International Day of Neutrality

International Day of Neutrality History

The International Day of Neutrality aims to promote peace, conflict resolution, and solidarity among nations. It emphasizes the significance of a policy of neutrality, referring to a state's abstention from involvement in conflicts and preservation of sovereign integrity. The key concepts of neutrality are impartiality, non-aligned foreign policies, and fostering international cooperation. These principles are aimed at ensuring the peaceful coexistence of states, developing friendly relations, and upholding a democratic world order.

The UN General Assembly officially proclaimed International Day of Neutrality in 2017, acknowledging the persistent efforts of Turkmenistan, a neutral country since 1995, in pursuing international peace. The concept of neutrality carries historical importance in the U.S., as exemplified by the initiation of the policy of neutrality by George Washington. Significant periods in US history, such as isolationism during the interwar period, reflect the rationale of neutrality. However, since World War II, the nation's global influence has expanded significantly, shaping foreign policies that are less aligned with strict neutrality.

International Day of Neutrality serves as an opportunity to recall the importance of peace, dialogue, and impartiality in foreign relations. The observance encourages academic institutions, think tanks, and research centers to organize educational events and discussions, stimulating public awareness and engaging in further debates about neutrality's role in contemporary US foreign policy. It also reinforces America's historical values in prioritizing peaceful means to resolve conflicts and prevent hostilities, thereby contributing to global peace and stability. The International Day of Neutrality is observed annually on December 12th.

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.
• Turkmenistan is the only country in the world that has been given a permanent status of neutrality. It was granted permanent neutrality by the U.N General Assembly in 1995.

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

Top things to do in the US 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.
• Watch a film or documentary about the U.N's involvement in foreign affairs and their attempts to end conflict and maintain neutrality. Here are our suggestions:
  The Whistleblower 2010
  The Peacekeepers 2005
  Hotel Rwanda 2004
• Join local and international organizations that promote peace and neutrality. Volunteer for activities such as peace marches, humanitarian aid, or supporting refugees.

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