THE RIGHT TO PEACE

The Right to Peace – What does it mean to you?

This was the theme of the 2018 International Day of Peace. On the 21st of September each year, the Member States of the United Nations celebrate the International Day of Peace with the aim of strengthening the ideals of peace.

This year was a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 3. of the Declaration states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” These elements build the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. However, the Declaration does not include a separate article on the “Right to Peace”. This is why the UN put out a call for people to share what the Right to Peace means to them, and we responded by creating this video.

Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions contains aspirations and targets which build upon the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace. It seeks to create more peaceful, just and inclusive societies where people can be free from fear and violence. To do this, the goal advocates for freedom of expression, an end to discrimination and functioning political systems. Creating a “Right to Peace” article in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would signal an international commitment to achieving SDG 16. With 68.5 million people currently displaced due to war, violence and persecution the Right to Peace has never been more pertinent.

In the face of this challenge, the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots groups from all over the world came together to celebrate Peace Day and call upon our leaders to guarantee peace to their people. Central to the many celebrations were “peace doves” – either painted, crafted or built, they are a tradition among the many Roots & Shoots groups worldwide. They symbolise a commitment to peace all around the world, and serve as a reminder that the Right to Peace should be guaranteed to every person we share this planet with.

At JGINZ the Roots & Shoots programme is at the core of Peace Day. Each year Peace Day is an opportunity for reflection, to reflect not only on world peace but also what peace means right here in New Zealand. Although New Zealand doesn’t come to mind first when we think of global peace, it is important to recognise the actions we can take to foster peace on a smaller scale in our own communities.

This year the National Youth Leadership Council led Roots & Shoots events at Victoria, Massey and Auckland Universities.

In addition to participating in community activities to share culture and break down the barriers between us, Roots & Shoots members, families and friends created 'peace doves' – either painted, crafted or built, they are a tradition among the many Roots & Shoots groups worldwide.  They symbolise a commitment to peace all around the world, and serve as a reminder that the Right to Peace should be guaranteed to every person we share this planet with.