Peace Takes Work
When fighting stops, people may finally hear sounds that war had drowned out: a school bell, a market opening, or neighbors talking in the street. But the silence after gunfire does not necessarily mean that a lasting peace has arrived. Homes may still be damaged, families may be separated, and the disagreements that led to fighting may remain unresolved. Stopping violence is an urgent step. Building peace can take much longer.
A day for peace
Every year on September 21, the United Nations observes the International Day of Peace. The UN General Assembly established the observance in 1981. In 2001, it designated the day as a period of nonviolence and ceasefire, inviting nations and people to honor it by stopping hostilities. The day encourages people to consider what peace requires, both between countries and within communities.
An observance cannot order every armed group to stop fighting, nor can one peaceful day settle a long conflict. Still, a shared date can draw attention to people affected by violence and to efforts that might otherwise receive little notice. Schools, community organizations, and others may mark the day with discussions or activities that encourage cooperation.
Stopping the fighting
- hostilities:
- Acts of fighting or conflict between opposing sides.
- negotiate:
- To discuss a disagreement in order to reach an agreement.
- violations:
- Actions that break rules or agreements.
- durable:
- Able to last over time.
- accountable:
- Expected to answer for one's actions.
- mediators:
- People who help others discuss and work through a disagreement.
- displaced:
- Forced to leave one's home.
- institutions:
- Established organizations or systems that serve a community or society.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How does the opening contrast the end of fighting with lasting peace?
- 2Why can the International Day of Peace be useful even though it cannot end every conflict?
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About this explanatory article passage for Middle School
“Peace Takes Work” is a explanatory article reading passage about Peacebuilding, written for Middle School. It takes about 6 minutes to read (903 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.