A SWINDON human rights group is asking people to join in a moment of global unity next week.

Next Thursday is the UN International Day of Peace and Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty International Group will be holding vigils around the town to mark the occasion.

They will take place at West Swindon Centre, near the library, from 10am to 11am, in the town centre at the Millennium Clock, Canal Walk, from 1pm to 2pm and at North Swindon Centre, also near the library, from 6pm to 7pm.

In addition, workplaces and faith groups are being encouraged to organise and register their own vigils.

Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty International Group member Emma Bushell said it was important for people to get involved and raise awareness.

She said: "People can either turn up to one of the vigils or organise their own.

"Even if it's just a case of sticking a candle in their window, people should do something."

Last year a coalition was formed including the Amnesty group, Swindon Film Society and Swindon Churches Together, for a showing of Jeremy Gilley's film Peace One Day.

Emma said: "There was a lot of interest for that and people wanted to keep it going and do something this year."

The International Day of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981.

It provides an opportunity for individuals, groups, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.

Campaigners are urging all governments to establish an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on September 21. To register your vigil, call 07876 430582 or log on to www.peaceoneday.org