TOPIC :
OVERVIEW ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE
A PAPER PRESENTATION BY
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF CORPS I (ASCI) ABOLURIN OLUWASEUN OLUMIDE MA, fcss, Amb, mpa (PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER, NSCDC, LAGOS STATE COMMAND).
DELIVERED AT THE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN PEACE AND SECURITY.
ORGANISED BY THE LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
VENUE :
NUT PAVILION CENTRE; PLOT 5, BLOCK B, NERDC Road, CBD; beside Tisco Plaza, Alausa - Ikeja, Lagos.
DATE : FRIDAY, 10TH DECEMBER, 2021.
PROTOCOLS
TITLES
(I) INTRODUCTION
Background of Study
(II) CONCEPTUAL FRAME OF WORK
(III) DEFINITION OF TERMS
(IV) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
(V) APPROACH OF STUDY
(VI) SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
(VII) SCOPE OF STUDY
(VIII) MAIN TOPIC ANALYSIS
(IX) CONCLUSION
(X) RECOMMENDATION
(I) INTRODUCTION
Background of Study
The theme and the topic of this workshop are both apt and relevant to the prevalent scenario and practical situations, which concern the peace and security of our dear nation and the entire globe. Whilst peace and security are pivotal factors in stemming the challenges posed by insecurity in our nation Nigeria and other nations of Africa and the globe, it is pertinent to note that women and youths play a very significant role in peace building, peace making and conflict resolution and management.
Women and youths occupy a significant number of the world's population, especially the youths, which also include both young male and female adults.
Therefore, it is pertinent to leverage on the power and influence they possess, especially, in this digital age of cyber technology, in a bid to stemming insecurity challenges in the world.
Consequent upon the topic of presentation, this paper will be looking at an overview on the international day for peace and security and its significance. It will also avail us the opportunity to x-ray the terms 'peace and security.' The paper will also further critically, analyse the significance of the international day of peace and security. Peace and Security as used in this paper will be interwoven but though separately defined and explained. Peace are Security go hand in hand, in ensuring economic growth and development in a nation. They are two inseparable tools (peace and security). The role of the Government, the citizens and the law enforcement agencies can not be overemphasized in ensuring a peaceful and secured society Also, to achieve the United Security Council Resolution 1325, which was passed in October 2000, to reaffirm the importance of equal participation and involvement of women in all processes of Peace Building, Peace Keeping and Conflict Resolution and Management, more women must be allowed to participate in the armed conflict resolution management mechanisms and processes, which aim at finding lasting solutions to the the the insecurity challenges confronting the nation such as : kidnapping, banditry, insurgency, terrorism, incessant killings, proliferation of drugs and arms, vandalism and others . The Nigerian Security architecture needs to be properly rejigged to create more spaces for women to take more operational and administrative positions, where they can influence decisions or make policies that will positively match the predominant realities on ground.
The Nigerian security system, comprises security establishments at the various tiers or levels of government. That is the Federal, State and Local Governments in Nigeria. The Nigerian security system include security forces such as ; the Military - Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force and Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force and Paramilitary Agencies - Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Custom Service, Federal Fire Service et ce tera. There is need for equal representation of women too, within our security architecture. This is because women have a role to play in also sueing for peace and security in the society with their competence, intellect, expertise and process participation.
(II) CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK
The term-'peace' originates most recently from the Anglo-French pes, and the Old French pais, meaning "peace, reconciliation, silence, agreement" (11th century). The Anglo-French term pes itself comes from the Latin pax, meaning "peace, compact, agreement, treaty of peace, tranquility, absence of hostility, harmony." The English word came into use in various personal greetings from c.1300 as a translation of the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete. whole.
"Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. Throughout history, leaders have used peacemaking and diplomacy to establish a type of behavioral restraint that has resulted in the establishment of regional peace or economic growth through various forms of agreements or peace treaties. Such behavioral restraint has often resulted in the reduced conflict, greater economic interactivity, and consequently substantial prosperity."
Many different theories of "peace" exist in the world of peace studies, which involves the study of de-escalation, conflict transformation, disarmament, and cessation of violence.The definition of "peace" can vary with religion, culture, or subject of study. Some of these theories include : Balance of Power, Free trade independence and globalization, war game, socialism and managed capitalism, international organisation and law amidst other theories of peace . Peace scholars include the following Dries Van Agt, R Scott, Kenneth Brown and Water Wink amongst many others .
