Letter to the public on International Peace Day: We are peace

“You fight for peace – not with weapons, but with integrity, perseverance, solidarity, and love.”
(Milica, Serbia, Letters on War and Peace)

This year, as part of the Living Peace campaign, the Peace Institute collected letters from 24 people who have experienced war. They come from Palestine, Ukraine, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Congo, Yemen, and other countries. In their writings, the authors recount the painful losses brought about by violence and emphasize the inestimable value of peace. On September 21, International Day of Peace, we summarize their thoughts, as they know best what it is like to live in war and how to build peace.

• Peace does not happen on its own. It requires hard work, striving for reconciliation and justice, and dialogue that includes all voices.
• Love and compassion are the foundation. Empathy and care for others create bonds that build communities.
• Solidarity connects. Peace is a collective process that grows out of justice, mutual support, and resistance to all forms of oppression.
• Equality brings security. Where women and minorities have equal rights and participate in decision-making, true peace can flourish.
• Knowledge is power. Accessible education, the promotion of non-violence, and respect for diversity ensure equal opportunities and lay the foundations for coexistence.
• Peace is the way forward. A culture of peace and non-violence leads to a safer and more just world.
• Dialogue builds bridges. It overcomes prejudice, nationalism, and isolationism, and brings us together.

None of the authors wrote that peace is ensured by armament, new weapons factories, or advertising the military in schools. On the contrary, their testimonies clearly show that the strength of a society is not measured by its weapons, but by its ability to build and maintain peace, by its economy, political reputation, science, art, justice, and social cohesion.

Therefore, let us say no to armament and war as a means of resolving political disputes. Let us say no to all forms of violence. Let us demand policies that give priority to diplomacy, cooperation, disarmament, and peaceful solutions. Let us demand that Slovenia and the European Union act in accordance with the principles of pacifism in both words and deeds.

We are peace.

We are grateful to the authors of the letters: Aber, Javanu, Juriju, Arleni, Abu Amri, Armandu, Divine, Anastasiji, Ayen, Mori, Jackie, Paymanu, Pacifique, Evi, Wafi, Emini, Nino, Lauri, Irene, Boru, Ebadu, Samar, Bave, and Milici.

Peace Institute