Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he proposes to take to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October each year in view of the UN Resolution 61271, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in respect of that day and to disseminate the message of non-violence by way of public awareness and other measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22710/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In June 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared 2 October, the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution invited United Nation Member States to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

Ireland actively promotes the message of non-violence on an ongoing basis in its national and international policies. Our commitment to the objectives of Resolution 61271, which we co-sponsored, is clear and profound. Our strong support for the promotion and protection of human rights, our long tradition of participating in UN-mandated peace operations, our leading role internationally in disarmament and non-proliferation issues, our work in the area of conflict resolution and the work of Irish Aid on combating gender-based violence are good examples of areas in which the Government gives practical expression to this commitment. While commemorative steps relating specifically to 2 October require further consideration, the education and public awareness activity which underpins the Government's work in such areas includes powerful and continuous messages about non-violence as the only basis for achieving progress.