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Africa: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
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A survey by CPNN

The following 53 actions in 27 African countries include those listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International day of peace” and “Journée internationale de la paix.” These also include some listed on the website of the event map for the International Day of Peace, as well as the facebook pages for the Global Feast and the International Cities of Peace.

About 50 actions are listed on the maps of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace, but there is no indication which took place this year and which took place only in previous years. See the page of actions in the Arab States for those in North Africa.


Beni, DR Congo: While peace is celebrated in other countries of the world, here we celebrate assassinations, massacres, looting

Here are excerpts from the articles.

LUANDA, ANGOLA :

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, will open the 5-day Biennale of Luanda that will take place from 18 to 22 September in the capital of Angola, with the participation of representatives of governments, civil society and international organizations, as well as artists and scientists from the African continent and diaspora.

OUÈDO, BENIN:

The Red Cross of Benin through its local section of Ouédo marked with a particular seal the International Day of Peace. . . Through a caravan in the district of Ouédo (Abomey Calavi commune), the Benin Red Cross has sensitized the inhabitants on the good culture of peace. “Since two years that our section is installed here in Ouèdo, we noticed that there are several points of tension. Sometimes within the same religious affiliation. In these conditions, it was necessary to sensitize each other on the importance of the culture of peace,” said Aymar Rodolphe Sangnidjo, head of the local Red Cross Ouedo. Also present with the organizers was the singer Vivi International, godmother of the event. For her, every opportunity must be taken to teach Beninese the notion of living together and tolerance of one’s neighbor. “For me, the word peace is the most beautiful word that can exist.” she said.

PORTO NOVO, BENIN:

The Federation for Universal Peace (FPU) and sister organizations such as the federation of families, the federation of women and all partner institutions met at the International House of Culture of Porto-Novo to give a special stamp to the celebration of the International Day of Peace. In addition to the religious and Muslim prayers, this is the word of welcome, Emmanuel Allognon President of the Federation of Families for World Peace-Benin chapter, marked the start of activities. The theme of the day was presented to participants by Dr Paterne Zinsou, Secretary General of the Federation for Universal Peace.

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI :

Mr. Pierre Claver NDAYICARIYE, President of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Burundi, was the main speaker at the ceremonies marking the International Day of Peace, 2019 edition. . . .The TRC seeks the truth about what happened in Burundi during the colonial period from 1885 until 2006.

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI :

The Anglican Church of Burundi celebrated the International Day of Peace

BURKINA FASO :

This day was commemorated in Bobo-Dioulasso through a popular cross-country race that brought together young people from the thirteen regions of Burkina Faso (delegations had also come to the National Youth Forum). According to the deputy resident of UNDP, Isabelle Tschan, the commemoration of this day is relevant, given the national situation in Burkina Faso. She invited young people to take action to fight climate change and promote peace. For Daouda Azoupiou, Minister of Sports and Recreation, sport remains the best way to promote peace. For him, “sport is a factor of peace, sport brings together, unites and contributes to the development of youth”. He also welcomed this youth committed to peace and expressed his willingness to accompany these young people in the search for peace. “Peace concerns everyone, especially the youth.”

OBALA, CAMEROON :

Organized at the initiative of the mayor of the municipality of Obala, Simon Pierre Ediba, and in partnership with the Civic and Political School of Yaoundé as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the Center for Documentation and Information of Obala held a workshop at the fairground aimed to reinforce the values ​​of living together.

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC :

On the International Day of Peace, +Peace, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, and Impact:Peace launched the Peace in Our Cities Campaign, with 11 mayors and local officials representing over 15.8 million people from Colombo, Sri Lanka; Nairobi Municipality, Kenya; Cali, Colombia; Guadalajara, Mexico; Tripoli, Lebanon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Durban, South Africa; Escobedo, Mexico; Kumanovo, Macedonia; Kibera County, Nairobi, Kenya; and Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, pledging to work towards halving violence in their cities by 2030. The campaign calls on mayors, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to sign the pledge and join the growing movement to transform global violence.

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC :

The celebration of the International Day of Peace in the Central African Republic, which is facing a crisis characterized by cycles of violence, is also an additional opportunity for the Central African Republic, in addition to the extension efforts provided by the Government and its partners, to understand the Political Peace Agreement and Reconciliation (APPR) and to take ownership of it. Bangui, on occasion, has paid particular attention to the deaf dumb and the disabled, a layer that seems to be forgotten in the peace process, but has a say. Nearly 500 people attended the Boy Rab Youth Center to support and encourage the Deaf Association, whose President Jefferson Mongonou expressed their duty to participate in the peace process, and hence their right to be involved in the peace process.

BOTANGAFO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC :

In Botangafo, the people celebrated the 2019 International Day of Peace, through a variety of activities including a fairground show by Guira FM, football matches, an information workshop on the Peace Agreement and the Mandate of the MINUSCA peacekeeping operation. There were also talks and debates that brought together youth, women, and armed groups, including Batangafo Sub-Prefect Jean Ulrich Sembe Kpanga, who welcomed the commitment to the success of the various activities listed. as part of this celebration, while urging them to respect the terms of the Agreement and to remain more mobilized for “The Peace and Economic Recovery of the City of Batangafo”.

BOUAR, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC:

In Bouar, in the Prefecture of Nana Mambéré, the International Day of Peace was marked by the final of the Peace Cup, a march for peace that gathered more than 1000 people including local authorities, the members of the prefectural committee of peace and reconciliation, women, United Nations agency staff, members of armed groups, among others. Opportunity for the Nana Mambéré Prefect, Marcel Bagaza, to insist on the need for the various parties to the Peace Agreement to respect its commitments.

NDELE, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC :

The celebration of the International Day of Peace in Ndele. The security situation in Birao has focused attention on this very special day, as many of the city’s inhabitants have lost relatives. It was therefore in unison that they called for the cessation of all hostilities throughout the CAR, and Birao in particular. The Prefect of Bamingui-Bangoran, Amine El Mahad, presided over the skit demonstrations on non-discrimination, traditional dances and a football match between the taxi-bikes and the butchers of the city.

OBO and ZEMIO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC:

In celebration of the International Day of Peace in Obo and Zemio (Haut Mbomou), the population planted trees for peace. Youth, armed groups, local authorities and community leaders women’s associations, people living with disabilities have received the message on the Peace Agreement, and have unanimously called for the dismantling of illegal barriers, the end arbitrary taxes, and the violation of human rights “.

