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The International Day of Neutrality is observed every year on December 12th. This prominent day highlights the importance of remaining non-aligned, neutral, and impartial in conflicts to promote peace and international cooperation among countries. After all, neutrality is not merely a state of mind but also a conscious and thoughtful decision to strive for cooperation and harmony. Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
| Name of the day | International Day of Neutrality |
| Observed on | December 12th |
| Aim | It brings forward the importance of remaining non-aligned in conflicts and the promotion of peace. |
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History of International Day of Neutrality
Here is a gist of the history of the International Day of Neutrality:
- On February 2, 2017, the UN General Assembly declared December 12th as the International Day of Neutrality.
- Resolution 71/275 was introduced by Turkmenistan which has been recognized as a permanently neutral state since December 1995.
- Interestingly, this resolution also highlights the peculiar link between the development of peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- In the world of law, the term neutrality refers to the state of abstention which requires a country to refrain from taking sides or being impartial.
Why do we Celebrate the International Day of Neutrality?
Let us now move on to why we observe this day with such great enthusiasm:
- The UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly were quick to realize the importance of the International Day of Neutrality.
- This day underscores the essential role of the timely application of preventive measures and the promotion of peace among the countries of this world.
- Moreover, it spreads awareness about the advantages of the policy of neutrality such as global peace and mutually beneficial relations between countries.
- It is also among the most effective strategies to ease international tensions before they result in conflicts.
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Significance of International Day of Neutrality
The International Day of Neutrality reminds us of the importance of neutrality which ensures global peace and security. Moreover, it also fosters the feeling of cordiality and friendship between multiple nations which altogether makes this world a better place for citizens around the world.
At the forefront of international conflicts, it is NGOs and neutral countries that handle the situation in the best manner possible. Additionally, the day also urges people to uphold the ideologies of self-determination, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of any state.
What is the Theme of International Day of Neutrality 2022?
The International Day of Neutrality theme for 2023 has not been released yet from official sources. Similarly, there was no official theme for the year 2022. Regardless of that, the United Nations prioritized Preventive diplomacy which means to opt for diplomatic action and prevent disputes from escalating. Accordingly, many people around the world considered it the theme for 2022.
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Quotes
If you are looking for something inspirational that reflects the essence of neutrality, here are a few quotes for you.
Neutrality, as a lasting principle, is an evidence of weakness.
Lajos Kossuth
Neutrality is a negative word. It does not express what America ought to feel. We are not trying to keep out of trouble; we are trying to preserve the foundations on which peace may be rebuilt.
Woodrow Wilson
Unless your government is respectable, foreigners will invade your rights; and to maintain tranquillity, it must be respectable – even to observe neutrality, you must have a strong government.
Alexander Hamilton
The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.
Dante Alighieri
Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.
Paulo Freire
What I used to say to people, when I was much more engagé myself, is that you can’t be apolitical. It will come and get you. It’s not that you shouldn’t be neutral. It’s that you won’t be able to stay neutral.
Christopher Hitchens
The world would be a better place to live in if only each individual’s thinking and actions were not subject to any political or religious ideologies.
― Amit Abraham
FAQ
The International Day of Neutrality is observed globally every year on December 12. It promotes the concepts of neutrality to foster peace and harmony in international relations.
In simple words, the concept of neutrality means that the state is refraining from taking sides during a war between other states. In this way, it aims to maintain impartiality and prevent the matter from escalating.
Neutrality is a broad concept that covers different aspects of our lives. Nonetheless, it is primarily used to refer to countries that maintain an alienated and unbiased state during a war between different states. A popular example is Sweden which has been following the tradition of neutrality since 1814.
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