The Congress produced a World Plan of Action based on the body of international human rights and humanitarian law and conceiving of human rights in their broadest sense to include: learning about tolerance and acceptance of others, solidarity, participatory citizenship and the importance of building mutual respect and understanding.
Non violence is supported in principle by all of UNESCO's activities. In this regard, the Organization has traditionally supported the collaboration of social scientists from around the world in research, exchange and publication for nonviolence and peace. For example, the International Peace Research Association (see section on Non governmental organizations) was founded with support from UNESCO and has always maintained close ties to the Organization. UNESCO regularly convenes meetings of peace institutes for the exchange of the most up to date research findings. It offers an annual peace education prize which publicizes significant contributions to education for a non violent approach to the resolution of conflict.
The pseudo scientific myths that violence is inherent in human nature have led many to believe that war is the natural state of humanity and therefore inevitable. At the request of the Spanish National Commission for UNESCO in 1986, the Seville Statement on Violence was written by an international team of scientists to address these myths. Coming from the relevant disciplines of animal behaviour, psychology, brain research, genetics and anthropology they responded to the question: 'Does modern biology and social sciences know of any biological factors that are an insurmountable or serious obstacle to the goal of world peace?'
The scientists concluded that 'biology does not condemn humanity to war, and that humanity can be freed from the bondage of biological pessimism and empowered with the confidence to undertake the transformative tasks needed in this International Year of Peace and in the years to come... The same species who invented war is capable of inventing peace. The responsibility lies with each of us.'

Since it was adopted by the General Conference in 1989, UNESCO has publicized and disseminated the Seville Statement on Violence. Over 100 specialists and institutions - including a number of professional associations of scientists comprising thousands of members - have formally confirmed their agreement with its terms and helped to disseminate it broadly to the general public.

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