On the other hand, Security is freedom from, or resilience against potential harm ( or other unwanted coercive change ) caused by others. Etymologically, speaking, the term 'security - secure' is derived from a Latin word known as securus, meaning freedom from anxiety; se ( means without ) and cura ( means anxiety ). Academic disciplines such as psychology, psychiatry, and social psychology provides earliest debates and notions about the need to develop these concepts, for example; Erich ( 2000 ) wrote about the feelings of inferiority. He analysed security as a need to belong and avoid loneliness. Alfred Adler analysed security as a basic need. Also earliest developers of the concept of security and were Cameron and Mc Comrick ( 1954 ) amongst others .
(III )DEFINITION OF TERMS
OVERVIEW :
A general review or summary of a subject. It is also a short explanation or description.
INTERNATIONAL DAY :
The United Nations General Assembly designates a number of "International Days" to mark important aspects of human life and history. International days and weeks are occasions to educate the issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.
PEACE :
It means freedom from disturbance; tranquillity.
It is also a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.
SECURITY : The state of being free from danger or threat.
SIGNIFICANCE :The quality of being worthy of attention and importance.
(IV) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To present an overview on the international day for peace and security .
To understudy the concept of peace and security.
To x - ray the causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
To warn against the adverse effect of insecurity in the nation.
To foster peace and security in the nation through equal participation and representation of women in the security architecture of our nation.
To proffer solutions to the insecirity challenges of nation.
To provide wealth of knowledge about the significance of the international day for peace and security in order to boost the morale and achievements of them all.
(V) APPROACH OF STUDY
The topic of this paper has its roots from the social science, science and sociology disciplines et ce tera of academics.
The paper was also approached using analytical and historical methods and social science models.
The paper is expected also to solve practical problems as the paper also stated practical application of tems such as peace and security and its significance.
However, critically speaking, the paper didn't also shy away from recommending the equal participation of women in the peace processes, peace building and peace keeping initiatives amidst others in our societies today. The paper also postulates that looking at the teeming population of our youths today, the language of politics and diplomacy has to improve from just youth empowerment to youth engagement and involvement, in a bid to ensure peace and security in our nation and around the globe .
(VI) SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
To educate the public on the importance of the international day for peace and security .
To enlighten students and train people on the need to embrace peace models, so as to quash insecurity .
To use as an academic material in tertiary institutions.
To further establish the significance of the international day for peace and security as well as the pivotal role of women and youths in peace building amidst others in a state .
(VII) SCOPE OF STUDIES
To discuss an overview on the international day for peace and security and its significance.
This paper will understudy the concepts of peace and security .
(VIII) LIMITATION OF STUDY
In the course of putting this paper together, we have to sacrifice official hours and some nights. However, we were not constrained by materials but adequate logistics and time for the proper planning, which was solved much later.
(IX) MAIN TOPIC ANALYSIS
AN OVERVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY.
"September 21 is commemorated as the International Day of Peace world over. The United Nations describes this day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Around the world some countries continue to share borders that have had a violent and bloody past and some still continue to maintain peace through all the political tensions." This goes a long way, to show us that the United Nations is keen to achieving peace and security in all nations of the world with this development. This day set aside, to commemorate peace within these conflicting nations, within the world space is not just meant for mere celebration but also it is expected to be a genuine catalyst for relative or absolute peace within the world system. Therefore, nations are expected to take advantage of the international day for peace, to change the narratives within the world system. We believe that if a nation(s) can cease fire for 24hours during an armed conflict, to commemorate just the day only, nothing else, should stop such nations for totally sueing for peace and tranquility as against perennial conflicts and struggle amongst one another . The international day for peace and security, which had since 1981, been celebrated has always had several themes being looked at and it often times researched upon to solve identified problems.
However, this year, 2021, the theme for the day is “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world.” The international organisation has urged its members to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to develop resilience, and how to transform the world into one that is more egalitarian, more just, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.
The theme is in context of the COVID-19 pandemic.The coronavirus pandemic has hit the underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest, said the United Nations in its statement. Pointing out the inequality around the world especially amidst the pandemic, the organisation said that by April 2021, over 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered globally, but over 100 countries have still not received a single dose. Those who have missed out on receiving the vital healthcare facilities are people caught in conflict who are especially vulnerable in terms of lack of access to healthcare.
Besides healthcare, this International Peace Day is also being utilised to turn attention towards our natural environment which is under an impending threat from climate change and global warming. The UN said in its statement that “we must make peace with nature.”
Climate change is not on pause, said the UN and urged members to build a green and sustainable global economy that produces jobs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and inculcates resilience to the ever-increasing climate impacts.
