Recognizing International Solidarity for Positive Peace: A New Foundation for Twenty-First Century Multilateralism

The international community has forgotten the obligation of peaceful dispute resolution in its turn towards conflict management and increased militarization. This article argues that there is an added value of recognizing the Declaration on the Right to International Solidarity to strengthen positive peace as the basis for twenty-first century multilateralism. To make this argument, it reviews the travaux préparatoires of the UN Declaration of Human Rights in relation to supporting the role of solidarity within human rights to include all persons in the enjoyment of human rights, as a positive corollary to non-discrimination. It also notes that solidarity can increase the participation of women in post-conflict governance and it can support care policies. The conclusion offers a recommendation to support local solidarity initiatives to build social cohesion and peace.