Peace: Path and Destination in a World in Conflict
According to the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) the world stands at a crossroads. The number of countries involved in conflict has reached its highest point since World War II. These conflicts have a devastating impact on the global economy. The GPI estimates that the economic impact of violence reached $19.1 trillion in 2023, representing 13.5% of global GDP. Furthermore, these conflicts exacerbate the conditions of the most vulnerable populations. Currently, 110 million people are refugees or internally displaced due to violent conflict, and 16 countries host more than half a million refugees.
In this context, the commemoration of the International Day of Peace on 21 September takes on special relevance. This initiative, promoted by the UN General Assembly, highlights the promotion of peace as one of the fundamental objectives of the UN Charter. The date was established by General Assembly Resolution 36/67 of 30 November 1981, and in 2001, the date was redefined as a day dedicated to the cessation of violence and ceasefire in conflicts. In this regard, the 2024 campaign focuses on cultivating a culture of peace.
Peace is not only a destination but also a path to achieving development and respect for human rights. Without peace, fundamental rights cannot be guaranteed or fully enjoyed. Peace it is not just about the absence of war and direct violence (negative peace) but also involves the presence of social justice (positive peace).
The concept of peace has been the subject of numerous debates and has not always been interpreted in the same way. Nevertheless, it remains a priority for the United Nations, states and international organizations. In this sense, peace as a right has been addressed in various international normative frameworks. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 laid the groundwork for recognizing peace as a right, specific declarations on the subject emerged years later. Thus, the Declaration on the Preparation of Societies for Life in Peace (1978) mentions the inherent right to live in peace and the Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace (1984) defines it as a sacred right. More recently, the Millennium Declaration (2000) and the Declaration on the Right to Peace (2016) have reaffirmed the importance of peace as a prerequisite for the enjoyment of human rights.
Given this context, three key questions arise: is there a single concept of peace?; who are the subjects involved in this right?; and how can it be effectively implemented?
The answer to the first question appears to be negative. Peace should not be understood in a homogeneous manner but contextualized to the place and culture in which it is interpreted. Peace is defined according to the historical, philosophical, economic, religious and social values of each community. Therefore, there is no universal definition of peace. This pluralistic approach is advantageous because it stimulates dialogue, allows adaptation to different contexts and facilitates the inclusion of multiple perspectives in conflict resolution.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to establish a global normative framework that defines peace in its broadest and most general sense. This common understanding “constitutes a universal aspiration and necessity”.
Regarding the second question, peace is an individual and collective right that involves a variety of subjects: individuals, peoples, humanity, states, international organizations, and there are those, such as indigenous peoples, who include territories and nature as subjects of rights. Territories and nature should also be protected as they are often the first victims of armed conflicts. In this regard, High Commissioner Volker Türk noted: “The far-reaching impact of war and conflict on the environment is also undeniable. Burning of land, chemical contamination of air, water and soil, destruction of civilian infrastructure, even the risk of nuclear catastrophe. This comes on top of some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today — climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”.
According to the third question, the effective implementation of this right faces various obstacles such as economic, social and political interests, as well as the lack of resources of some states. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to:
– Contextualize conflicts: each conflict reflects a unique reality, with specific structural causes. It is crucial to recognize these particularities, respecting the culture and traditions of the affected territory.
– Educate for peace: education is key to promoting this right. It should not be limited to the transmission of knowledge but should encourage a real transformation of attitudes and behaviour.
– Promote individual responsibility: peace does not only depend on state obligations. Each person plays a decisive role in its promotion and development.
– Participation of all sectors of society: In conflict and post-conflict contexts, those historically marginalized should be heard. Women, for example, must fully participate in decisions on peacekeeping and peacebuilding (Security Council Resolution 1325) …for the achievement of just and peaceful societies. Likewise, the participation of indigenous peoples in negotiation processes is crucial for the success and legitimacy of peace agreements, as magistrate Belkis Izquierdo Torres asserts.
In conclusion, peace is a dynamic and plural concept that requires the participation of all sectors of society, as it faces challenges that can only be overcome through a collective, conscious and interdisciplinary effort.
Mariana Larrosa, collaborator of FIBGAR
21 September 2024