COMORES :

On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Grand Mufti called for “impartial justice to preserve peace in our islands”. Calling also the authorities to accompany the volunteers involved in this cause, Said Toihir Ahmed Maoulana expressed a general finding that peace, long recognized as a heritage and wealth in the Comoros “is currently threatened.”
The International Day of Peace was celebrated last Saturday at the Moroni Women’s Home. Several local and foreign personalities took part in the event, including the Mufti of the Republic, the Minister of Justice, the Sudanese Ambassador to the Comoros and his colleague from Saudi Arabia, and representatives of associations engaged in the promotion of peace, among others.

POINTE-NOIRE, CONGO BRAZZAVILLE :

A cleaning operation was organized in Pointe-Noire by the Pointe-Noire town hall in partnership with the Averda Company, and the collaboration of certain associations.
The celebration of the International Cleanup Day was coupled with the celebration of the International Day of Peace. This is the second time this activity is organized. It was launched last year at the national level during the first edition of the World Clean Up Day. Activities were conducted in Pointe-Noire (Ngoyo and Tié-Tié) and Brazzaville by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) which is committed to working towards the achievement of sustainable development objectives.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE :

The Peace and Security Network for Women in the ECOWAS region Côte d’Ivoire (REPSFECO-CI) and its partners urged Ivorian political actors to make every effort to preserve peace. This urgent appeal was launched by Me Diallo Geneviève, the President of REPSFECO-CI, on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Sorbonne au Plateau space. This ceremony, held on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, set up by the United Nations General Assembly, was aimed at raising questions about the danger threatening peace, just a few months away from the Presidential election of 2020, according to Me Diallo Geneviève. So these women are calling on civil society, the media, the international community, to be more professional. “Let’s work together hand in hand to build a lasting peace. Join us to reaffirm our commitment and take concrete steps to build and keep peace in Côte d’Ivoire, “said Diallo Geneviève.
 
BENI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DR CONGO):

Beni’s civil society feels that the International Day of Peace, celebrated every 21st September around the world, has no raison d’être in this city, given the repeated deadly violence against civilians in Beni. Kizito Bin Hangi, president of this civil society, regrets that the people of Beni do not live in peace, while the DRC is a member of the international community and has already ratified several texts related to peace. “Whoever says peace says peace, calm, a city without crackling bullets … But at home in Beni, insecurity is a reality. While peace is celebrated in other countries of the world, here we celebrate assassinations, massacres, looting …” said Kizito Bin Hangi. . . .For the past five years, the people of Beni have been facing horrific and repetitive massacres perpetrated by alleged rebels of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). These killings have already killed more than 3,000 civilians, including hundreds of kidnapped people and thousands of internally displaced people who have abandoned their homes, burned by the attackers.

BUNIA, DR CONGO :

The Center of Non Violence for Reconciliation and Peace celebrated the International Day of Peace

GOMA, DR CONGO :

The Groupe Martin Luther King is a Congolese association for active nonviolence, human rights, peace and reconciliation based in Goma, Nord Kivu province in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. We continue with the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King in Africa. We will organize a training on active nonviolence for the International Day of Peace.

GOMA, DR CONGO :

Goma, as a member of International Cities of Peace, took part in the Global Feast for the International Day of Peace

KANANGA, DR CONGO :

On the sidelines of the international day of peace celebrated Saturday, September 21 in the world, in Kananga several related activities were organized. . . In an interview with the editor of the interview.cd, Albert Ngalamulume said “Since we are in the citizen movement fighting for change during or after the atrocities of kamwina nsapu we never stop to launch the message of peace, carry out awareness campaigns, participate in various broadcasts of radio stations to call the people who had the weapons in their hands to lay them down and make peace.”

KINSHASA, DR CONGO :

The 38th edition of the International Day of Peace was celebrated on Saturday 21 September 2019 in Kinshasa by the United Nations. On this occasion, a march was organized, from the Place de la Gare, via the Boulevard du 30 Juin to finish at the Place des Evolves. Participating in this ceremony on behalf of the Government of the Republic, Raymond Tchedya Patay, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Congolese Abroad, sensitized all Congolese to plant a tree, a symbol of the fight against global warming and the improvement of climatic conditions. To this end, “the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development, in synergy with its partners, must carry out a series of actions in this area starting from the development of the national environmental program for forest, water and Biodiversity . . . Hence, Congolese and Congolese peace and environment efforts will make the DRC the green lung of the planet in order to preserve its ecosystems that allow it and the world to live in peace for a harmonious future. .

NYANGEZI, DR CONGO :

Nyangezi, as a member of International Cities of Peace, took part in the Global Feast for the International Day of Peace

SUD KIVU, DR CONGO :

The International Day of Peace is celebrated while a climate of insecurity is maintained by the presence of armed groups that sow terror and desolation in South Kivu and throughout the eastern part of the DRC. What is at the root of persistent insecurity in South Kivu? What are the internal actors? How to solve this situation? So many questions on the front page of Espace Citoyen this Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:15 on Mama Radio. To advance the debate, post your comment on the facebook page of the Radio.

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Question related to this article:

What has happened this year (2019) for the International Day of Peace?

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UVIRA, DR CONGO :

Uvira, as a member of International Cities of Peace, took part in the Global Feast for the International Day of Peace

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA :

The International Day of Peace was celebrated in Addis Ababa.

GABON :

As part of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, celebrated this year under the theme: “Climate Action, Action for Peace”, the National Coordination of the Panafrican Youth Network for the Culture of Peace (PAYNCoP GABON) took part last Friday, September 20th, in the plastic waste collection operation, organized by the United Nations system in Gabon.

GAMBIA :

Click on the link for a video about the celbration of the International Day of Peace in Gambia.

ACCRA, GHANA :

Speaking at the 2019 International Peace Day in Accra, the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Asante, said Ghana continues to be a beacon of peace in the West African sub-region as indicated in the latest global index released by the Economic and Peace Institute Ghana. The Country Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Silke Hollander . . . attested that Ghana had built up an effective peace architecture and that the UNDP was particularly proud to have been part of the journey which led to the formalisation and the strengthening of the National Peace Council and its Regional Peace Councils — which include the diverse religious bodies as well as traditional leaders playing a critical role in conflict prevention and resolution in the country. She pledged the UNDP’s continuous support to the Peace Council to maintain peace and social cohesion.

GUINEE :

Message from the Minister of Citizenship and National Unity on the International Day of Peace:. . . “In my capacity as Minister of Citizenship and National Unity, I would like to remind everyone that diversity of opinion, dialogue and consultation contribute to consolidation of democracy. They are the very essence of this, because they show the capacity of a country to debate the fundamental questions of the life of the state. The bottom line is that these divergences are expressed through legal channels and in a calm climate favoring the free expression of opinions. This requires on the part of all a responsible, patriotic attitude of calm and serenity.”

