International Day of Peace celebrated
An event marking the International Day of Peace was held at the Seaside National Park on September 22.
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.
Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev highlighted the history of the International Day of Peace.
This year's peace day celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "The Right to Peace- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70."
The Minister stressed that on the initiative of Azerbaijan's Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Elmira Suleymanova, the "Month of the World", connected with the International Day of Peace, is observed every year on August 21 - September 21. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population is carrying out relevant activities within this month.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population is carrying out relevant activities within this month.
The minister also noted that a system of labor and social rights based on the principle of social justice has been created in Azerbaijan. He added that the system of labor and social rights, which is an important part of human rights, is constantly being improved on the basis of progressive world experience.
Babayev noted that the recently adopted Law "On Persons with Disabilities" reflects international experience in the field of protecting the rights of citizens with disabilities. The work is being carried out to expand the network of rehabilitation centers for persons with disabilities, and to implement individual rehabilitation programs.
Azerbaijan's Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Elmira Suleymanova stressed that the UN, which established the International Day of Peace, calls all states for peace and respect for human rights and freedoms.
Suleymanova has brought to the attention that the theme of peace is relevant for Azerbaijan, 20 percent of its territory is occupied, and with more than 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons.
The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Azerbaijan Ghulam Isaczai stressed that fruitful cooperation in the field of human rights protection has been established between the UN and Azerbaijan. He said that although 70 years have passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, effective educational work in this area is still being carried out.
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva viewed an exhibition of handicrafts dedicated to the International Day of Peace. She also met with athletes of the Boccia International Sports Federation.
The establishment of BOCCIA sport in the country is connected with the initiative of the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva.
Incorporated in 1984 in the Paralympic Games program, BOCCIA for 34 years has gained worldwide fame, rapidly developing in 50 countries. Since 2013, National Paralympic Committee has begun to promote BOCCIA, a team was created for this sport. Children, young and old people with disabilities can experience the new kind of sport in Azerbaijan.
The International Day of Peace within the framework of the "National Program of Action to Enhance the Effectiveness of Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms in the Republic of Azerbaijan", approved by the Order of President Ilham Aliyev on December 27, 2011, serve to develop the legal thinking of the population, promote a culture of peace and patience.
Leyla Aliyeva together with her children released doves, which are a symbol of peace.
The participants of the event made another symbolic gesture of the International Day of Peace. They left on the scoreboard color prints of their hands.
The National Seaside Park hosted speeches of disabled people and dance groups, consisting of persons with disabilities, operating at the centers of children's creativity. It is also remarkable that among the dancers there are children with a lack of hearing.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The Day was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. To inaugurate the day, the United Nations Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters.