International Day of Living Together in Peace

Dignitaries release doves as a symbol of peace [image: UN]

On May 16th the world observed International Day of Living together in Peace as declared by the United Nations (UN) General-Assembly. In making this declaration, the UN hoped to encourage citizens of the world to treat each other with love, consideration and acceptance so as to live in peace and unity.

The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

This would be accomplished through reconciliation and co-operation between each country and its communities, religious leaders, and other relevant characters.

Currently many countries are experiencing war. World Atlas listed 15 of the world’s most war-torn countries, and 53% of them were African countries. A third of the countries are Middle-Eastern.

[image: World Atlas]
A study compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace highlighted the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world.

The top 4 most peaceful countries in the world:
1. Iceland
2. New Zealand
3. Austria
4. Portugal

Iceland has held the number 1 spot for 10 years due to it having almost no crime, no military, very few armed officers, amazing gun laws, universal health care and education, and the social class system is pretty much non-existent. On top of everything else, it is the 4th happiest country in the world based on life expectancy, freedom and generosity.

[image: WhatsOn.is]
In second place we have New Zealand, which has been in the top 4 for 10 years. Despite the recent mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, the crime rate and community issues in New Zealand are low. Also the country is tied with Denmark in terms of being the least corrupt country in the world.

Maori greeting [image: vincequek.com]
Then we have Austria which has been in the top 4 since for five years now. This country has high income, housing, and employment rates, and a low crime rate. The Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution has monitored and encouraged peace in Austria since 1982 and it has continued to promote peace education.  

[image: Jackrabbit Mobile]
Portugal is in fourth place with a low crime and terrorism rate, and the unemployment rate has improved over the years. Portugal also boasts low cost of living and it’s been said that it is one of most affordable destinations in Europe. Additionally, it was rated the friendliest country in the world.

[image: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association]
These top 4 are followed by:
5. Denmark
6. Canada
7. Czech Republic
8. Singapore
9. Japan
10. Ireland

Two African countries made it into the top 30 most peaceful countries in the world. In 20th place is Mauritius. Though the rating for safety and corruption in the country are concerning, Mauritius has had no conflicts with its neighbours and took first place as the most peaceful place in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Botswana follows in second place in this category, but ranks 29th in the world.

 

 

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