In 2007 a UN General Assembly resolution set the 2nd of October as the International Day of Non-violence and affirmed "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence". Nonviolent strategies include demonstrations, targeted communication via mass media and other kinds of publicity work to raise public awareness, an effective tool to affect government action, especially in democratic States. More formal non-violent means include for instance negotiation, mediation, arbitration and judicial settlement. Those are approaches encouraged by the UN, the International Court of Justice and other international organizations.

Many organizations, governments, groups and individual celebrate the power of non-violent activism on this day and organize a wide range of activities to this end, including for instance street awareness campaigns, photo exhibitions, public lectures, discussions and press-conferences.  While governments play of course an important role, non-violent activism is a tool of the people and requires everyone to act, including parents, teachers, business people and NGOs.

Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday was chosen as the date for this occasion because of his huge contributions to the philosophy of non-violence, inspiring non-violent movements in the past as well as today. His vision and example have shown how one person, by inspiring others, encouraging them to act and being fully committed to his cause, can change the world. On this day of non-violence we want to remember his words:

"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges and oppressive conditions, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence throughout his life. Many of our Members today face extremely difficult situations. They live in oppression, in some cases devastating poverty or under constant violent harassment by other groups or official authorities. We believe non-violent strategies are the only way to solve conflicts, hence we list non-violence among our five key principles.

Of course non-violent strategiesare not quickly achieved, they require endurance and sacrifice. But in the end, they are the most effective way to reach lasting social and political change. As history has shown, the use of violence leads to misery and social destruction and is therefore counterproductive to achieving one’s goals.  Many positive social and political changes however came about through non-violent action by committed people, the most prominent besides Ghandi being for instance Dr. Martin Luther King and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

UNPO is calling for all on this day to remember nonviolent activists everywhere in the world, some of whom lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom, justice and peace. Their sacrifice illustrates how every single person can engage in non-violent activism. We encourage everyone to show compassion and solidarity with those who are  suffering, imprisoned or oppressed on ground of their political opinions, religious beliefs and the assertion of their rights to self-determination and democracy.