ELDORET, KENYA :

The Alternative to Violence Trust Kenya held nonviolence trainings to the youths in college and universities since these are the easily manipulated people to engage in violence when it comes to politics and even if they have issues in their institution

NAIROBI, KENYA :

The SOON Readers’ Club No.11243 plans to host peace day event and activities including educational activities and sports.

NAIROBI, KENYA :

On the International Day of Peace, +Peace, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, and Impact:Peace launched the Peace in Our Cities Campaign, with 11 mayors and local officials representing over 15.8 million people from Colombo, Sri Lanka; Nairobi municipality, Kenya; Cali, Colombia; Guadalajara, Mexico; Tripoli, Lebanon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Durban, South Africa; Escobedo, Mexico; Kumanovo, Macedonia; Kibera County, Nairobi, Kenya; and Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, pledging to work towards halving violence in their cities by 2030. The campaign calls on mayors, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to sign the pledge and join the growing movement to transform global violence.

KABERNET, KENYA

See photos celebrating the International Day of Peace @ Kabarnet Kenya International City of Peace.

LIBERIA :

A SHARED STATEMENT RELEASED BY CAMP FOR PEACE LIBERIA AND NETWORKS IN OBSERVANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, 21 SEPTEMBER 2019
Several civil society organizations including youths from communities, political parties, religious groups, media, people with disabilities have joined together to release this statement in commemoration of the International Day of Peace. . . .The statement calls on all Liberians, especially youths to recommit to collective action as a safeguard for Liberia’s peace and development. During the Liberian civil crisis, over 250,000 people lost their lives, and several thousand were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. The consequences of these actions were grieved. “We need to redouble our collective efforts to prevent violent conflict by addressing conflict through non-violence means. We need to redouble our collective efforts to respond to the crisis in ways that support peace and development. We resolve to respect each other and work collectively to sustain Liberia’s peace.”

BAMAKO, MALI :

The International Day of Peace was celebrated on 19 September in Bamako. . . The day of celebration in Bamako included an exchange session between MINUSMA staff and the population, a friendly football match between MINUSMA and local youth, and a reception followed by a cocktail party. The activities took place in the Kalaban-Coro Kouloubleni district, in the presence of the mayor of the commune, members of the Cri d’Espoir association, traditional and religious leaders, and representatives of civil society. The president of the partner association Cri d’Espoir sent the following message: “I thank all the Malians who are there. To the young people of Kalaban-coro: peace is in the head. The Mayor of Kalaban Coro Kouloubleni thanked the Cree d’Espoir Youth Association for their efforts . . .This event highlighted the vital place occupied by youth in the peace process in Mali.

PAMPLEMOUSSES, MAURITIUS :

The Council of Religions is commemorating the ‘International Day of Peace’ on 24 September 2019 at l’Aventure du Sucre, Pamplemousses from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. On this day, we will bid farewell to the Right Reverend Ian Ernest, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Mauritius and we will launch a booklet titled ‘3 Stages of Life’ a new publication from the Council. 

MAURITIUS :

The International Day of Peace will be celebrated this 21st of September by Global Peace Chain with a summit this Saturday that will highlight Mauritius as an example of peace. This summit will be animated by representatives of different organizations that fight for peace. Proposals and recommendations will then be sent to the United Nations. The different panels will discuss, among other things, the role of women and youth in the maintenance of peace.

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE:

This year, our Aga Khan Academy Maputo Grade 9 students (with Mr. Bernardo) collaborated to organise an assembly for the whole school, to help students define the meaning of peace across many different languages from around the world. During the assembly, students were asked what peace means to them. For some:
‘Peace is a day when there is no war, a day when everyone is united and together.’ 
‘Peace means love to me.’
‘Peace means love, it means stopping conflict and it means we should hope.’
‘Peace is when the country is calm.’
‘Peace for me is the answer to stopping destruction around the world.’
As well as this inspiring assembly, Grade 9 students also arranged several activities for PYP and MYP students, making pledges and gathering together to participate a peace picnic – during which many students made friends with people of different ages and enjoyed some delicious food of course!

NIAMEY, NIGER :

Niger has joined the international community to celebrate September 21st, the World Day of Peace. Under the theme: “climate action, action for peace”, the celebration of the World Day of Peace was rich activities including a tree planting session at the University Abdou Moumouni Niamey, a popular race in Stade Général Seyni Kountché, a conference debate, a football match, cultural events …, all organized by the High Authority for Peace Consolidation (HACP) supported by its partners including the Delegation of the European Union in Niger and the United Nations System in Niger. . . .Finally, to immortalize the commemoration of World Peace Day in style, a cultural evening was also organized on the same day, at the Omarou Ganda Cultural Center (CCOG) in Niamey. The cultural evening began at 9 pm with the performance of slam artists, the presentation of sketches, parades.
 
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA :

Faculty of Peace organisation will hold its annual World Peace Day Conference on Thursday the 19th of September, 2019 at Imaguero Secondary School Hall at Sapale Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria by 10:00am. The Theme for this year’s programme is “Corruption: Threat to National Peace and Development”

IBADAN, NIGERIA :

As a member of International Cities of Peace, Ibadan held a feast for the International Day of Peace.

KADUNA, NIGERIA :

The Standard Foundation School, Barnawa GRA, Kaduna marked this year’s Int’l Day for Peace. It was interactive and entertaining as students came to realize practicable actions they should take to mitigate climate change for peace of mind. We also joined voice in the climate strike by a minute silence of all activities in the school.

OGUME, NIGERIA :

Today the International cities of peace Ogume celebrated world peace day with special interfaith prayers held at Ogume town hall.

KUBWA, NIGERIA :

As a member of International Cities of Peace, Kubwa, held a feast for the International Day of Peace.

UYO, NIGERIA :

Peace Mindset Ambassadors will focus on reducing gender-based violence (domestic and sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls) in the home and in the society at large.

