Living Together, Not Apart: Why Peaceful Coexistence Matters More Than Ever
On 4 March 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/269, proclaiming 28 January as the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.
The resolution emphasises the role of Member States and stakeholders in promoting tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and human rights. It also invites all countries, international organisations, civil society, and the media to celebrate the International Day through meaningful activities that foster a culture of peace, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
The United Nations has repeatedly suggested that Peace is more than the absence of war; it is the ability to live together amid our differences, of sex, race, language, religion, or culture, while upholding the justice and human rights that make such coexistence possible.
It is an ongoing process and a long-term goal that demands constant care, vigilance, and active participation from everyone.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights are also deeply connected to peaceful coexistence. When people are able to make informed choices about their bodies, relationships and families, they are more likely to live with dignity and autonomy. Denial of these rights, whether through restrictive laws, stigma or lack of services, fuels inequality and resentment. Communities where women, adolescents and marginalised groups cannot access accurate information or healthcare often see higher levels of violence, early marriage and exclusion, all of which weaken social harmony.
Approximately 60% of preventable maternal deaths occur in conflict-affected settings, where maternal mortality rates can be twice as high as in stable regions. Key data on SRHR in conflict zones highlights high maternal and neonatal mortality due to limited access to care.
Displacement increases the risk of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly for women and girls. Conflict-related sexual violence and intimate partner violence are reported at higher rates in conflict zones. Attacks on healthcare facilities further disrupt access to reproductive services. Examples from regions like Sudan, Gaza, and northwest Syria show collapsed healthcare infrastructure and limited maternal care. In the Rohingya crisis, high levels of GBV have been reported. Key drivers include lack of access to contraception and safe abortion, socio-economic challenges, GBV as a weapon, and underfunding of women’s organisations. Interventions include the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for immediate needs and community-based care.
Respecting SRHR is therefore not a private issue; it is a public responsibility. Peaceful coexistence depends on recognising bodily autonomy, consent and equality as shared values. Education that includes age-appropriate, rights-based information helps young people understand boundaries, respect difference and resolve conflict without harm.
When societies invest in SRHR, they invest in trust, mutual respect and long-term peace. Without these foundations, coexistence remains fragile, especially for those already pushed to the margins.
Sources:
1. United Nations
2. WHO
3. PubMed