For Immediate Release
September 19, 2011
In honour of the International Day of Peace, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is encouraging social workers and all Canadians to participate in the international ‘Peace Wave’ by respecting a Minute of Silence at Noon on September 21, 2011 in all time zones.
“The Peace Wave is one focal point across the entire planet for people to affirm their commitments to non-violence, democracy and peace,” notes CASW President, Morel Caissie. “In universally respecting this Minute of Silence, we are symbolically honouring the thousands and thousands of people who, in this past year, have risked and given their own lives to make the dream of democracy and peace obtainable in their part of the world.”
In this past year women and men, many in their youth, have stood up with courage and conviction in North Africa, the Middle East and many other parts of the world to seek their democratic rights and build a better future. Accordingly the theme for this, the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Peace declaration is Peace and Democracy: make your voice heard.
As United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the 2011 Peace Bell Ceremony:
“Democracy is among the foundations of peace. When people take part in the democratic process, when they become engaged, they build peace, day by day, year by year. Like peace, democracy does not just happen; it has to be nurtured and defended. On this day, I urge all champions of democracy and peace throughout the world to make your voices heard.”
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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668