of many institutions and authorities in the country, because of its importance in instilling the concept of peace and love in the hearts of members of society, and raising their awareness of its importance, in order to spread peace and tolerance among peoples.

YEMEN

Tomorrow Thursday evening, on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, the Nidaa Organization for Coexistence and Construction will hold a symposium entitled Peace Challenges in Yemen, via the virtual space ZOOM, in cooperation with the SAM Organization for Rights and Freedoms. 

YEMEN, ADEN

“Southern Women Group for Peace”, on the International Day of Peace, reaffirms its firm position and its call to all parties to the conflict to sit at the dialogue table under the supervision of the international efforts and for regional and international bodies to play their desired role and firm positions towards stopping the war that has drained human energies, resources and national wealth of Yemen . . . . A group of southerners for peace, on this International Day of Peace, renews its demands that southern women occupy their rightful place in all negotiations calling for peace, based on resolution (1325) issued by the UN Security Council.

Statement of Moscow Helsinki Group

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Moscow Helsinki Group (google translation)

On the International Day of Peace, Russia took another step towards the escalation of the armed conflict in the center of Europe

An attempt, under any pretext, to unilaterally redraw internationally recognized borders and annex the territories of another state is a gross violation of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Accords and leads to increased isolation and worsening attitudes towards Russia and its citizens around the world.


If before February 24, decision makers could still have some illusions about the attitude of Ukrainian citizens to the policies and actions of the Russian authorities or about the legitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities, now it is clear that the vast majority of Ukrainians support their government and ready to make sacrifices for the sake of preserving the independence and territorial integrity of their country. This means that the continuation, and even more so the escalation of hostilities will lead to more and more casualties on all sides and to new war crimes. We must stop before it’s too late!

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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We are convinced that the minimum necessary actions of Russia in the current situation should be an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of troops to positions as of February 23 with guarantees of asylum and citizenship for supporters of Russian policy wishing to enter Russia, the immediate exchange of all available prisoners and the bodies of the dead. We are confident that all controversial issues can be resolved at the negotiating table with much greater efficiency than involving even more people on both sides in an armed confrontation – in order to save lives and protect human rights, regardless of citizenship and views. 

We also remind you that, despite the tightening of Russian legislation, it still protects the right of citizens to refuse to participate in hostilities with weapons in their hands for reasons of conscience and belief, including through the institution of alternative civilian service. Those people whose beliefs are contrary to the performance of service in the current conditions should loudly and unequivocally declare this, saving their lives and dignity and other people and bringing peace closer. Human rights organizations are ready to assist in this, defending the freedom of conscience and the right to refuse to participate in the war. 

Board of the Moscow Helsinki Group

Peace Agenda for Ukraine and the World

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Statement of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, adopted at the meeting on International Day of Peace 21 September 2022 and published by World Beyond War
Video of statement

Condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, the UN General Assembly called for an immediate peaceful resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and emphasized that parties to the conflict must respect human rights and international humanitarian law. We share this position.

Current policies of war until absolute victory and contempt for criticism of human rights defenders is unacceptable and must be changed. What is needed is a ceasefire, peace talks and serious work to correct the tragic mistakes made on both sides of the conflict. Prolongation of the war has catastrophic, deadly consequences, and continues to destroy the welfare of society and environment not only in Ukraine, but throughout the world. Sooner or later, parties will sit at the negotiating table, if not after their reasonable decision, then under the pressure of unbearable suffering and weakening, the last better to be avoided by choosing the diplomatic path.

It is wrong to take the side of any of the warring armies, it is necessary to stand on the side of peace and justice. Self-defense can and should be carried out by non-violent and unarmed methods. Any brutal government is illegitimate, and nothing justifies the oppression of people and bloodshed for the illusory goals of total control or conquest of territories.