REUNION :

Dozens of people gathered on the Human Rights Square in Champ Fleuri, to celebrate the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2019. On this occasion, several political and associative personalities explained how peace in the world and among peoples is crucial for Humanity. . . .Among the organizations present were AID, the League of Human Rights, Europe Ecology the Greens, and among others, the Interreligious Dialogue Group. Julie Pontalba, president of the Mouvement Réunionnais Pour la Paix explained that “faced with the banalisation of violence and injustice, we tend to believe that it is immutable that there is nothing to do”. . . . Yet, she explained, “it is possible to act and especially it is “essential to make our voices heard, every moment, because the fight for peace is every day and together”. An analysis shared by Idriss Issop Banian, president of the Inter-Religious Dialogue Group.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA :

On the International Day of Peace, +Peace, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, and Impact:Peace launched the Peace in Our Cities Campaign, with 11 mayors and local officials representing over 15.8 million people from Colombo, Sri Lanka; Nairobi Municipality, Kenya; Cali, Colombia; Guadalajara, Mexico; Tripoli, Lebanon; Bangui, Central African Republic; Durban, South Africa; Escobedo, Mexico; Kumanovo, Macedonia; Kibera County, Nairobi, Kenya; and Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, pledging to work towards halving violence in their cities by 2030. The campaign calls on mayors, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to sign the pledge and join the growing movement to transform global violence.

Southern Africa :

The Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), a regional platform for youth and youth organizations in SADC countries, today joins the world in celebrating the United Nations International Day of Peace. This year’s theme, “Climate Action for Peace” comes at a time when SAYoF has just launched an initiative: “SADC Youth Negotiators Program on Climate Change”, as well as young people taking the lead in the region on the global climate strike, to campaign for climate justice. This year’s theme draws attention to the importance of the fight against climate change as a means to protect and promote lasting peace around the world. Climate change poses clear threats to international peace and security, and global climate emergencies pose a threat to security and stability. . . . It is in this context that as young people of SADC, we are committed to peace. On the basis of the horrible recent xenophobic events that have occurred in South Africa, we must work together for peace and unity. We must not miss the opportunity to achieve peace. Peace is necessary for the social or economic progress of our region. Peace also depends on the establishment of social and economic equality through a sound political system that faithfully serves the legitimate interests of all its citizens.
We therefore note that, on this day, young people are the engine of development and the peaceful existence of the region. In line with this year’s theme, SADC must engage youth in sustainable initiatives and as agents of change to mitigate climate change, reduce global warming, and play a leading role in raising awareness and building climate change. a lasting peace.

TANZANIA :

Click on the link for a video of celebration of International Day of Peace in Tanzania.

LOME, TOGO :

As part of the celebration of the 2019 edition of the World Day of Peace, about 2,300 obsolete weapons and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition were destroyed Saturday at the Lomé shooting fields. The operation took place in the presence of General Damehame Yark, Minister of Security and Civil Protection. The latter had with him, the Director of the United Nations Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), Mr. Anselme Yabouri and the Coordinator of the United Nations System in Togo, Mr. Damien Mama. “By making the decision to incinerate obsolete weapons that can always hurt, the government is translating its availability, willingness, commitment and determination to make peace the essential element of development,” he said.

TOGO

For the International Day of Peace in Togo, the company CAFE INFORMATIQUE decided to take the opportunity to celebrate Peace and the famous singer and craftsman of Peace, JIMI HOPE.. . . . History will remember that JIMI has always been a man committed to peace. And for proof, we can mention his great artistic project called “The Way of Peace”. It is a monumental fresco in the heart of the city of Lomé (Peace Dove Square). Finally, by dedicating a tribute day and a mega concert to this famous Togolese singer and defender of peace, CAFE INFORMATIQUE doubly marks the celebration of the International Day of Peace 2019.

MBARARA, UGANDA :

In the first 4 days of the peace week, Youth for Peace and Development Uganda, YOPEDU shall visit different schools and hold workshops on peace building attended by students’ leaders and school management. The grand finale will be a street match in Mbarara attended by student leaders and members of society.

CHITUNGWIZA, ZIMBABWE

The International Day of Peace will be celebrated by Zengeza 4 ward 14 peace builders.

ZIMBABWE :

 Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) will be commemorating this day through a sports tournament featuring eight community soccer teams and eight community netball teams. The participating community teams have been picked from various villages in Chipinge district. The sports tournament will be preceded by a march which is expected to denounce the sprawling of gender based violence cases in Chipinge district. The procession will be from Machona village via Chisumbanje village to the venue of the commemoration, which is Takwirira High School on the 28th of September 2019.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Biennale of Luanda: Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace 18-22 September

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An article from UNESCO

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, will open the 5-day Biennale of Luanda that will take place from 18 to 22 September in the capital of Angola, with the participation of representatives of governments, civil society and international organizations, as well as artists and scientists from the African continent and diaspora.


© UNESCO

The Director-General will take part in the opening of the Biennale alongside João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenco, President of Angola, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of Mali, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, and Denis Mukwege, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

The presidents of Republic of the Congo, and Namibia are also scheduled to attend the 1st edition of the Luanda Biennale, which will be organized around three main axes:

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(Click here for a French version of this article or here for a Spanish version of this article)

Question related to this article:

The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa?

Will UNESCO once again play a role in the culture of peace?

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Partners’ Forum, Alliance for Africa: Created by UNESCO last year, the Alliance mobilizes donors, public and private sector companies, regional and international organizations around sustainable development projects in Africa targeting a wide range of areas in UNESCO’s mandate including heritage preservation and support for free and pluralistic media.

Forum of Ideas – Youth and Women’s Forums: three platforms of reflection on the future of Africa, focusing on the dissemination of good practices and solutions for the prevention of crises, and the resolution and attenuation of conflicts;

Festival of Cultures: showcasing the cultural diversity of African countries and the African diaspora.

Born of a partnership between Angola, the African Union and UNESCO, the Forum is designed to promote the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts by facilitating cultural exchanges in Africa and the African diaspora, and connect organizations and actors working on this field throughout the Continent. It is to nurture reflection and facilitate the dissemination of artistic works, ideas and knowledge pertaining to the culture of peace. It is inspired by the 2006 Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.

During her visit to Angola, the Director-General of UNESCO will also sign a partnership agreement for the establishment of national doctoral programme in science, technology and innovation, aimed at training 160 doctoral candidates by 2020. The project is part of a wider partnership to strengthen Angola’s education, science, and cultural capacities.

More about the Forum: https://en.unesco.org/biennaleluanda2019

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, United Nations,

URI International Peacebuilding Network Joins with Worldwide Groups Calling for Peace 

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A press release from Globe News Wire

With tensions growing between people of different ethnicities and faiths across the planet, and humanitarians increasingly worried about healing the rifts, URI (United Religions Initiative) and likeminded organizations worldwide are coordinating efforts to lift up the International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) on September 21.



Children in Sri Lanka celebrate Peace Day with “Understanding Cultural and Religious Values,” a URI grassroots member group.

The worldwide URI community, which consists of more than 1,000 grassroots interfaith groups (called Cooperation Circles) working in 108 countries, celebrates Peace Day every September 21. This occasion was established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution which provided a shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences, and to contribute to building a worldwide culture of peace.

