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International Day of Peace

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For another meaning of World Peace Day, see Institute of All Nations for Advanced Studies.
International Day of Peace
Flag of the United Nations
Observed byAll UN Member States
Date21 September

The International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, occurs annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to peace, and specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. The first year this holiday was celebrated was 1981.

To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters (in New York City, United States). The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the United Nations Association of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."[1]

Individuals can also wear White Peace Doves to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which are badges in the shape of a dove produced by a non-profit in Canada.

History

1981

The United Nations General Assembly declared, in a resolution sponsored by the United Kingdom and Costa Rica,[2] the third Tuesday of September/the opening day of regular sessions of the General Assembly as the International Day of Peace devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace.[3]

1982

Tuesday, 21 September 1982, was the first occurrence of the International Day of Peace.

2001

In 2001 the opening day of the General Assembly was scheduled for 11 September, and Secretary General Kofi Annan drafted a message recognizing that observance of International Peace Day on 11 September[4]. That year the day was changed from the third Tuesday to specifically the twenty-first day of September, to take effect in 2002. A new resolution was passed by the General Assembly,[2] sponsored by the United Kingdom (giving credit to Peace One Day) and Costa Rica (the sponsors of the original day) to give the Day of Peace a fixed date and declare it as a global ceasefire day.[5]

2004

A diplomatic stir occurred in 2004 when Lions Clubs International sponsored a contest to select a set of posters to be used for commemorative stamps issued by the United Nations of America. A poster by 13 year-old Taiwanese junior high school student Yang Chih-Yuan was announced as one of the winners. However, it was later announced Yang's poster would not be used. Taiwan media reports, Taiwan Lions Club and the government of Taiwan claimed the decision not to use the poster resulted from pressure from China.[6] The government of Taiwan (Republic of China) later issued a stamp containing the image.[7] Critics claimed that the rejection of the student's painting on purely political grounds did not reflect the ideals of the International Day of Peace,[8] while the UN issued a statement that "due to an internal misunderstanding and miscommunication, Mr. Yang's proof got publicized in error as one of the six stamps intended to be issued."[6]

2005

In 2005, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for the worldwide observance of a 24-hour cease-fire and day of nonviolence to mark the Day.[9]

2006

In 2006, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan rang the Peace Bell for the last time during his term in office. That year the UN asserted the "many ways it works for peace and to encourage individuals, groups and communities around the world to contemplate and communicate thoughts and activities on how to achieve peace. The United Kingdom held the primary public and official observation of the United Nations International Day of Peace and Non-Violence in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. This was organised by Peace Parade UK. [1]"[10]

2007

In 2007, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell at United Nations Headquarters in New York calling for a 24-hour cessation of hostilities on 21 September, and for a minute of silence to be observed around the world.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Secretary-General's Message on the International Day of Peace 21 September 2002". Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  2. ^ a b United Nations General Assembly Session 55 Resolution 282. International Day of Peace A/RES/55/282 7 September 2001. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  3. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 36 Resolution 67. International Year of Peace and International Day of Peace A/RES/36/67 page 1. 30 November 1981. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  4. ^ [http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/pressrels/2001/sgsm7945.html MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE]
  5. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 55 Verbotim Report 111. A/55/PV.111 page 2. Sir Jeremy Greenstock United Kingdom 7 September 2001. Retrieved 2008-08-23.
  6. ^ a b Taipei Times Row erupts over local boy's stamp design
  7. ^ Office of the President, Republic of China News Release: President Chen Receives the Painter of International Day of Peace Stamp Yang Chih-yuan
  8. ^ Taipei Times Chunghwa Post announces intent to use student art
  9. ^ "International Day of Peace 2005". Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  10. ^ "International Day of Peace 2006". Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  11. ^ "International Day of Peace 2007". Retrieved 6 January 2008.
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