"Ring a bell to ring out conflict" for International Peace Day - UN Boss


A minute of silence has been observed at United Nations headquarters in New York to remember all those who are living in war zones.

The Secretary-General led the minute' silence before ringing the UN peace bell in a call for world peace and a day of non-violence.
The Peace Bell Ceremony is an annual tradition to underscore the core mission of the United Nations.

Mr Ban Ki-moon was surrounded by several UN messengers of peace, including the British anthropologist Jane Goodall, diplomats, students and other guests.

"We ring a bell to help ring out conflict. We sound a call for peace and a day of non-violence. We urge fighters to lay down their arms. And we invite every peace-loving person to engage with friends and neighbours and celebrate the diversity of our human family.”

Yoko Ono, artist and widow of the late British pop artist and Beatles member, John Lennon, permitted the song "Imagine" to be performed at the ceremony.

2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace.

SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.