No one can evade responsibility for his own misdoings by claiming to be a victim of misdoings of others. Wrong and even criminal behavior of any party cannot justify creation of a myth about an enemy with whom it is allegedly impossible to negotiate and who must be destroyed at any cost, including self-destruction. A desire for peace is a natural need of every person, and its expression cannot justify a false association with a mythical enemy.

Human right to conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine was not guaranteed according to international standards even in peacetime, not to mention the current conditions of martial law. The state shamefully avoided for decades and now continues to avoid any serious response to the relevant suggestions of the UN Human Rights Committee and public protests. Although the state cannot derogate this right even in time of war or other public emergency, as says the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the army in Ukraine refuses to respect the universally recognized right to conscientious objection to military service, denying even to replace coercive military service by mobilization with an alternative non-military service according to the direct prescription of the Constitution of Ukraine. Such scandalous disrespect to human rights should have no place under the rule of law.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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The state and society must put an end to the despotism and legal nihilism of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, manifested in policies of harassment and criminal punishment for refusal to be engaged in war effort and the forced turn of civilians into soldiers, due to which civilians cannot move freely within the country nor go abroad, even if they have vital needs to rescue from danger, to obtain an education, to find means for living, professional and creative self-realization, etc.

Governments and civil societies of the world appeared to be helpless before the scourge of war, drawn into the funnel of conflict between Ukraine and Russia and wider enmity between NATO countries, Russia and China. Even the threat of destruction of all life on the planet by nuclear weapons had not put an end to the mad arms race, and the budget of the UN, the main institution of peace on Earth, is only 3 billion dollars, while global military expenditures are hundreds of times larger and have exceeded a wild amount of 2 trillion dollars. Due to their inclination to organize mass bloodshed and coerce people to kill, nation states have proven to be incapable of non-violent democratic governance and the performance of their basic functions of protecting life and freedom of people.

In our view, the escalation of armed conflicts in Ukraine and the world are caused by the fact that the existing economic, political and legal systems, education, culture, civil society, mass media, public figures, leaders, scientists, experts, professionals, parents, teachers, medics, thinkers, creative and religious actors are not fully perform their duties of strengthening the norms and values of a non-violent way of life, as envisages the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, adopted by the UN General Assembly. Evidences of the neglected peace-building duties are the archaic and dangerous practices which must be ended: military patriotic upbringing, compulsory military service, lack of systematic public peace education, propaganda of war in the mass media, support of war by NGOs, reluctance of some human rights defenders to advocate consistently for the full realization of human rights to peace and to conscientious objection to military service. We remind stakeholders of their peace-building duties and will steadfastly insist on compliance with these duties.

We see as goals of our peace movement and all peace movements of the world to uphold human right to refuse to kill, to stop the war in Ukraine and all wars in the world, and to ensure sustainable peace and development for all the people of the planet. To achieve these goals, we will tell the truth about the evil and deception of war, learn and teach practical knowledge about peaceful life without violence or with its minimization, and we will help to the needy, especially those affected by wars and unjust coercion to support army or participation in war.

War is a crime against humanity, therefore, we are determined not to support any kind of war and to strive for the removal of all causes of war.

Several Hundred Detained as Russians Protest Mobilization

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Moscow Times

Several hundred people have been detained across Russia on Wednesday as rallies against a military mobilization declared by President Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine took place in areas from the Far East to the capital Moscow.


Wednesday’s protest against mobilization in Ulan-Ude (t.me/Baikal_People)

According to the independent OVD-Info police monitor, at least 1,386 protesters have been detained  nationwide so far with at least half of the count recorded in the capital Moscow.

It added that a majority of those detained were women.

Police in Moscow reportedly handed some detainees summons to the military enlistment office regardless of their experience.

The Vesna opposition movement as well as supporters of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on Russians nationwide to take to the streets on Wednesday evening to oppose the Kremlin’s decision to bolster its forces in Ukraine with a “partial” mobilization. 

