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Towards a Culture of Peace


The Peoples' Sacred Right to Peace

In this new century, we must start from the understanding that peace belongs not only to states or peoples, but to each and every member of those communities. The sovereignty of States must no longer be used as a shield for gross violations of human rights. Peace must be made real and tangible in the daily existence of every individual in need. Peace must be sought, above all, because it is the condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security.

2001 Nobel Peace Prize Lecture - Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan


In resolutions A/RES/57/216 of 27 February 2003, A/RES/60/163 of 2 March 2006, and A/RES/63/189 of 18 March 2009, the General Assembly solemnly declared “that the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace and that the preservation and promotion of peace constitutes a fundamental obligation of each State”. Furthermore, the General Assembly, in resolution A/RES/60/163 stressed “that peace is a vital requirement for the promotion and protection of all human rights for all”.

Report from the Experts Meeting organised by OHCHR at the United Nations in December 2009


January17-21, 2011: The drafting group presented  their Progress Report A/HRC/AC/6/CRP.3 on the  right of peoples to peace to the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. The Report was adopted unanimously.

January 2011 a (CSVGC) Working Group on a Culture of Peace was created by David Fernandez-Puyana (UNESCO Etxea) and Oliver Rizzi Carlson (UNOY) who is currently chairing this WG.

February 10, 2011: OHCHR held a public Consultation with the Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights, Ms Farida Shaheed. Statement on "Peace Traditions as Cultural Heritage"

March 2011: Oral statement presented to the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council on "Empowering Children to Transform Cultural Violence"

March 2011: Written statement presented by SSIHRL to the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council on The Human Right to Peace as a means to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief.

April 29 to May 3: David Fernandez-Puyana (UNESCO Etxea, AEDIDH) visits Japan to discuss the human right to peace.