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Question(s) related to this article:

What has happened this year (2019) for the International Day of Peace?

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This year, the celebration is particularly significant: It is the 20th Anniversary of the UN Resolution on the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace – a resolution which is needed more strongly than ever in the current political climate. The 2019 Peace Day theme is also particularly timely: “Climate Action for Peace.” The theme draws attention to the importance of combatting climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world.

Throughout September 2019, URI Cooperation Circles around the world will celebrate peace with events such as school programs, community marches, film showings, interfaith meals, silence walks, shared prayers, candle lightings, musical performances, and more. You can see a sampling of last year’s URI’s Peace Day 2018 celebrations here.

The United Nations Peace Day celebrations will take place at the UN Headquarters on Friday, 20 September 2019, beginning at 9:00am in the Peace Garden. A student observance will follow, where about 700 high school and college students will interact with UN Messengers of Peace, including young people from the United Nations Mission in Kosovo participating via videoconference. URI invites you to take part as well via webtv.un.org.

From September 11 – 21, many URI Cooperation Circles will be celebrating 11 Days of Global Unity: 11 Days to Transform Your World. This is a worldwide platform for the promotion of peace, justice, sustainability and transformation. URI invites you to take part in any or all of these September events to bring more awareness to the need for unity in the world.

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Twenty Years of the Culture of Peace: On the Road to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

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An article from the International Peace Institute

On September 12th, IPI together with the Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation cohosted a policy forum entitled “Twenty Years of the Culture of Peace: On the Road to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”




video

In 1999 the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace (Resolution 53/243) calling for a transition from a culture of war to a culture of peace. Twenty years later, international actors and analysts are increasingly looking at what makes a society peaceful and how we can sustain it. The 1999 declaration identified political, economic, environmental, educational, and health-related components to the culture of peace, presaging the holistic approach agreed to in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

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This event served as a kick-off to the 20th-anniversary celebration of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. It allowed participants to reflect on and discuss the connections between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the culture of peace ahead of the forum. Speakers examined these linkages in order to advance the culture of peace at the multilateral level and, in turn, help to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

Opening remarks:

H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the UN General Assembly

Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Founder of the Global Movement for The Culture of Peace (GMCoP) and Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN

Speakers:

H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN

Ms. Jimena Leiva Roesch, Senior Fellow, International Peace Institute

Moderator:

Dr. Adam Lupel, Vice President, International Peace Insitute

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UN General Assembly celebrates 20 years of promoting a culture of peace

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An article from UN News

Just as the greatest global challenges cannot be solved by a single country, peace cannot be pursued in isolation, outgoing UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa said on Friday [September 13].

Ms. Espinosa was speaking at a high-level forum to mark the 20th anniversary of the General Assembly’s adoption of a Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

“Because peace is more than the absence of war, it needs constant nurturing through the pursuit of dignity and equality, of human rights and justice, of respect and understanding, and of cooperation and multilateralism”, she said.

As UN Chef de Cabinet Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti pointed out, although peace is at the heart of the work of the United Nations, it is something that must be addressed daily.

“A culture of peace is inseparable from human rights, respect for diversity, and fairer societies,” she said.

“One main challenge as we strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals is to build more preventive and inclusive approaches that ensure the participation of women, young people and vulnerable, marginalized and non-represented groups.”

The Chef de Cabinet said working to achieve peace not only covers traditional notions of security but also challenges such as social injustice, the normalization of hate speech, terrorism, violence against women, and conflict.

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Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

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Leymah Gbowee from Liberia knows many of these issues first-hand. She won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in uniting Christian and Muslim women to help end her country’s 14-year civil war.

She said peace is seen as the absence of bad, rather than the presence of good. However, instead of being “a fairytale of bland happiness”, she views it as quite radical.

“If we dig a little deeper into what a culture of peace actually looks like, it pushes us beyond understanding peace as the absence of conflict and being a positive state itself”, Ms. Gbowee told the gathering.

“A culture of peace creates an environment where people thrive and have their needs met. It looks like a population of satisfied people: healthy children, educated children, a functional health system, responsive justice structure, an empowered, recognized, appreciated and fully compensated community of women; food on the table of every home, and a lot more. It is the full expression of human dignity.”

The high-level commemorative event marked Ms. Espinosa’s final session presiding over the General Assembly, where all 193 Member States have equal representation.

In her goal to bring the UN’s main deliberative and policy-making organ closer to everyday people, she chose the traditional ruler of the Ashanti people of Ghana to deliver the keynote address: a historic first.

Representing a kingdom that has existed since the 17th century, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ascended the podium wearing kente cloth and accompanied by two praise-singers.

He highlighted some of the UN’s accomplishments in preserving global security: for example, staving off nuclear war and preventing conflict between nations. However, as he observed, the landscape today is different.

“Warfare is no longer the threat we face from states; it is now a danger we face on a daily basis from our citizens and from all quarters. This new threat comes on the heels of an unprecedented trust deficit in political leadership at the national level. The effect of this trust deficit is to erode the capacity of political leaders to rally their people to coalesce around national interests. The consequence for peace and security cannot be overstated”, he said.

The Ashanti leader called for a new partnership between elected authorities and traditional governance, in the spirit of authentic collaboration.

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Colombia: University students demand implementation of the peace agreement

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An article from Caracol (translation by CPNN)

Margarita Villota, a graduatee of the Universidad del Rosario, says that the resolution of any conflict should not be through the use of weapons, but through legality and political means. “Although it is unfortunate,” the formation of a group of dissidents that have once again threatened to take up arms was to be expected in Colombia, since it has occurred historically in other conflicts, such as in Northern Ireland, Guatemala or South Africa.

Villota points out that it is necessary to build a culture of peace in which citizens can raise their voice and express themselves freely. At the same time, she explains that,their collective rejects the retaking of arms by ex-leaders, as well as all actions outside the framework of legality.

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(Click here for the original Spanish version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

What is happening in Colombia, Is peace possible?

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David Gómez, who belongs to the group, explains that, in view of the dissidents, the agreement is not yet secured, and that is why it is necessary to defend everything agreed in the peace accords if we are to protect the victims and ensure the non-repetition of the war.

The group of the Universidad del Rosario, together with other universities such as Andes, Externado, Nacional and Tadeo, demands that the government guarantee and commit to the right to peace.

“The plan is to seek and support people who were part of the guerrillas, who believe in peace and who are in productive processes or pursuing programs in universities. These people show the country that the majority of the former guerrillas, those were previously in armed conflict, want peace today like the rest of Colombia,” explains Villota.