In addition, for the first time it was observed in September 1982 and in 2001, the General Assembly adopted a resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as International Day of Peace of non-violence and cease-fire. Therefore, there is need to know the significance of the day towards achieving the desired peace and security by
the UN and even the nations all around the globe.
WHY THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY ( SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY) ?
"The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981. 20 years after the day was established, the UN General Assembly unanimously designate the day as a period where countries practiced non-viole nce and cease-fire." This historic move will aid to facilitate the sue for peace among warring factions within a nation or conclicting nations
"The United Nations General Assembly had unanimously declared 1986 as the International Year of Peace. The year was solemnly proclaimed on 24 October 1985, the Fortieth Anniversary of the United Nations.This historical experience shows how significant the International Day for peace is to the world. With peace, people are freer to tour any country of their choice without fear of violence. World peace also contributes to the reduction of wars. Warring countries or internal nation conflicts can be reduced if world peace existed. War is the main cause of human suffering in the world.21 Dec 2019."
Therefore, this paper is poised to ask questions and proffer solutions at the same time. The question of whether our dear nation Nigeria is peaceful and secured bothers one, at this critical time in the anals of our history, where a host of insecurity challenges have been listed by local and international observers as the main reasons for economic underdevelopment, social unrests, economic downturn, religious unrests and political imbalance amidst others.
PEACE AND SECURITY QUESTION IN NIGERIA?
However, in a bid to bring this discuss home, this paper will not shy away from the many glaring insecurity challenges militating against the peace and security of our nation Nigeria, in the nation ranging from one form to the other and a number of them have been identified in this paper. They include :
KIDNAPPING / ABDUCTION: It is a criminal offense consisting of the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or fraud or the unlawful seizure and detention of a person against his will. In all countries it is considered a grave offense punishable by a long prison sentence or death.
Banditry : is a type of organized crime committed by outlaws typically involving the threat or use of violence. A person who engages in banditry is known as a bandit and primarily commits crimes such as extortion, robbery, and murder, either as an individual or in groups. It is now mainly common in the Northern parts of Nigeria today. The bandits are also known to commit gruesome crimes and killings.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING : It is the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people in order to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labour or sexual exploitation.
TERRORISM : It is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. It is also a violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups who are inspired by, or associated with, designated foreign terrorist organizations or nations (state-sponsored).
INSURGENCY : It is a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency.
INCESSANT KILLINGS :
A form of killings that remain continuous in given society, especially that of the inoccent souls or masses. This type has been seen resulting from the clashes between herders and farmers in the North Central of Nigeria and other places.
ETHNIC CLASHES : This is a type that occurs between two or different tribes or ethnic groups e in the society. It is never a good way of co - existence amongst ourselves.
RELIGIOUS CLASHES : This type occurs majorly between christians and muslims in most societies where it happens.
OIL PIPELINE VANDALISM : This has to do with the destruction of critical national assets and infrastructure of government at all levels. It may lead to security collapse, infrastructural deficit, explosion and destruction of lives and property.
ATTACK ON SECURITY OPERATIVES : This was witnessed following the ENDSARS PROTEST. Such attacks are uncalled for, unacceptable and remains condemnable, pathetic and sad.
SUICIDE : This is when a person decides to take their own lives.
ARMED ROBBERY : the crime of stealing from somewhere or someone using weapons. Armed robbery, in criminal law, aggravated form of theft that involves the use of a lethal weapon to perpetrate violence or the threat of violence (intimidation) against a victim.
ILLEGAL BUNKERING : “Bunkering” is a term used to describe the process of filling a ship with oil (or coal). “Illegal oil bunkering” is a euphemism for theft. It involves the theft of crude oil and its by products , through diverse mechanisms, which results into serious economic implications.
TYPES OF INSECURITY
The insecurity challenges in the country are of various types and they are categorised into the followings below, for adequate understanding of them all.
The various types of insecurity posing dangerous challenges to our nation Nigeria have also been hilighted in this paper below :
Professional / job insecurity
Relationship insecurity
Social insecurity
Food insecurity
Housing insecurity
Health insecurity
Financial / Economic
insecurity
Political insecurity et ce tera.
CAUSES OF INSECURITY
The causes of insecurity in Nigeria have been identified to either be remote or immediate causes and they are also underlisted below :
Unemployment
Lack of food / Hunger
Poor / Dependent
judiciary
Political instability
Social unrest
Economic instability
Lack of basic social amenities
Increase in crimes and criminalities
Poor recreational facilities
Autocratic rule
CONSEQUENCES OF INSECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA
SCARCITY OF FOOD
One of the dangers of insecurity that has been evident in Nigeria, is scarcity of food. The supply of agricultural products and cattle from some parts of the North to the South has been very heinous, since the advent of banditry and kidnapping in the Northern part of Nigeria. The farmers have been hindered from adequately distributing or transporting their farm produce to other parts of the country This also has an adverse effect of the economy of the nation itself amidst other dangers it will pose.
