DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL RECEIVES LETTER OF PEACE, SAYS HUMAN SECURITY IMPLIES MORE THAN MERE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT
Press Release
DSG/SM/27
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL RECEIVES "LETTER OF PEACE", SAYS HUMAN SECURITY IMPLIES MORE THAN MERE ABSENCE OF CONFLICT
19981029 Following are remarks made today in New York by Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette on receiving, from the Universitas Albertiana in Barcelona, the "Letter of Peace" addressed to the United Nations, which contains signatures, opinions and words of support on the subject of peace:We are nearing the end of a tumultuous century, which has seen both the best and worst of human endeavour. Peace spreads in one region, while genocidal fury rages in another. Unprecedented wealth coexists with terrible deprivation. Globalization knits us closer together, while intolerance keeps us apart.
The mandate of the United Nations -- "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war", in the memorable words of the Charter -- remains as valid and relevant today as when it was adopted in 1945.
For the United Nations, there remains no higher goal, no deeper commitment and no greater ambition than preventing armed conflict. The world has changed greatly in half a century, but the abolition of war remains as daunting and complex a challenge as ever.
We have come to realize that inter-state diplomacy is not enough. We need to act at a deeper level for the prevention of violent conflicts before they arise, and to rebuild peace on solid foundations after the guns fall silent.
We need, in short, a culture of peace, which can only be developed at the level of civil society. That is why we value so highly the contribution of groups and organizations like yours, which are working to define the essential elements of a peaceful culture, and to spread awareness of them ever more widely.
Today, human security is increasingly understood not just in military terms. It implies far more than the mere absence of conflict.
It must encompass economic development, social justice, environmental protection, democratization, disarmament, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
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Moreover, these pillars of peace are interrelated: progress in one area can lead to progress in another. And peace must be sought not only between nations, but between people as well.
Comme vient de le rappeler Monsieur Vinas, l'Assemblée générale a déclaré l'an 2000 Année internationale de la culture de la paix.
En collaboration avec l'UNESCO, nous avons présenté à l'Assemblée des projets d'activités à mener aux niveaux international, national et régional en vue de s'attaquer aux causes profondes de la violence et de poser les fondements d'une paix durable. Vous pouvez nous aider à mettre en oeuvre ces propositions et à les enrichir.
Je vous exhorte à persévérer dans vos efforts et, surtout, à les concentrer sur des projets concrets en faveur de collectivités défavorisées ou divisées, là où le risque de conflit est le plus grand.
Au nom de l'Organisation, j'ai le plaisir et l'honneur d'accepter ces tomes que vous m'offrez; ils témoignent de l'impressionnant travail que vous avez déjà accompli.
Je vous remercie du fond du coeur pour votre zèle et votre foi dans l'Organisation des Nations Unies, qui sont pour nous tous une immense source d'encouragement.
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