According to Iván Márquez and Jesús Santrich, Rosaristas Por la Paz considers it necessary for the citizens to appropriate the Peace Process and demand their constitutional right to peace.

David Gómez clarifies that, in recent days, students and graduates of different universities have hael actions, such as last Friday where they papered Bogotá asking for the war to stop, just as they are planning actions for the coming weeks.

The group was started by students and graduates of the Universidad del Rosario to promote the “Yes” in the campaign for the Plebiscite and, subsequently, with the loss of those votes, to develop actions so that an agreement will be reached.

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A Global Appeal to Save International Law

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An online petition at Global Appeal 4 Peace

“We, the undersigned, demand of our governments in their interactions with all nations – for the sake of world peace, international security and the peaceful co-existence of all peoples – to respect the principles of the United Nations Charter, and to follow and defend international law. We urge them to immediately join this initiative and help redirect the world toward an era of global stability and cooperation.”

To endorse this »Global Appeal to Save International Law« please use the E-mail form here to sign.
 
You can view the complete list of the signatories here: http://globalappeal4peace.net/signatories

[Editor’s note: CPNN has signed on to the following appeal and readers are encouraged to do the same]

Since 1945, the Charter of the United Nations has been the most important contract for relations between the nation-states of the world – the very foundation of international law. Today, however, international law and the structure of a rules-based order that the UN Charter defines are in grave danger.

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Question(s) related to this article:

What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?

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During the Cold War, international law faced many difficult challenges. Throughout that time, a whole series of destructive military conflicts could not be prevented, while in other cases, the UN was able to mediate or de-escalate them.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, there was widespread hope that peace and international law would prevail, but instead, the UN Charter was further disregarded.
 
From the beginning of the 21st century until today, with the dramatic increase of extrajudicial military interventions that clearly contradicted international law, the erosion of the UN Charter has accelerated and the basic principles of non-interference and non-aggression are now openly and brazenly ignored.

Due to this dangerous deterioration of the rule of law, on February 14, 2019, representatives of numerous UN member states gave a press conference at the UN led by the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza, stating that this is the moment to ratify, confirm and defend the peace and sovereignty of nations and the UN Charter.
 
Between July 20 and 21, 2019, Venezuela hosted the Ministerial Meeting of NAM, the Non-Aligned Movement. Founded in 1961 NAM is the second largest multilateral body in the world after the UN, and it is an organization of 120 member states that advocates the strengthening of international security and self-determination, while rejecting interference in the internal affairs of other countries. NAM ultimately adopted a declaration reaffirming the principles of the press conference at the UN led by the Venezuelan Foreign Minister Arreaza on February 14, 2019.
 
This declaration includes respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms for all, regardless of the race, sex, language or religion. The declaration not only applies to non-interference in Venezuela, but also to all other nations facing multiple threats, illegal sanctions and destabilization throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean.
 
This declaration particularly addresses the dangerous escalation of tensions, threats, trade wars and sanctions against Russia, China and Iran. We realize that the erosion of international law and multilateral systems will also undermine humanity’s efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change.
 

 

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Ashland, Oregon: Peace conference attracts UN ambassador

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An article from the Ashland Tidings

To honor the strides Ashland has made in the past year to cultivate a culture of peace, the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission is organizing a Global Peace Conference for the International Day of Peace, Saturday, Sept. 21. It’s also ACPC’s fourth anniversary.


Video about the conference

The conference will feature a variety of local, state, national and international speakers, including keynote speaker Anwarul Chowdhury, the former Under Secretary General and High Representative of the United Nations, and founder of the Global Movement of the Culture of Peace.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional time to network after at the Ashland Hills Hotel, 2525 Ashland St.

Advance tickets cost $55. After Sept. 1, tickets cost $75.

Proceeds from the event go to the continuation of ACPC’s work in the community, such as the winter shelter.

ACPC co-founders David Wick and Irene Kai said it’s a big deal to have Chowdhury in Ashland on the International Day of Peace. He was the inspiration for the event, they said.

The theme of the event is “You Are the Flame,” in honor of the first anniversary of the world peace flame in Ashland.

“The concept of that is to highlight the … culture of peace, which starts with our own personal commitment to foster peace,” Kai said. “If each of us commits to the wellbeing and compassion of others no matter what our influences are in life … then we are the flame. We can be a light to foster a culture of peace.”

“Even if one person is inspired, there’s no limit to what that person can do,” Kai said.

Other speakers will include Kai, Wick, former Ashland Middle School flame keeper Finley Taylor, Saul Arbess, director of the Canadian Peace Initiative and co-founder and director of the Global Alliance For Ministries and Infrastructure for Peace, and a Native American speaker to be chosen by the Tribal Council of Oregon.

Sen. Jeff Golden, Rep. Pam Marsh, Ashland City Councilor Rich Rosenthal, police Chief Tighe O’Meara, Ashland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandra Slattery, and Ashland School District Superintendent Kelly Raymond will make up a local panel.
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Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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Other community leaders, such as Dee Anne Everson, executive director of United Way of Jackson County, and Linda Schott, president of Southern Oregon University, will sit on a community panel.

“There’s a ceremonial part of this,” Kai said.

The event will open with a Native American song and end with “peace flame” candles for everyone in attendance to light while reciting the invocation together.

“The key point is that peace is not an idea, it is a practice,” Wick said. “Ashland is the only city that is highlighting the practical application of the culture of peace and how the leaders of our city, state and community are stepping up in engaging in doing that. It’s about commitment.”

Wick said Ashland is being recognized at the local, state, national and international levels, which could bring opportunities. In addition to garnering attention by the UN, the International Cities of Peace organization will highlight the events and work in Ashland, he said.

“This is going to have a major impact, and we have the key ambassador of the UN experiencing the work in Ashland firsthand,” Wick said. “This is a step of hope and unity, and bringing together and shining a light on what is good.”

He said city and state officials will have an opportunity to speak about their commitment to peace. They’ve also invited city leaders from other cities in the valley.

They expect from 200 to 500 attendees.

“We caught the attention of the UN ambassadors, because this hasn’t been done in the past — to capture the application of the culture of peace,” Kai said. “This is innovative, to gather all the leaders together in one room and to talk about and learn from each other about their commitment to foster the wellbeing of the entire city together. That is a big deal.”

She said their engagement with young people also struck a chord with the ambassadors. Select Ashland Middle School students tend the monument as “flame keepers,” making sure it always burns in its home across the street from AMS at the Thalden Pavilion.

“The next generation of children will become our leaders, and to inspire them to embody the concept of peace going forward, that is part of building long-term peace,” Kai said.

