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Together
let us demonstrate practical acts of peace
Silveira House
September 19,
2012
Friday, 21 September
marks the International Day of Peace. This year's commemoration
is under the global theme; 'Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable
Future'. The theme is well-timed as it links Peace to Sustainable
Development which is topical on the global agenda. The International
day of peace which has been held annually since its proclamation
by the UN in 1984 is a platform for nations, individuals and organisations
to perform practical acts of peace. It is encouraging to note that
the commemoration of this day in Zimbabwe comes against a backdrop
of motivational peace proclamations by both His Excellence the President
of Zimbabwe Cde Robert G. Mugabe and the Honourable Prime Minister
Richard Morgan Tsvangirai. As Silveira House we applaud the two
principals for rallying the nation for peace. We encourage the nation
to keep the momentum set by the two principals as we commemorate
this historically significant day. Silveira House Jesuit Social
Justice and Development Center calls upon;
- The nation
to be part of the Peace Day Movement through exercising simple
acts of peace such as, group or individual peace meditations,
participating in the minute of silence at noon on 21 September,
walks for peace, planting trees for peace, releasing peace balloons
and performing any other symbolic acts for peace.
- Individuals
to take it as a day of truce- personal or political, that is,
take it as an opportunity to make peace in relationships.
- Communities
to celebrate their efforts towards peace achieved throughout the
year
- Civil Society
Organisations to re-dedicate their commitment to work for a more
peaceful and just society.
- Religious
institutions to focus their message of the day on peace, and encourage
their members to observe the International Day of Peace by meditating
and praying for peace. The International Day of Peace is also
a good opportunity to reach out to other religious traditions
and come together for interfaith activities.
- Political
leadership to lead by example and call upon the citizens of Zimbabwe
to respect and tolerate each other regardless of political affiliation.
- Families
to inculcate a culture of peace to create lasting change on the
youthful members of the family. As future generations, there is
no better way to start than with children.
- Media to
propagate the message of peace to the whole nation.
- Schools
to organise sporting activities that emphasise teamwork, solidarity
and healthy competition.
- Members
of Parliament to organise peace activities in their respective
constituencies
We hope that
these initiatives will help build a culture of peace for all, not
only on this day, but in everyday of our lives. 'Better than a thousand
hollow words is one word that brings peace' (Unknown)
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