By Jessica Reed
Today is the 25th UN Peace Day. The day was originally established to coincide with the UN's opening session every September; it is supposed to be a day of non-violence and ceasefire. Unfortunately it seems that the British public feel the world is more violent that it was 50 years ago. According to a survey conducted by the peacebuilding organisation International Alert,
- 74% believe the world to be more violent
- 65% were concerned about conflicts in other countries
- 70% felt that "religious differences" was the most common reason for war and
- 63% that the situation would decline further in the next fifty years.
Of course it all sounds rather gloomy - but is it true, or are we just misled to believe that the so-called War on Terror is nourrishing a wave of terrorist actions that are the most threatenning in decades? Last year the first annual Human Security Report found that violent conflicts around the world were declining (openDemocracy article).
The number of armed conflicts has decreased by more than 40%, and the number of major conflicts (which it defines as resulting in 1,000 or more "battle-deaths") has declined by 80%.
The paradox between what is being perceived by the public and what actually happens worldwide is, after all, good news: peacebuilding efforts have been growing into more solid, sustainable ones over the years. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend at openDemocracy not too long ago: at the end of the"9/11: looking back and forward" event, both the audience and the pannelists were asked to raise their hands if they believed the world was growing to be a more dangerous place to live in. Many said yes. When the opposite was asked, my friend said he felt quite happy (and relieved!) to see Peace and Security specialists (such as Paul Rogers) raising their hands in favour of more optimism. I totally understood him, I am sure we could all use some positivity.
Elsewhere: Peace one Day: what will you do? + Peace Day Bloggers on the BBC
