International Day of Non-Violence
According to United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October ; The observance of the day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".
FORUM: International Day of Non-Violence 2020 " Say no to Violence."
While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war. One key tenet of the theory of non-violence is that the power of rulers depends on the consent of the population, and non-violence therefore seeks to undermine such power through withdrawal of the consent and cooperation of the populace.
Statement by the United Nations Secretary General on International Day of Non-Violence 2020; October 2nd.
In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this International Day highlights the remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest. It also a timely reminder to strive to uphold values that Gandhi lived by: the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all, and communities living together in peace.
On this year’s observance, we have a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: COVID-19. There is only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself.
As the pandemic took hold, I called for a global ceasefire.
Today we need a new push by the international community to make this a reality by the end of this year.
Cease-fires would ease immense suffering, help to lower the risk of famine, and create space for negotiations towards peace.
Deep mistrust stands in the way. Yet I see reasons for hope. In some places, we see a standstill in the violence.
A great many Member States, religious leaders, civil society networks and others back my call.
Now is the time to intensify our efforts.
Let us be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter.
CAMPAIGN: Promote Non violent actions! #KindnessMatters.
The #KindnessMatters campaign was launched on the International Day of Non-Violence in 2018 and has thus 7300 people from 120 countries have shared their acts of kindness! As the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic continues to challenge the way we work, travel and socialise, let us not forget to #BeKind and recognise that this is a call for humanity to unite.
There are three main categories of non-violence action:
protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
non-cooperation; and
non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.
The U.N. Secretary General is reiterating the Call for Global Ceasefire.
While non-violence is frequently used as a synonym for pacifism, since the mid-twentieth century the term non-violence has been adopted by many movements for social change which do not focus on opposition to war.