International Day of Neutrality

International Day of Neutrality History

The International Day of Neutrality aims to enhance global understanding of neutrality and is significant in international relations. It aims to raise public awareness about the value of neutrality, emphasising the principles of peace, impartiality, and non-interference in states' internal affairs. This day, which expresses the tenets of the United Nations Charter, seeks to encourage dialogue, mutual understanding, cooperation, and sustainable peace.

This observance, declared by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2017, recognises the practice of neutrality to advance global harmony. In particular, for Australia, the principles underlying the International Day of Neutrality reflect its commitment to peacekeeping efforts beyond its borders. Over the years, Australia has actively participated in peacekeeping operations through the United Nations, often taking up non-partisan positions in conflicts, exemplifying the ethos of this observance.

Australia observes the International Day of Neutrality by promoting educational efforts focusing on peaceful conflict resolution and neutrality's importance in international relations. Various seminars, conferences, and peace education programs are organized on this day to highlight neutrality's role in preventing disputes and maintaining peace. Cultural exchanges and dialogue panels also form crucial aspects of the observance. The International Day of Neutrality is acknowledged annually on December 12th, aligning Australia's observance with the global calendar.

Facts about International Day of Neutrality

• The U.N’s policy of neutrality is based on their tools of preventive diplomacy. According to the U.N, preventive diplomacy includes: early warning and prevention of conflict, mediation, good offices, fact-finding missions, negotiation, the use of special envoys, informal consultations, peacebuilding and targeted development activities.
• Neutrality is defined by the U.N as, the legal status arising from the abstention of a state from all participation in a war between other states, the maintenance of an attitude of impartiality toward the belligerents, and the recognition by the belligerents of this abstention and impartiality.
• History has its share of violating the international neutrality pact. For example, during World War II, Belgium's neutrality was violated when it was invaded by Germany.
• In both the First and Second World Wars, Australia abandoned neutrality and joined the side of the Allies. They provided military support, sending troops to fight on European soil in both conflicts.
• Australia is a signatory of the Paris Agreement and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This commitment to climate neutrality aims to minimize the country's impact on the global climate.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Neutrality

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• As of 2020, the U.N has 13 ongoing peacekeeping operations in countries like Mali and India. Learn more about the U.N’s peacekeeping strategies and how you can help maintain neutrality at What Is Peacekeeping?
• Explore a historical timeline to learn more about the U.N's record of peacekeeping. Learn more at Timeline of UN Peacekeeping.
• Coordinate with various embassies or consulates of neutral countries in Australia to host joint events. This could include cultural displays, sharing of diplomatic experiences, and discussions on the benefits of neutrality.
• Utilize various social media platforms to raise awareness about the International Day of Neutrality.