The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the United Nations, fellow non-governmental organizations, and fellow global citizens in observance of International Peace Day on September 21, 2016.  

 The United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 to be International Peace in 1981 and again in 2001 to advance and promote peace around the world among nations and people. This year, the United Nations’ theme for International Peace Day is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”  The Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) were adopted by all 193 member states at the UN General Assembly in 2015. All member states, civil society, and global citizens are now one year into working to fulfill all 17 Global Goals by the year 2030. 

 As the world tunes in to the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York this week, the commemoration of International Peace Day is met with a rising global refugee crisis, civil war and conflict in Syria, Yemen, Burundi, South Sudan, and Darfur. Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the United States, and children around the world are facing multiple challenges just to attend school.  It is important that the principles of peace are in the forefront of every conversation by every world leader at the UN General Assembly meeting. 

 “The realization of peace around the world is deeply intertwined with promoting and advancing human rights for all people and protection of the environment,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director.  “When the dignity and rights of people and the environment are protected and respected, peace around the world is possible,” added Mr. Hamad.

 AHRC-USA strongly encourages all peace-loving people in all communities to promote peace in their communities and around the world. One important way to promote peace around the world is for individuals to use their own voice to inspire changes in law and policy by world leaders. AHRC-USA encourages everyone to engage world leaders to promote peace and dignity for all people within all nations. 

 To learn more about International Peace Day, please visit  http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *