NZ named most peaceful country on earth

New Zealand has just been named the most peaceful country in the world according to a Global Peace Index. As specified by One News, New Zealand's rise was in part due to the election of a new coalition government with a strong parlimentry majority in November 2008 and our low homicide rate and defence spending. The survey ranked countries on 23 indicators including political stability, warfare, human rights, murder rates, military spending, international relations and the risk of terrorism. Last placed was Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, described as being in a 'state of ongoing conflict and upheaval.'

This result comes in perfect timing as the World March for Peace and Nonviolence is starting in New Zealand on October 2nd. This March is the first ever March to travel all six continents asking for the end of wars, the dismantling of nuclear weapons and for an end to all forms of violence!

Alyn Ware, New Zealand coordinator for the march says that “Too often we read about violence and conflicts. Peace does not make it into the headlines nearly as much. This march is a wonderful initiative to celebrate the many successful examples in our communities and around the world of violence prevention, conflict resolution, cross-cultural understanding, reconciliation and disarmament. It is a march to give us hope in a more peaceful society and the inspiration to make this happen.”

Montserrat Prieto – one of the international coordinators of the March quoted 'New Zealand is one of the first countries to see the light of the new day, and maybe this light has helped inspire the country to lead the world on many issues including granting women the vote, banning nuclear weapons, making peace studies part of the school curriculum, mediating peace in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands, and establishing the position of Minister for Disarmament – so far the only one in the world.'

World March for Peace Aotearoa - 4th June

For more information please refer to the following sites:

New Zealand 'most peaceful country on Earth' - http://www.theage.com.au/world/new-zealand-most-peaceful-country-on-earth-20090603-bux2.html

New Zealand named most peaceful country on earth - http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/03/content_11478705.htm

ENDS

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