Did you know that Hip Hop has a Declaration of Peace?
Did you know that Hip Hop has a Declaration of Peace?
Recognized by the United Nations & UNESCO
The Hip Hop Declaration of Peace is an official document that was presented to the United Nations on 16 May 2001. It recognized Hip Hop as an international culture of peace and prosperity, emphasizing how the elements of this culture can serve positive purposes
globally. It is signed by major organizations including
UNESCO, affirming hip hop's alignment with values of peace, cultural dialogue, and social progress.
WHAT IT STANDS FOR (1/3)
Peace, Unity & Respect for Life
• Recognizes Hip-Hop as a collective consciousness of peace and responsibility. (Principle 1)
• Demands respect for the dignity and sanctity of life, without discrimination.
(Principle 2)
• Encourages love and respect for children, elders, and nature.
(Principles 2, 15)
WHAT IT STANDS FOR (2/3)
Integrity, Responsibility & Lawfulness
• Respect the laws and agreements of your community and country, while upholding Hip-Hop's cultural values.
(Principle 3)
• Act with honesty and fairness in negotiations and relationships.
(Principle 6)
• Reject activities that destroy
Hip-Hop's peaceful existence or integrity. (Principle 6)
WHAT IT STANDS FOR (3/3)
Self-Definition, Education & Empowerment
• Hip-Hop empowers people to define, defend, and educate themselves, promoting peace and prosperity.
(Principle 5)
• Encourages study of Hip-Hop history, culture, and its spiritual and
philosophical principles. (Principle 4)
• Honors and protects the knowledge of pioneers, elders, and ancestors.
(Principle 16)
CULTURE OVER COMMERCE
Hip-Hop isn't just a product
• The essence of Hip-Hop culture cannot be bought, manipulated, or commercialized without its collective consent. (Principle 7)
• Companies, brands, and organizations benefiting from Hip-Hop should hire certified cultural specialists to help guide how the culture is presented and respected. (Principle 8)
LOVE, UNITY & ANTI-HATE
Hip-Hop is built on meaningful relationships
• Rejects hate, deceit, violence, theft, and prejudice. (Principles 12, 13)
• Promotes diplomatic resolution of conflict and constructive community building. (Principles 13, 14)
• Seeks to eliminate poverty and injustice. (Principle 14)
• Encourages building of meaningful and lasting relationships based on Love, trust, equality, and respect.
(Principle 10)
SOCIAL & PLANET CARE
Hip-Hop serves people and the planet
• Respects nature as our nurturing parent. (Principle 15)
• Encourages the relief of human suffering and the sharing of resources to strengthen communities.
(Principle 17)
• Maintains a healthy, caring, well-resourced central Hip-Hop community. (Principle 18)
In January 2025, KRS-One formally presented the Declaration to the National Hip-Hop Museum in Washington, D.C., reinforcing its importance as historic and culturally official Hip-Hop
heritage.
The Temple of Hip-Hop and UNESCO still highlight the Declaration on their platforms as the cultural code of conduct for the global Hip-Hop community.