ZOPIF is a non-profit organization with the vision of an evolving global culture of peace. The mission of ZOPIF is to enact this vision by fostering the establishment of sites of special significance as Zones of Peace. This is accomplished through citizens of any country working in active partnership with religious/spiritual and secular leaders and their government authorities, who have recognized the merit of preserving these sites for the future.
A Zone of Peace is a site of significance that is protected and preserved by its own community and officially recognized by governmental authorities as a sanctuary that operates within ethical principles of non-violence, free from weapons, acts of violence, injustice and environmental degradation. It is not merely a "Demilitarized Zone", nor a sanctuary in the sense of a place where someone can escape the consequences of criminal behavior.
The responsibility for the care and protection of the Zone of Peace, as well as control of all of its activities, lies with the community or organization affiliated with the site. Their commitment is to preserve the peaceful integrity of the site by learning and applying non-violent means to resolve conflicts.
Yes. Exceptions include weapons displayed in a cultural, religious, artistic or educational context; or employed as part of a traditional or spiritual practice or ritual, so long as they are not used in acts of aggression to cause harm to the site or to anyone.
While ZOPIF respects all religious and spiritual traditions, it is not a religious organization nor does it promote any religion. Yet, we recognize that all major religions have prayers for peace at their core and that most religious leaders are already engaged in the work of peace. They have a dynamic role as community leaders and guardians of the sacred and religious sites, which are natural candidates for Zones of Peace. We invite religious and spiritual leaders of all beliefs to work in cooperation with one another, with citizens and with their respective governments to establish these sites as Zones of Peace.
Although ZOPIF is a non-political organization, it honors the fact that the basic responsibility of government is to ensure the peace and security of its citizens. Most governments around the world are already making efforts to preserve and protect their important cultural, historical and environmental sites and monuments.
Since governments are there to serve the needs of the people, ZOPIF is now inviting them to join in active partnership with their citizens who are already engaged in grassroots efforts to reduce violence, injustice and environmental degradation. Such cooperation is needed so that policies for official recognition of Zones of Peace can be developed. In-depth dialogue will insure that these policies respect and protect the various codes of religious and ethnic communities and will function without regard to race, gender, sexual identity or political affiliation. The right to appropriate religious and spiritual expression in each site must be guaranteed.
By creating sites of national and international recognition, political leaders can take pride in asserting their role of peaceful leadership as they are called upon to honor Zones of Peace across international boundaries.
No. Unfortunately, this kind of Zone of Peace has already been proven ineffective in either pre-war or war times. The lesson learned from Bosnia & Hertsegovina was that 11th-hour measures came too late to be productive. An effectual Zone of Peace must be established far in advance of any threat of war or destruction. The work of peace education needs time to take root in the community and then spread, for true lasting peace to be accomplished.
Yes. The term 'Zone of Peace' is defined and used by various organizations around the world. It appears in places such as Africa, Central America, Hawaii, the Philippines, Nepal, the United Nations and elsewhere. However, their definitions and even the concept of what constitutes a Zone of Peace differ and should not be confused with those of ZOPIF. Since 1989 when it was first conceived, our definition has been refined and expanded to become more inclusive.
ZOPIF does not promote any particular philosophy or ideology, nor does it engage in protest or opposition to governmental policies or religious issues. Our sole purpose is to assist in the establishment of significant sites that can serve as working models. With peace education as the cornerstone, a Zone of Peace becomes a working example of concepts and activities that lead to harmonious interaction between individuals, communities and nations.