HIGH COST OF LIVING :
Food scarcity will automatically lead to high cost of living amongst other things. The cost of living today in Nigeria is extremely high as a result of the dangers posed by insecurity challenges in the nation. The economy will be weak imperatively.
WEAK ECONOMY
The foreign exchange of the nation has also been negatively affected as a result of the challenges posed by insecurity in the nation. The exchange rate today is nothing to write about. The Nigerian currency continues to get weaker more and more in the foreign market. However, no nation's economy can be strong in the midst of complex raging insecurity challenges at the different parts of the same country such as Nigeria. For there to be improved economic development, in the nation, all angry groups must embrace peace and tranquility, for the sake of the survival of our dear nation .
ANARCHY :
This is a state of lawlessness. When there is high level of insecurity in a nation, it leads to a state of lawlessness. In a state of lawlessness the centre can not hold and the society eventually becomes a jungle at the end of the day. We live in a nation bounded by the constitution as though there are no laws because of injustice. A particular tribe , group or people must not be seen as sacred cows in a nation, if not anarchy will abound.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE PEACE AND SECURITY ?
The factors itemised below may also be considered as some may assist to determine peace all around the globe amidst others.
1. STAMPING OUT EXCLUSION :
There is an urgent need in the world, for more inclusion of women and youths in the peace processes of nations. Therefore, they play a very vital role (women), just like their male counterparts, when it comes to the matters relating to peace and security. Whilst the youths need to be more involved and engaged in politics, peace building and the the development of the security of their nation(s). This is because the youths occupy a pivotal role in the annals of many nations" history.
2.TRUE EQUALITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN:
Advocacy for equality between women and men, if well propagated will also help to achieve lasting peace. Women also possess the expertise and integrity needed to thrive amongst their male counterparts.
3. FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH:
Fair or equal distribution of wealth amongst the citizens will empower the citizens, especially the youths and this will encourage self development, economic empowerment, growth and development in a nation . Poverty will automatically not be an issue in such nation . The rate of poverty would have been reduced drastically. However, it has been vividly seen today now that poverty increases in socialist or mixed economic states ( Nigeria ) than in Capitalist states ( United States of America ).
4. TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE :
It has become a global phenomenon to talk about climate change. The world is changing, even the climate also. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases. Humans are increasingly influencing the climate and the earth's temperature by burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and farming livestock. This adds enormous amounts of greenhouse gases to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming
5. ARMS SALES CONTROL:
Arms control, any international control or limitation of the development, testing, production, deployment, or use of weapons based on the premise that the continued existence of certain national military establishments is inevitable.
6. POLICY CHANGE
7. PROTECT POLITICAL SPACE
(X) CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we believe that this paper has been able to address an overview on the international day for peace and its significance. It has also critically looked at the concept of peace and security from a conceptual perspective, bearing in mind the numerous theories of Peace and security. The paper x - rayed the overview of the international day for peace, it's significance and other factors that lead to peace and security amongst others. The topic was also largely analysed as we can see clearly, how peace can be sustained through the historical perspective of peace and pursuing the determinant factors of peace itself as mentioned in the paper.
With the continuous celebration of the World Peace Day and a strong emphasy on Peace, all nations of the world may one day finally, realize that there is no need for unnecessary arms struggle or conflicting interests amongst them, while they can therefore, all sue for lasting peace solutions towards political, economic and socio - cultural challenges amongst others.
(XI)RECOMMENDATIONS
We may wish to recommend a few things having seen some of the factors militating against peace and security and they include :
The United Nations should increase its support for peaceful nations and grant rewards such as special recognition for such nation and the citizens.
Institutionalisation of Peace Centres should be encouraged, so as to create the right impetus and train more people in the area of peace building, peace keeping and conflict resolution and management amongst others.
Lastly, the role of women in peace building and processes of peace keeping can never be overemphasized, in our world today. The active inclusion and engagement of women in the processes of peace building within the security architecture of nations around the globe should also be speedily considered, due to the fact that they possess the expertise for emotional intelligence and with their multi dynamic skills they will be able to proffer sustainable solutions to the very many insecurity challenges and conflicts as we have them all today
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