Write to your MP, MSP, AM or Councillor and tell him or her why you believe the Truce is a concept that deserves our efforts!
You can use this template as basis for your email or letter - remember that your MP is more likely to respond to a personalised communication.
Click here to find out who your MP, MSP, AM or Councillor is, and to email him or her directly.
"Dear XXXXX,
I am writing to you as a supporter of the United Nations Association of the UK (UNA-UK) to ask you to help us ensure that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games leave a lasting legacy for peace around the world.
Peace has always been a central element of the Games. During the ancient Olympic Games, warring kingdoms adopted a ceasefire to ensure the safe passage of athletes and spectators. This truce was emblematic of the power of sport to bring nations and peoples together.
The modern concept of the Olympic Truce builds on this idea. It promotes the cessation of hostilities for the duration of the Games to enable humanitarian aid and facilitate dialogue. Since 1993, the member states of the UN General Assembly have pledged to uphold a truce before every Games. But despite some successes - notably the provision of vital humanitarian aid to Sarajevo during the 1994 Lillehammer Games - the international community has yet to take serious steps to implement the Truce.
We are delighted that the UK government managed to win unanimous support for its resolution on the Truce in the General Assembly last September and are inspired by the activities that are taking place around the world. However, we believe that more can and must be done.
If the Truce really is to have a lasting impact, it must consider long-term support for the UN's vital peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian work, as well as short-term initiatives aimed at providing relief to people who are struggling to survive in conflict zones.
UNA-UK urges the UK government to:
- Consider practical ways to improve the UN's capacity for preventing conflict as part of its Truce activities
- Commit extra resources (which could be in the form of expert advisors, as well as equipment and funding) to UN peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian activities, and encourage other UN member states to do the same
- Work with relevant actors to promote and support peace talks in conflict zones
- Ensure that the Truce features prominently in government activities in London, the UK and around the world
We hope that you will do all you can to raise these important issues with the UK government. It is vital that all of us - as citizens of the Olympic Games host country and of the world - demonstrate our support for this important initiative.
Yours sincerely"