The first protests took place across cities in Siberia and the Far East, where dozens were arrested, often just minutes after the rallies began, according to local reports.

Small groups of protesters gathered in Ulan-Ude, the capital of the republic of Buryatia; Yakutsk, the capital of the republic of Sakha; and the Far East cities of Khabarovsk and Irkutsk.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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Protesters in Ulan-Ude were seen carrying handwritten signs reading “No war! No mobilization!” and “Our husbands, fathers and brothers don’t want to kill other husbands and fathers.”

In the Siberian city of Tomsk, a female protester carrying a sign reading “Hug me if you are also scared” was among the 15 people detained shortly after the start of the protest, according  to local Telegram news channel Ulitsa Barkhatnaya.

In Novosibirsk, Russia’s third-largest city, video published  to social media showed a protester shouting “I don’t want to die for Putin or for you!”

Protests then took place across the cities in Russia’s Volga-Ural region. At least 45 people were detained in the region’s largest city Yekaterinburg, while dozens others were arrested in Perm, Chelyabinsk and Ufa, the capital of the republic of Bashkortostan, according  to OVD-Info. 

In the capital Moscow, several hundred people gathered on the central Stary Arbat street amid heavy police presence. Protesters could be seen chanting “No war!” “Send Putin to the trenches!” and “Let our children live!” in videos published to social media. 

In St. Petersburg, protesters who gathered near the central St. Isaac’s Square were quickly encircled by police, according to videos  from the scene. But others continued  to march through the city center. 

Rallies also took place in the city of Arkhangelsk in the Far North, the southern city of Krasnodar, the Baltic exclave Kaliningrad and others.

In Kazan, the capital of the republic of Tatarstan, a small group of female protesters marched through central streets chanting “Peace to the world. No to mobilization!” after the initial rally was dispersed.

A total of 300,000 Russian reservists are expected to be called up for military service during the campaign, according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. 

But the mobilization efforts could be more far-reaching given the vague wording of the mobilization decree, according  to human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov, who has been helping Russian soldiers opposed to the war.

Gabon: Project to support the civic and political participation of young people

. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .

An article by Jerry Bibang, special to CPNN

The Pan-African Youth Network for the Culture of Peace, Gabon section (PAYNCoP Gabon) organized last weekend in Oyem, “A consultative workshop on the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon”. The activity took place on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, celebrated on September 15 each year.

After Franceville in the province of Haut-Ogooué (East Gabon), Oyem in the province of Woleu-Ntem (North Gabon) was the second city to host these consultative workshops which are part of the initiative entitled “Project to support the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon.”

The activity was supported by the presence of the Provincial Governor, Mr. Jules NDJEKI, who officially launched the work, in the presence of about fifty participants, from civil society organizations and political parties, both majority and opposition.

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(Click here for the original French version of this article)

Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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The initiative, supported by the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in partnership with UNESCO, aims to encourage the civic and political participation of young people in Gabon, especially before, during and after the elections.

“Initially this workshop will make a diagnosis of the civic and political participation of young people in order to identify the challenges and obstacles relating to their participation. Then, it will be up to the participants to find possible solutions by making recommendations in order to improve the participation of young people in politics and also in civil society organizations. The objective is to place young people as ACTOR and not SPECTATOR in the life of their community and our country,” explained Jerry Bibang, project coordinator.

For Rachel Oyane, President of the Provincial Youth Council, “Holding this workshop coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Democracy. It challenges us to see that democracy is not a completed process, but rather an evolving work. which involves all actors in society. In particular civil society organizations have an increasingly important role to play. It is in this sense that we welcome, once again, this project which gives voice to young people in order to reflect on the mechanisms and measures that can improve our civic and political participation”

After these consultation workshops, PAYNCoP is planning an advocacy campaign with public authorities as well as raising awareness on violence and hate speech during the election period. Training and capacity building are also planned for young people engaged in political life and in associations.

After this stage, Port-Gentil and Libreville are the next cities that will host these workshops.

