The Australian Greens today introduced a motion in the Senate calling on the Government to recognise International Day of Peace on 21 September.
"In 2001 a global fixed date for cease fire and non-violence was set at 21 September by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/282," said Senator Scott Ludlam.
"Australia agreed to this UN resolution back in 2001, but since that date, has not done anything to bring about a ceasefire on the International Day of Peace."
"The tragic announcement today that another nine Australian soldiers have been injured in Afghanistan shows that it is not military action that will bring peace to these regions, but mediation, negotiation and global co-operation."
"The success of this day is dependent upon two things: support from governments and support from the people. The Greens are calling on the Government to formally recognise International Day of Peace, and to put in place a worldwide ceasefire for our Australian troops in Iraq, East Timor, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Egypt, Sudan and other conflict zones across the globe," he said.
"A worldwide ceasefire would have a huge impact for people affected by war. Families can be reunited, mediators can work towards a wider truce, relief workers can step in with much needed services and goods, and people are spared the daily burden of fear for their own lives and the lives of each other," said Senator Ludlam.
"Most importantly, a global ceasefire will send a message to other nation-states that Australia is a peaceful nation, focussed on working towards a better world. This is an opportunity for Kevin Rudd to stand up and make a change to Australia's attitude to peace and non-violence in a global context."
"Australia should be actively involved in giving people in war zones time to look beyond the barricades to see the alternative path," he concluded.
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