International Day of Neutrality

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2023 Date12 December 2023
2024 Date12 December 2024

International Day of Neutrality

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The International Day of Neutrality is an annual observation dedicated to promoting the principles of neutrality, peace and non-alignment. It underscores the importance of maintaining peaceful relations, irrespective of political alignments, conflicts, or differences in opinions. These notions are crucial, as they promote peaceful coexistence, foster mutual understanding, and encourage respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Introduced by the United Nations in 2017, the International Day of Neutrality was first championed by Turkmenistan, a country that's been officially neutral since 1995. Spanning outward from its point of origin, the observance of neutrality finds its practical impact extending to many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. For Britons, neutrality is seen within the context of international diplomacy and conflict resolution. The UK, as a member of the United Nations, upholds and promotes principles of neutrality, particularly through peacekeeping missions and advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Observing the International Day of Neutrality in the UK typically entails promoting dialogue based on mutual respect, non-interference and peaceful coexistence. This engenders an environment conducive for productive international relations. As a signatory to the United Nations Charter, the UK recognises the importance of promoting and observing the principles of neutrality, abstaining from taking sides in disputes or conflicts outside its borders. The observance takes place on the same day worldwide, December 12th, following the United Nations General Assembly's formal recognition of the principle of neutrality.

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Facts about International Day of Neutrality

  • The U.N’s policy of neutrality is based on their tools of preventive diplomacy. According to the U.N, preventive diplomacy includes: early warning and prevention of conflict, mediation, good offices, fact-finding missions, negotiation, the use of special envoys, informal consultations, peacebuilding and targeted development activities.
  • Neutrality is defined by the U.N as, the legal status arising from the abstention of a state from all participation in a war between other states, the maintenance of an attitude of impartiality toward the belligerents, and the recognition by the belligerents of this abstention and impartiality.
  • History has its share of violating the international neutrality pact. For example, during World War II, Belgium's neutrality was violated when it was invaded by Germany.
  • The UK is part of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing network with the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance is committed to exchanging information on matters of national security.
  • The UK's closest period to neutrality was the permanent neutrality policy during the 19th century. This stance focused on maintaining a balance of power in Europe and preventing any one country from becoming dominant.

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

  • As of 2020, the U.N has 13 ongoing peacekeeping operations in countries like Mali and India. Learn more about the U.N’s peacekeeping strategies and how you can help maintain neutrality at What Is Peacekeeping?
  • Explore a historical timeline to learn more about the U.N's record of peacekeeping. Learn more at Timeline of UN Peacekeeping.
  • Take this opportunity to write letters or emails to your local MPs, representatives, or government officials. Express your support for the promotion of neutrality in international relations and encourage them to consider diplomatic approaches in conflicts.
  • Explore and donate to international organizations that contribute to peacekeeping, conflict resolution, or humanitarian efforts.

References and related sites

UN: Neutrality Day

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