Kai brought the World Peace Flame to Ashland last September. It is the second in the nation. Kai has also helped Ashland’s sister city Guanajauato, Mexico, gain approval from the World Peace Flame Foundation to ignite its own monument. It will be the first Latin American city with a World Peace Flame and the first sister city flame holder.

“This is an example of people being proactive, of taking a step forward to shine a light on what is good,” Wick said. “Peace is a practice, and we can do it together as a choice.”

For more information, see www.ashlandcpc.org/copy-of-ashland-global-peace-confer.

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Colombia: Rigoberta Menchú asks the Government to strengthen the peace agreement

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An article from RCN Televisión (translation by CPNN)

Guatemalan peace nobel laureate Rigoberta Menchú has asked the government of President Iván Duque to strengthen the peace agreement, which was signed with the FARC guerrillas in November 2016.

“There must be much more investment in building a culture of peace, an education for peace,” said Menchu, who participates in Cartagena in the Women Economic Forum (WEF) that began on Thursday [August 1] and concludes on Saturday.


PHOTO: Rigoberta Menchur

Menchu ​​said that this is vital because “surely all common citizens recognize not only the historical importance of the peace agreement but also the importance of its implementation.”

In that sense, she stressed the importance that both former guerrillas and state actors “really have the guarantee of building a new perspective without war and with the possibility of a better life, that is, a decent life from the economic, political, social and cultural point of view. ”

The winner of the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 1998 also highlighted the need to make visible the achievements made in the implementation of the agreement because she believes that this is essential in order to “take stock”.

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(Click here for the original Spanish version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

What is happening in Colombia, Is peace possible?

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(Continued from left column)

“Humanity would like to see those achievements.”

Menchu ​​also referred to the murder of social leaders and former FARC guerrillas and said that as long as there is impunity “it is very difficult to achieve absolute respect for a peace process.”

“A tremendous effort must be made not only to enforce peace agreements but also to enforce criminal justice,” she said.

In Colombia at least 462 social leaders and human rights defenders were murdered between January 1, 2016 and February 28 of this year, according to data from the Ombudsman’s Office.

Likewise, a study by the NGO Institute for Peace and Development Studies (Indepaz) and the political movement Patriotic March maintains that more than 700 social leaders and 135 ex-combatants of the FARC have been killed since 2016, the year in which the peace agreement was signed.

In addition, the NGO Somos Defensores has reported that the murders of defenders increased almost 50% in 2018, and the crimes were not punished, since in three out of four cases the authorship of the crime was not even established.

Menchú recalled that in Guatemala after signing a peace agreement in December 1996 between the Government of the then President Álvaro Arzú and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit, “an enormous effort was made to persuade the courts to file complaints.”

“We were aware that the subsequent violence had to be prevented, persecution had to be prevented and many times the state security forces or the war actors themselves do it,” he said.

In a press conference prior to her speech at the Cartagena forum, Menchú also said that women should have specific courts to try crimes and aggressions suffered by women.

“We women should consider ourselves as powerful. If that becomes our way of thinking, it will strengthen the actions we do and our actions will be transformative,” concluded Menchu.

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The Americas are preparing for the second World March for Peace and Nonviolence

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from Pressenza (translation by CPNN)

North America

United States

A tribute to ML King was given in Helen Park. The core team will go through New York and San Francisco. A visit to the United Nations is planned for a possible reception by the Secretary General. The presentation of the documentary “The Beginning of the End of Nuclear Weapons”. Through the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, a line of work for collaboration and convergence was opened under the program 2030 of the United Nations. Contacts with the United Nations Secretary-General on the theme of the refoundation of the United Nations and possible macro-consultations on the subject at the March.

Canada

Canada participated in the march for Earth Day with the message “Non-violence is ecological: without war, there are no dirty weapons”. A press release is being prepared to request spaces for the invitation to organize activities for the passage of the march. On Saturday, 27/4 we attended the Spring of the Alternatives event to find contacts.

Mexico

The World March is invited to participate in the Nobel Peace Summit to be held in Merida on 17 and 23 September 2019. During the visit of the core team, there will be an event at the border with the United States and a tribute to the Treaty of Tlatelolco.

Central America

Guatemala

Alliances have been formed between individuals and organizations to strengthen the group of promoters. Among these, different sectors are represented: Civil society organizations, DiverArte, Organizations related to community communication, Student organizations, National University: students of the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, Municipalities: Municipality of Mixco

Honduras

Formation of the school 60 which will lead to the construction of the symbol of peace. It will be realized by the children of the schools located in the border zones of Honduras and Guatemala, at the reception of the March. The association of medical students of the National University UNAH and two private universities organizes the accompaniment of the March during its tour in Central America. The municipalities of Omoa and San Pedro Sula, decide to participate in the March with a massive mobilization of the population. Conducting three simultaneous conferences at San Pedro Sula Universities on topics related to world peace.

Cuba

Contacts are ongoing with some Cuban organizations.

El Salvador

Activities will be launched from Andrés Bello University. Probably in several cities of the country: San Salvador, San Miguel, Chalatenango, etc.

Costa Rica

We presented the campaign of the global plan of action for non-violence at educational centers 11 – 22, July. The teacher training plan begins the third week of July. Meetings with government authorities, the municipality of San José and organizations to propose activities on the theme of non-violence. Meetings every two weeks on Wednesdays at CAP from 5p.m. Celebration with artistic activities, human symbols of the International Day of Peace 21 / 9. Celebration of the day of non-violence 2/10 and departure of the March. Participation in the labor day march, distribution of flyers and transport of the March cover. Declaration of Cultural Interest of the March by the Government of Costa Rica. During the March, 27 and 28 in November are expected to participate in the International Forum on “The Role of the Armies in the 21st Century”. Activities with 1000 children on the esplanade of the Children’s Museum. Concert for peace in the park of democracy. Realization of human symbols at the passage of the March and some cultural reception events.

Panama

Last year, a forum was held at the Inter-American University. Between the end of September and the beginning of October 2019, we will organize a forum at a local university (location, date and time to be confirmed). As part of the second Global March for Peace and Non-Violence, we invite stakeholders to participate in the forum “Culture of Peace, Non-Violence, Respect for Children and Nature for a Better Panama” . They can, in this environment, share information they deem relevant on actions, contributions and projects in this regard.

