December 12

International Day of Neutrality

Celebrate International Day of Neutrality by promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation between nations!

Yearly Date

December 12

Observed

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate International Day of Neutrality on December 12! This day was created to recognize the importance of neutrality in international relations and promote a peaceful, just and secure world. The concept of neutrality has been around for centuries, with many countries adhering to it in order to protect their sovereignty or maintain friendly ties with other nations. It is also an important tool for maintaining peace between conflicting parties.

International Day of Neutrality Timeline

1648

Neutrality in Peace Treaty

The Peace of Westphalia treaties end the Thirty Years' War and introduce the concept of neutrality in international law.

1815

Swiss Neutrality Recognized

Switzerland's long-term neutrality was formally recognized by other European countries at the Congress of Vienna.

1955

Austria Declares Neutrality

Austria declares permanent neutrality, making a commitment not to enter military alliances and not to allow any foreign military bases on its territory.

1995

Turkmenistan's permanent Neutrality

The United Nations officially recognized Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality status, making it the second UN member state with such status after Switzerland.

2002

Neutrality in EU Law

European Union formally recognizes the right of its member states to neutrality in its Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe.

2017

First International Day of Neutrality

The United Nations declares December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality to underscore the importance of peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations between countries.

How to Celebrate International Day of Neutrality

1 Organize a rally

Gather people together in your local area and organize a rally to promote neutrality. Have speakers come out and talk about the importance of neutrality and what it means for everyone.

2 Engage in peaceful dialogue

Invite people from different backgrounds and cultures to come together to talk about neutrality and its importance in our world today. Learn about their perspectives, listen, and engage in a meaningful conversation.

3 Fly a flag

Design or purchase a flag that symbolizes neutrality and fly it proudly in your home or workplace. This is an easy way to remind yourself and everyone around you of the importance of staying neutral.

4 Host a movie night

Gather your friends and family together and watch movies that show the importance of neutrality, such as “Schindler’s List” or “Hotel Rwanda”. Discuss the films afterward to gain further insight into the topic.

5 Write letters

Write letters to your local representatives expressing your support for neutrality and asking them to take action in promoting peace and harmony between nations.

Why International Day of Neutrality is Important

Recognizes the importance of international cooperation

International Day of Neutrality is a reminder of the global community's commitment to maintain an environment of peace and tranquility. This day celebrates peaceful coexistence between nations, which helps ensure fair negotiations between countries who have conflicting interests.

Promotes a more secure world

Neutrality is an important component in keeping the world peaceful. It reduces the risk of conflict by leaving nations open to diplomacy without taking sides in a dispute. As more countries strive to remain neutral, it can lead to better security and stability around the globe.

Helps foster trust and respect between countries

International Day of Neutrality is a reminder that building relationships with other countries is important. It encourages mutual understanding and fosters trust between nations, allowing them to work together on difficult problems and build strong alliances for the future.