One Piece of Peace Please
15:24, September 21, 2017 | News, Own newsThe 21st of September marks the International Day of Peace, a global initiative, established by the United Nations in 1981, in order to have a shared date for all humanity to commit to peace and non-violence for 24 hours. The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared this date, an opportunity to “commemorate ad strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and people.”
©Eva Jašková
An opportunity for everyone to engage and participate in any actions demonstrating the reflection and support of peace and ceasefire. An opportunity for humanitarian and non-governmental organisations to use this day of ceasefire to provide aid to those in need in conflict areas, and support peace through initiatives such as weapon handovers, food drops, educational and sport programs or immunisation campaigns.
Considering the recent ceasefire violations of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in April 2016, which resulted in the loss of 77 human lives in the Armenian armed forces, with the number of Azerbaijani casualties being unknown du to confidentiality, the need for peaceful conflict resolution and a permanent ceasefire in the Republic of Armenia, is of utmost urgency.
As a non-political, non-religious, non-profit NGO with the vision to form a society based on the supreme values of human dignity, democracy and peace, the Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly-Vanadzor has decided to raise awareness about the International Day of Peace. By making and handing out white origamis, a symbol for peace and hope, at the NGO Fair in Vanadzor, Lori, on the 19th of September 2017 and organising a small photo petition to underline the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and diminishing the use of violence, support towards a more peaceful environment are shown.
This year’s theme of the International Day of Peace is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All” so we, the Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly – Vanadzor, would like to invite every single person to join us in the progress towards building a Culture of Peace.