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International Day of Peace Vigil
August 30 2002

Last year, the United Nations unanimously passed a resolution designating September 21of each year as an "International Day of Peace". The intention of the resolution is to have the entire world observe a full day of "global ceasefire and nonviolence". All peoples and organizations are invited to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner.

As one way of observing the Day, many peace based NGOs and individuals representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions, are advocating an "International Day of Peace Vigil" with the following objective:

"To encourage the observation of a worldwide, 24-hour vigil for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September 2002 in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world."

This global 24-hour Vigil is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual observations in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict. These worldwide spiritual vigils will also help raise public awareness of the International Day of Peace and can directly support the establishment of a global ceasefire.

Your personal support of this idea by participating and promulgating the Vigil among religious and peace-based groups in your community is highly encouraged. You may register your commitment to participate in the Vigil on the International Day of Peace Vigil website at: www.idpvigil.com, or mail it to: International Day of Peace Vigil, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 575, New York, NY 10017. Indicate the name of the individual or group participating, a contact person and the number of people participating in the Vigil. Commitments will be posted on the website.

Your participation in this worthwhile effort is most appreciated. Please assist by passing this on to other individuals and groups that might be interested in participating in the Vigil.

Find below the Resolution passed by the General Assembly on International Day of Peace, as well as frequently asked questions about vigils.

Sincerely,

Adam Hinds

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Resolution adopted by the General Assembly

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/55/L.95 and Add.1)] 55/282. International Day of Peace

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 36/67 of 30 November 1981, by which it declared that the third Tuesday of September, the opening day of the regular sessions of the General Assembly, shall be officially proclaimed and observed as International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples, Recalling also its other relevant resolutions, including resolution 55/14 of 3 November 2000, Reaffirming the contribution that the observance and celebration of the International Day of Peace makes in strengthening the ideals of peace and alleviating tensions and causes of conflict, Considering the unique opportunity it offers for a cessation of violence and conflict throughout the world, and the related importance of achieving the broadest possible awareness and observance of the International Day of Peace among the global community, Desiring to draw attention to the objectives of the International Day of Peace, and therefore to fix a date for its observance each year that is separate from the opening day of the regular sessions of the General Assembly,

1. Decides that, with effect from the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly, the International Day of Peace shall be observed on 21 September each year, with this date to be brought to the attention of all people for the celebration and observance of peace;

2. Declares that the International Day of Peace shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day;

3. Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals to commemorate, in an appropriate manner, the International Day of Peace, including through education and public awareness, and to cooperate with the United Nations in the establishment of the global ceasefire. 111th plenary meeting

7 September 2001

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a "Vigil"? A Vigil is a period of "watch" or "wakefulness." In the context of the International Day of Peace Vigil, it could be done in the form of prayer, meditation or other form of spiritual observance with an objective on peace awareness. It could also be a commitment to peaceful thoughts and acts of kindness and love throughout the day.

Why a "24-hour vigil"? The Vigil corresponds with The United Nations resolution that calls for entire day of global cease-fire and non-violence and invites "all nations and peoples to honour the cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Day". A global day-long Vigil focused on peace would be a powerful force in promoting the cessation of violence and creating a more peaceful state among peoples.

What is the meaning of "peace" in the context of the Vigil? The International Day of Peace has a very tangible goal of a day-long period and global cease-fire. The cessation of conflict for that day is one form of peace. The resolution also states, however, that the day should be focused on strengthening the ideals of peace and alleviating tensions and causes of conflict among peoples and governments. In its broader sense, it is more than just alleviating violence, peace is an internal state of concord and tranquility.

How can my group participate in the Vigil? Groups are asked to participate by focusing the group's awareness on the cessation of violent conflict throughout the world and in promoting peaceful behaviour for the entire 24 hour period on 21 September 2002. The group may wish to observe the Vigil by designating different individuals at different times to pray, meditate or otherwise celebrate the day in that group's house of worship or other suitable places.

How could I, as an individual, participate? An individual could participate in many different ways. She/he might perform a day-long prayer, meditation or fast. One might also complete his/her daily Vigil by keeping an awareness of peace in all daily activities and by striving to think peaceful and loving thoughts throughout the day.

Can I still participate if I cannot commit to a 24-hour period? Yes. Not everyone will be able to commit to a 24-hour duration. Do whatever you can while keeping the goals of the Vigil in mind.

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