International Day of Neutrality

International Day of Neutrality History

The International Day of Neutrality aims to enhance the global understanding of neutrality, promoting it as a core value of the United Nations and every sovereign nation. Neutrality refers to a state's decision not to choose sides in international conflicts, thereby maintaining peace and global security. The day highlights the importance of neutral states in ensuring peaceful and constructive international relations.

Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, the celebration of this day marks the significance of neutral states in the global political landscape. This observance resonates distinctly, particularly for New Zealand, a country well-regarded for its commitment to peace and neutrality. New Zealand's foreign policy has always prioritised peacekeeping, disarmament, and mediation. The International Day of Neutrality serves as an affirmation of these values and a reminder of New Zealand's role as a neutral power.

In New Zealand, the International Day of Neutrality is a platform for continuing discussions on neutrality and its benefits. It is a time for reflecting on the country's role in international affairs and its ongoing commitment to upholding peace. This day involves discourse among diplomats, academia, and society about the implications and importance of maintaining neutrality. The International Day of Neutrality takes place annually on December 12th, a date no different for New Zealand than for other sovereign territories.

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.
• New Zealand abandoned its neutrality policy during World War II in response to the growing threat of Japanese aggression in the Pacific. New Zealand declared war on Germany in 1939 and later joined the Allied forces against Japan.
• In 1987, New Zealand declared itself a nuclear-free zone, which bans the presence of nuclear weapons and prohibits the entry of nuclear-powered ships into its territorial waters. This decision was a significant move in maintaining New Zealand's neutrality and commitment to peace.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Arrange community gatherings or public forums where residents can discuss the benefits of neutrality and express their opinions. Encourage open dialogue and healthy discourse on the significance of neutrality in New Zealand's foreign policy.
• Partner with local organizations working towards global peace, conflict resolution, and human rights. Plan joint events or activities to raise awareness about the International Day of Neutrality and its importance.