Today, September 21, is International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations in 1981 to “commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace” and dedicated specifically to “the absence of war and violence.” This year, in the wake of the pandemic, the motto announced by the United Nations is “recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.”
It is a day to remember the interdependence of peace and human rights; one cannot exist without the other. A culture of peace and non-violence is the essential framework for human rights to exist and develop. At the same time, the right to live in a world where rights are respected, without violence or aggression, is only possible in a culture that promotes peace.
In fact, the Charter of the United Nations, which is the founding treaty of the United Nations, states in its first article that the central purpose of the organization is to “maintain international peace and security” through the economic and social development of peoples and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, without discrimination.
We tend to think that peace is the absence of conflict but in fact, if we adopt a more positive concept of peace, it goes much further and also refers to eliminating all direct, cultural and/or structural violence that people suffer, both in the private and public spheres. And this is done, among other things, by ensuring that everyone can meet their basic needs and enjoy their dignity and rights.
That is precisely why Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda (which is the global action plan to promote sustainable development) has been dedicated to Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The goal: “Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies” in order to achieve sustainable development, provide access to justice for all people and develop effective, responsible and inclusive institutions at all levels.
A key goal is to reduce all kinds of crime and violence, completely eradicating those that affect children. It also outlines the model to be followed by public institutions, which must be effective, accountable and transparent as well as protect fundamental freedoms and ensure universal access to justice, on equal terms.
In the city of Barcelona, there are several municipal plans and programs that have been launched to advance this goal. You can consult them all here.
In conclusion, we recall a reflection by Jordi Calvo, coordinator of the office of the International Peace Bureau (IPB) in Barcelona, who points out that peace is present in many rights movements in the city and around the world, and that movements need and feed on each other: “In fact, pacifism is deeply feminist, environmentalist and anti-racist.”