International Day of Peace 2017 focuses on support for refugees and migrants 

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. 

The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.” 

The theme honours the spirit of Together, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. Together unites the organisations of the United Nations System, the 193 Member States of the United Nations, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and individual citizens in a global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. It was initiated during the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on September 19, 2016. 

“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” He added: “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.” 

This year, the International Day of Peace will focus on engaging and mobilising people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants. Its messages will be shared with communities hosting refugees and migrants as well as people concerned that refugees and migrants may bring physical and economic insecurity to their lives. 

The Day will highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and showcase the shared benefits of migration to economies and nations, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns of host communities, says the United Nations. Ultimately, it will be about bringing people together and reminding them of their common humanity. 

Young people will have a vital role to play. For example, they can volunteer to welcome and help refugees and migrants in their communities. They can also extend the hand of friendship to young refugees and migrants who they might meet in their classrooms and neighbourhoods.

The next issue of the Crisis Response Journal (13:1) features an interview with Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace One Day, and discusses his work to establish the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence with a fixed calendar date.