Russia: Pop Diva Alla Pugacheva Comes Out Against the War

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Moscow Times

Alla Pugacheva, Russia’s most beloved pop singer, posted on Sunday on her Instagram account an appeal to the Russian Ministry of Justice asking to be named a “foreign agent” in solidarity with her husband, comedian Maxim Galkin.


TV host Maxim Galkin and singer Alla Pugacheva on Sept. 8, 2021

“Please include me in the ranks of foreign agents of my beloved country,” her text read, “since I am in solidarity with my husband — an honest, decent and sincere man, a true and incorruptible patriot of Russia who wants his Homeland to flourish in peace, with freedom of speech, and wants an end to our boys dying for illusory goals, which has turned our country into a pariah state and made life a burden for our citizens.”

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pugacheva, Galkin and their children left for Israel. Galkin spent the summer touring in Israel and Europe with stand-up comedy shows that were highly critical of the war and Russian leaders. He performed sold-out shows in Jurmala, Latvia, where the family traditionally spend their summers.

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Questions related to this article:
 
Can the peace movement help stop the war in the Ukraine?

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In August, Pugacheva returned to Russia and was quoted in the Russian state press saying that she’d come back “to put things in order, in my head and in your head.” State media also wrote that she planned to send her children to school on Sept. 1.

Galkin was declared a foreign agent on Sept. 16.

Pugacheva joins a now long list of Russian rock and pop musicians speaking out against the war, including DDT frontman Yuri Shevchuk; Andrei Makarevich (Mashina vremeni), Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium); Oxxxymiron (Miron Fedorov); Svetlana Loboda; and Noize MC (Ivan Alexeev). (See articles in CPNN on March 22 and March 12.)

The Kremlin on Monday declined to comment on Pugacheva’s statement.

(Editor’s note: The importance of Alla Pugacheva is explained by Sergey Aleksashenko in his blog Behind the Iron Curtain.)

“Pugacheva is an iconic figure for the 50+ generation—i.e., the main base of support for Putin, his policies, and the war in Ukraine. On the other hand, the singer has almost 3.5 million followers on Instagram, which speaks to her popularity and authority with a younger audience.

“I think the Kremlin made a grave mistake when it attacked Pugacheva by declaring her husband, Maxim Galkin, a foreign agent. It is no secret that until then, Pugacheva had openly taken an anti-war stance but at the same time did not make such outspoken statements. If Pugacheva decides to continue the public discussion about the senselessness of the war, the Kremlin should prepare for an uphill battle.”

Kazakhstan: Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders to Address Social Status of Women

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from Astana Times

The seventh Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders, scheduled for Sept. 14 – 15, will hold a special session devoted to the social status of women for the first time in the congress’s 20-year history, reported the congress’s press service on Sept. 8.  (The Congress will take place in Kazakhstan’s capitol Nur-Sultan, which was renamed in 2019 from its traditional name of Astana).

The session will focus on women’s contributions to the sustainable development of modern society. It will also address the role of religious communities in advancing women’s social position.

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Questions for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

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The speakers of this meeting include several prominent religious and public figures such as Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for Social Affairs Haifa Abu Ghazal, Bishop of Los Angeles and Metropolitan of Southern California and Hawaii of the Coptic Orthodox Church Serapion, Head of the Center for the Study of Islamic History Mahmud Erol Kilic, Art and Culture at the OIC (IRCICA), General Director of the Office of the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence Afra Mohammed al-Sabri, Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan Grand Mufti Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, President of the UniãoPlanetária Isis Maria Borges de Resende, and President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide Jonathan Aitken. 

The congress, which will focus on the role of leaders of the world and traditional religions in mankind’s spiritual and social development in the post-pandemic period, is expected to gather more than 100 delegations from 50 countries. Among them are representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and other religions, including the Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis, Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. 

