A/HRC/29/45
66.
Several delegations proposed adding specific language that referred to such notions
as friendship and cooperation, the security of citizens, social justice and democracy, and
moderation and tolerance. An alternative text for article 1 was also proposed, reflecting the
fact that peace resulted from a systematic process, and drawing on language from the
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
67.
Extensive discussions were held on new proposals to include elements relating to the
creation and promotion of peace zones as a means to ensure the enjoyment of the right to
peace; the development of peace education programmes; and the removal of obstacles to
peace, such as unilateral coercive measures. A number of delegations felt that the concept
of peace zones was insufficiently defined to be included in a United Nations declaration,
and they also objected to the reference to the right to peace in the proposed article.
Reference to peace education programmes received support from several delegations, while
others considered the wording to be too prescriptive. Suggestions were made to either move
the reference to the preamble or to list it as an example of possible actions by States in
implementing the declaration in article 3. The suggestion to add comprehensive history
education based on truth was also considered.
68.
Participating non-governmental organizations, which were given an opportunity to
make statements during the first reading of the revised text, pointed out the relevance of the
afore-mentioned proposals, and one organization stated that States should be encouraged to
report on how they contributed to the process towards establishing peace.
D.
Article 3
69.
Before opening the discussion on article 3, the Chairperson-Rapporteur explained
that the article referred to the actors responsible for implementing the declaration and for
providing assistance.
70.
Some felt that the article should principally be directed to the United Nations and its
specialized agencies, which should be encouraged to work together to achieve the goals of
the declaration, and not include a list of other actors. Some delegations also expressed a
preference for having a short and concise text, and provided concrete language to
streamline the wording. Others supported the explicit inclusion of civil society. It was also
suggested that States be included among the actors.
71.
Participating non-governmental organizations, which were given an opportunity to
comment during the first reading of the revised text, stressed the importance of including all
actors in the promotion of peace.
E.
Article 4
72.
A number of delegations expressed concern at the list of instruments mentioned in
article 4 of the revised text as a reference to guarantee a human rights approach to the
declaration. Some felt that it brought legally binding texts and soft law to the same level,
while others pointed out that the ratification status of the various instruments under the
legal system of each State should not interfere with the interpretation of the text of the
declaration. Some delegations proposed the deletion of the reference to regional
instruments, while others preferred to maintain it. New language was suggested as a way to
reduce the complexity of the article and to clarify its legal implication for States. Some
delegations provided amendments to streamline the wording of the article.
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