South America

Colombia

In Bogotá: Work with the 40 schools that supported us during the South American march. We will hold workshops on active nonviolence, murals, drawings, flag raising, stories and writings, symbols of peace in the area and parades. The symbol of peace will be held in the Plaza de Bolívar, inviting 5000 people. Realization of a great concert for peace and non-violence. In Barrancabermeja: There will be a conference in Unipaz and SENA. A walk through the city to gather 2000 people. Contacts will be established with the human rights entities we worked with during March. We will close with a great symbol of peace at Kolibri Park. In Medellin: Carnival of culture, conferences in a university on peace and non-violence. Contact government entities responsible for human rights and related organizations. In other cities of Colombia: (Cali-Popayan-Pasto-Cartagena-Tunia-Cucuta-Bucaramanga-Ipiales-Armenia-Neiva). Peace marches and symbols will take place. Contact with schools. Discussions on non-violence in universities and institutes.

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(Click here for a French version of this article or here for a Spanish version.)

Question for this article:

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence: What is its history and its effects?

How can we be sure to get news about peace demonstrations?

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Ecuador

In Guayaquil, letters were sent to universities for forums. National schools that verbally communicated their interest were contacted. Contacts have also been established in other cities such as Manta, Ámbato and Quitó. In Guayaquil: Activities are planned at the University of Guayaquil and Casa Grande University. Inter youth sports club championship. Some colleges and the municipality of Guayaquil. On the cover: Activities are planned for the passage of the 2ª March in coordination with the Pan-American Round Table and the University of Manta.

Venezuela

Appointments every Sunday with personal development work and organization of the March. A diptych has been developed, institutions contacted. We were interviewed on the radio. And,the March was advertised in the Sao Paulo Forum through the women’s sector. We continue to contact people and institutions that support the March There will be forums with videos to advertise it.

Brasil

In Sao Paulo – SP: Meetings for the dissemination of the March and the formation of a group of volunteers to participate in the organization and dissemination of the March in Sao Paulo. Production of explanatory material on how to organize the symbols of peace and other global activities in schools and universities. In Cubatão – SP: Meeting with the director of education to create human symbols in schools in the region. In July, 22 met the directors of 75 to make human symbols in various schools in the towns of the Santos coast. Presentation of the March on July 23, this time to the directors and coordinators of the first years (1º to 5º degree). There was a very good positive energy, we encourage schools to achieve the symbol of peace at the launch of the World March, during the week of non-violence from 2 to October 4. Participation in the March for culture of peace to be held in August In Caucaia – SP: Presentation of the March to representatives of different religious groups of the city.  Participation in the March for the Culture of Peace, to be held in August by the Ministry of Sport and Culture of Cotia in collaboration with an interfaith commission. In Paraisópolis – MG: In August 29, we will have a meeting with all the schools of Paraisópolis to inform of the world March and propose activities. During the visit of the base team, an activity is planned with the children in the message room of the silo south of Minas Gerais. Em Salvador – BA: Trip to Bahia to broadcast the March, contact with Bom Fim Brothers in Salvador, Bahia, with the proposal to create a community of nonviolent resistance in the city. In Recife – PE: The meeting with the Ministry of Education of Jaboatão dos Guararapes took place in July 17. The 12th of August will be held as part of the training of the project on non-violence in schools with schools 30 of the metropolitan area of ​​Recife. In Curitiba – PR: We are planning a visit to the Lula Libre camp. We are trying to organize a base team visit to Lula to deliver the book of the South American March for Peace and Nonviolence.

Peru

Prevention and anti-violence workshops with prospective teachers and mothers in schools in Comas District, Lima. Prevention and fight against violence among school teachers in the district of Cañete. We have promoters in every city. We are coordinating to promote the activities at each point. We have a central location in Lima, provided by the University Ricardo Palma.

Bolivia

In La Paz: Activities focused on the printing and delivery of invitation letters to secondary and primary schools in the Sopocachi region of La Paz. Since July, workshops for teachers and students from the same region have started. In Cochabamba: Activities carried out at the University Mayor of San Simón during the peace march in South America to 2018. In Santa Cruz: The Silo Study Center began with the dissemination of World March activities . Beginning of dissemination activities in July.

Chile

We are starting organizational meetings with new people to fit into the activities. We are planning a tour of all regions of Chile to promote the formation of grassroots groups. They will rely on the production of materials of all kinds to cover the actions. The idea is to integrate people to continue the March in future editions. Also in Chile, we will strengthen support for the NPT (Nuclear Weapons Treaty). Progress has already been made with parliamentarians, we will now expand our action to municipalities. Contact in Chile with the Mexican environment Alicia Bárcenas (ECLAC) who has access to the UN and the governments of the region. The organizer of WOMAD offered to collaborate with the March in Chile for the realization of a mega symbol of peace. At the Latin American Humanist Forum of 11, 12 and 13 in May, the March for America was discussed at the Teatro del Puente. We will have a discussion of the network of teams for the March at the Americas level in July 27.

Argentina

There are promoters in the 8 provinces : Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán, Cordoba, Mendoza, Rio Negro (El Bolsón), Bueno Aires (Tigre and Mar del Plata) and recently in the CABA (autonomous city of Bs. will be two main events in the country: Recognition of the mothers and grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo as heroes of the nonviolent struggle. Tribute to Silo [Mario Luis Rodríguez Cobos] . In the process of organization In Buenos Aires: Dissemination activities in Parque Lezama, Buenos Aires Province and CABA. The rest is under development. In Cordoba: The team of promoters of the city was formed and organizational meetings were organized. The March has already been declared of educational interest by the province of Córdoba. The application for membership of other institutions to the municipality and the chamber of legislators was presented. The following have been programmed: Work in Schools, The Making of a Wall Campaign, The Screening of the Documentary “The End of Nuclear Weapons”, A musical musical festival among other actions. In Jujuy: A small action is planned for the delivery of the book of the South American March, to Miracle House. Draft to declare week 1 of October the week of non-violence of 2019. In Salta: The Community for the human development and members of the General Direction of the community organization of the municipality presented to the Human Rights Commission and the constitutional guarantees of the Council of deliberation the plan to declare the week 1 of October the week of the nonviolence of 2019 and the Place of the Peace and Non Violence is inaugurated. Make a calendar with activities (1 per month) of diffusion: Cinema debate on the beginning of the end of nuclear weapons, Marathon or bike ride, Human symbols, Closure with a cultural festival. In Mendoza: In July 19, there was a workshop meeting with social organizations adhering to the 2MM. At the 02 of October, there will be marches of Las Heras in Centro de Mendoza. Symbols of peace of the students of the school of Mendoza. In Punta de Vacas: Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the First March on 02/01/2020.

The Americas prepare for the world march

Despite economic, social and political difficulties, each in his own way should try to participate in the project. If this is the case, you can do this by facilitating contacts of individuals, personalities or NGOs in the above-mentioned countries or in other countries through this e-mail address. .

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Latin America, North America,