As part of his visit, Pope Francis will conduct an open-air holy mass  for Roman Catholics and representatives of other religions and confessions on Sept. 14 at the EXPO square. 

Sign the World Peace Treaty

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

Introduction from facebook page of Pathways to Peace

With so many conflicts today being waged between political militias, criminal, and international terrorist groups, feelings of uncertainty and conflict are top of mind around our world. In response, a coalition of peacebuilding organizations launched a project for people around the world to sign on to a World Peace Treaty.


Called Sign the World Peace Treaty, the initiative intends to give both organizations and individuals around the world a vehicle to express their desire for a more peaceful world, and then encourages them to take concrete steps that activate that desire. The initiative culminates on September 21, the International Day of Peace (Peace Day.)

We invite you to join Pathways To Peace, Police2Peace, the Rotary EClub of World Peace, and our partner organizations, and Sign the World Peace Treaty Now!

Sign here.

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Question related to this article:

How can the peace movement become stronger and more effective?

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Text from website of Sign the World Peace Treaty

Each year on September 21st, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace (Peace Day) as established by unanimous resolution by the United Nations in 1981.

We witness our world yearning for peace, and there is a step we can all take toward greater unity. This month of September is dedicated to peace.  Let us recommit to peace by removing the perception of separation, perceived borders, differences, and limitations.  Let’s work together and engage in shaping and building peace. It is how peace can be realized for us all.

Signers of the World Peace Treaty:

° Commit to moving beyond the myth of separation to recognize our common humanity and support unity through diversity.

° Model integrity, high ethical standards, and peace that is grounded in love.

° Act to end violence and to embody the peace our humanity cries out for and deserves.

° Promote earnestly the ideals of peace and articulate positive evidence of peace in all viable ways, in particular by advancing the Culture of Peace in the best interest of humanity.

° Recognize The International Day of Peace (Peace Day) as a day to commemorate, strengthen, and celebrate the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.

° Can be organizations or individuals

Vietnam shares importance of promoting culture of peace at UN forum

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from the Vietnam News Agency

(Editor’s note: As of this writing on September 9, there is no general article available on the United Nations High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace that took place on September 6. Instead, here is the press release of the Vietnam News Agency followed by links to all of the available published statements by the General Assembly President and various UN member states, all from Asia and the Middle East.)

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), stressed the importance of the culture of peace and non-violence in the world while attending the UN General Assembly’s high-level forum on culture of peace on September 6.


General Assembly President Abdullah Shahid

As a country that went through wars to protect its independence and sovereignty, Vietnam specially cherishes the value of peace and stability, Giang stated, adding in that context, generations of Vietnamese people have made efforts to build the foundation for peace, through promoting friendship, harmony and mutual understanding among nations.

Vietnam always promotes the settlement of conflicts and disputes by peaceful means, without the threat or use of force, and by complying and implementing international law.

The diplomat emphasised the need for the international community to support efforts to build and maintain peace, while respecting the responsibility, independence and mastery of countries in accordance with the UN Chapter and international law.

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Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

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President of the UNGA Abdullah Shahid said that the COVID-19 pandemic and long-lasting conflicts in many areas of the world have worsened discrimination and intolerance, and complicated instability and poverty.

Abdullah Shahid and speakers at the forum emphasised the importance of efforts to promote the building and maintenance of lasting peace, address the root causes of conflicts, and promote the building of harmonious and inclusive societies, in which no one is left behind.

Many of them recognised the role and contributions of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, calling for increased assurance of resources for efforts to build and maintain peace.

A culture of peace is given a very comprehensive definition in the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which was adopted by the General Assembly, in September 1999. It is defined as “a set of values, attitudes, modes of behavior and ways of life that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups and nations”./.

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Statement by the President of the UN General Assembly

Statement by Malaysia

Statement by Bangladesh

Statement by Armenia

Statement by India

Statement by Qatar

Statement by Oman

Statement by United Arab Emirates