The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Neutrality is annually observed across the globe on 12 December to raise public awareness of the importance of neutrality in intergovernmental relations.
- The Day also aims to develop peaceful, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations and encourages cooperation between different countries globally.
Note: Article 2 of the UN Charter compels member states to settle international disputes peacefully and avoid using force.
Background:
i.On 2 February 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/275, introduced by Turkmenistan, and declared the 12 December of every year the International Day of Neutrality.
- Turkmenistan has been recognised by the UN as a permanently neutral state since 12 December 1995.
- The resolution highlighted the link between the preservation of peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
ii.The 1st International Day of Neutrality was observed on 12 December 2017.
What is Neutrality?
i.Neutrality, characterised by a state’s abstention from participating in the wars of other states, is a pivotal legal status.
ii.It involves maintaining impartiality and gaining recognition for this attitude from the conflicting parties, which is pivotal for the UN.
iii.This legal status ensures confidence and cooperation, allowing the UN to operate independently and effectively, particularly in politically charged situations.
Preventive Diplomacy:
i.Preventive diplomacy stands as the UN’s strategic shift from “reaction” to “prevention”.
ii.Preventive diplomacy refers to diplomatic action taken to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts and to limit the spread of conflicts when they occur.
iii.The idea of preventive diplomacy has captivated the UN ever since it was first articulated by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld nearly 50 years ago.
iv.Preventive diplomacy was presaged by Article 99 of the United Nations Charter, which empowers the Secretary-General to alert the Security Council to potential threats to global peace and security
v.Preventive diplomacy includes early conflict detection and prevention, mediation, good offices, fact-finding missions, negotiation, and peacekeeping, among others.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, USA
Founded in– 1945
