Ministerial Statement
Walter Noel
Minister of Intergovermental Affairs
December 13, 2000

As the United Nations International Year for a Culture of Peace comes to a close, I would like to bring to the attention of my colleagues in the house another initiative to reduce violence and encourage peaceful relations between people and countries.

January 1, 2001 will mark the advent of the United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, in accordance with resolution 53/25 passed November 10, 1998.

The culture of peace is defined to include a set of values, attitudes, and lifestyles which enhance the human experience through ending violence. This initiative is being pursued through the promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation. We must strengthen our commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts, equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and expanding the right to freedom of expression, opinion and information. Just and peaceful existence requires adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity and dialogue at all levels, and among all nations.

The year 2001 will also be the anniversary of a significant historical event with which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are closely associated. August 12 will mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Atlantic Charter in 1941. The charter is considered by many to constitute an important component of the founding of the United Nations. It was the product of the Atlantic Conference, the historic meeting between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They met in great secrecy from August 9-12 on board the HMS Prince of Wales and the USS Augusta in Ship Harbour, Placentia Bay. I am currently working with interested citizens in that area, and others, to help develop an appropriate commemoration of our association with that important event.

The Atlantic Charter was the major outcome of that meeting 60 years ago. It is a declaration of eight common principles of international relations intended to establish post-war peace. The proclamation was subsequently endorsed by 15 countries, and became the foundation of shared hopes and goals for the Grand Alliance of Nations which overcame the axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan, in 1945. This league of nations was responsible for the establishment of the United Nations.

It required a devastating war to achieve the peaceful settlement of 1945. As we remember that tragedy, let us commit ourselves ever more to promoting peaceful reconciliation as the civilized alternative to war.

Reminding my honourable colleagues of two significant initiatives in pursuit of peace is very timely. It was only last week that we recognized the White Ribbon Campaign as a symbol of opposition to men�s violence against women, and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. And, just yesterday, this house passed Bill 33 which establishes a Holocaust Memorial Day, Yom HaShoah, for our province as a day of reflection on the enduring tragedy and lessons of the notorious Holocaust.

War is the most universal and visible demonstration of violence. However, we need look no further than our own communities, in our own time, to see manifestations of violence.

Violence is a learned response. Just as children are taught to read and write, swim and ride bikes, they can be taught to reject violence and respect peace.

Influences on children today are less controllable than in previous generations. Parents have to exercise increasing vigilance over the cultural influences of modern communications and technology which have great potential for harm as well as enlightenment. Because it is so difficult to control access to information in our time, we have greater responsibility to ensure children understand the difference between good and evil, and are impressed by accurate, responsible and positive influences.

Legislators have integral and significant roles to play in promoting a culture of peace and harmony. We must assume our responsibility to contribute to making the 21st Century one of justice, peace and reconciliation. I invite all honourable colleagues to join me in recognizing the start of the United Nations Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World on January 1, 2001.

2000 12 13     2:55 p.m.