Creating a Zone of Peace

Is there a place you go when you wish to experience deep peace? Perhaps it is a religious or spiritual site. Maybe it is a historic building of beautiful design that comforts you. Or there may be woods or parks that call you from your busy life.

Just imagine if that place were destroyed! Better yet, imagine keeping that place as a safe haven for all time -- free from vandalism or terrorism -- even in a time of war.


-- Robin Mallor, Columbiaville, Michigan

Qualifications for a Zone of Peace are expressed in generic terms so that they are universally applicable. A site must comply with the following general principles and requirements to qualify as a Candidate Zone of Peace. Beyond these requirements, each Zone can incorporate adaptations according to its specific environmental and cultural context, as well as the special interests and constraints of the sponsoring body or its associated community.

  1. The site should have widely acknowledged significance with a local, regional, national or international community. This significance may be of a religious, sacred, historic, educational, cultural, geographical and/or environmental nature.
  2. There needs to be an organization with a governing board or council responsible for the care and direction of the site. The governing board/council, referred to here as the sponsoring body, may be supported by other community organizations.
  3. A custodial body, approved by the sponsoring body, ensures that the site operates and is protected by non-violent means. Training in Peace Education as an essential tool is required for members of the custodial body and encouraged for the sponsoring body. Essential Tools include:
  4. The sponsoring body needs to approve an enforceable code of conduct appropriate to the objectives of establishing the site as a Zone of Peace, respecting the community's cultural and philosophical traditions. (See sections V.4.g. and VIII.) A summary code of conduct should be posted so that visitors entering the site are informed and can honor these expectations.
  5. The sponsoring and custodial bodies insure the site operates with respect for all individuals, recognizing that "the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."