For Your Information (FYI)

International Day of Peace observance
FYI 06-03

In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly fixed the observance of International Day of Peace (IDP) on 21 September, as a day of non-violence and ceasefire. Communities, groups and individuals around the world are encouraged to take that initiative to promote justice and peace to the public.

In the previous years, efforts were made by the Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation Commission – Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (JPICC-AMRSP) to raise public awareness of 21 September as International Day of Peace and remembering peace advocates, achievements and contributions made by all Peace-builders. This year, the program aims to:

  1. celebrate a day of Peace based on Justice in response to the situations of injustices in the contemporary Philippines, especially to highlight the present political and economic crisis in the country and how we can work together to overcome these; and

  2. continue initiatives and solidarity with international bodies/groups in promoting peace efforts especially against the rationalization or was as necessary in the dynamics of the modern world.

Lecture series, peace match, cultural program and other activities are organized by JPICC-AMRSP and its partners. For the details of the programs, please refer to the documents ( 1 , 2 )or contact the JPICC Secretariat office at <jpicc_amrsp@yahoo.com> or (63) 2-436 2561.

We appreciate this good initiative which focuses on empowering people of different faith beliefs, socio-political ideologies and cultural background through recognition and reflection of the sources of injustices in their country and overcoming it through “collective action”. This year’s program is also a reminder that peace is not limited to non-violence and ceasefire in conflict situations, but it is closely related to the daily struggles against injustices.

Other related materials are also shared through the internet. For more information and to communicate your thoughts and activities in observance to IDP 2006, please go to the following website for reference:

United Nations website
http://www.un.org/events/peaceday/2006/index.shtml

InternationalDayofPeace.org
www.internationaldayofpeace.org

International Day of Peace Vigil
http://www.idpvigil.com/

World Council of Churches – Decade to Overcome Violence
www.overcomingviolence.org