Author: sean

Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo) 2024 Action Plan

From 70th year of Bikini Tragedy to 80th year of Hiroshima/Nagasaki.  Gensuikyo’s 2024 Action Plan to achieve a nuclear weapon-free world, marking the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Bikini Tragedy and toward the next year, the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Next year, 2025, will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We have to make the anniversary a year of great transition for achieving a “world without nuclear weapons” to meet the wish of the Hibakusha to abolish nuclear weapons in their lifetime. Towards 2025, let us start a nationwide campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons by developing discussion, dialogue and the signature campaign across Japan on the occasion of the 70th year of the Bikini tragedy as it triggered the nationwide movement to ban atomic and hydrogen bombs.

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The Ukraine War a Year From Now: A Realist Case for Ceasefire & Negotiations

Joseph Gerson

Text of speech given on the IPB’s webinar, Feb. 24, 2024

I don’t have a crystal ball, and I can’t promise accurate predictions about the state of the Ukraine War  a year from today. Three things that we do know are first, that Russia will continue fighting until it secures Ukrainian neutrality, and it will resort to any means necessary to prevent what U.S. General Austin has named as the ambition of winning Russia’s strategic defeat. Second, recently re-forged Ukrainian nationalism will continue to resist Russian domination then and in one way or another for decades to come. And, finally, as was the case before Russia’s invasion, Ukraine will have no chance of joining NATO.

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BUILD PEACE AND JUSTICE NOW!

Statement signed at 18 February 2024 at World Social Forum in Kathmandu, Nepal

Nobody can doubt any longer that the multiple crises have deepened worldwide. Superpowers and market-oriented international institutions including the European Union, Russia, and the United States of America, NATO, the World Economic Forum and others have driven the world into a spiral of increasing competition, hate speech and sea of bloody wars, ethnic cleansing and genocide, economic and ecological disasters, and neocolonial injustices supported by increasingly authoritarian governments.

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Exciting News: We are relaunching IPB’s Peace Education Program!

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the International Peace Bureau’s (IPB) Peace Education Program, opening with an enriching series of webinars centered around the pivotal topic of neutrality in international relations.

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Honoring the Legacy of Fredrik S. Heffermehl: A Voice for Peace and a Final Masterpiece

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Fredrik S. Heffermehl in late December 2023, a cherished member of our community and a relentless advocate for peace. As a distinguished lawyer, author, and former Vice President of the IPB, Heffermehl dedicated his life to the cause of peace and disarmament.

Fredrik’s involvement in peace activism extended beyond the IPB. He played a vital role as Vice President of IALANA (International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms) and led the Norwegian Peace Council from 1985 to 2000. His influential works, including “Peace is Possible” and “The Nobel Peace Prize. What Nobel Really Wanted,” have been translated into multiple languages, reflecting his global impact.

Today, we honor his final contribution to the field of peace literature, a book poignantly published shortly before his passing: “The Real Nobel Peace Prize. A Squandered Opportunity to Abolish War.” This groundbreaking work, available in English, is a culmination of Heffermehl’s lifelong quest to unveil the true intentions behind Alfred Nobel’s peace vision.

In “The Real Nobel Peace Prize,” Heffermehl reveals a startling discovery he made in 2007 about Alfred Nobel’s original peace ideals, a secret obscured by the very stewards of Nobel’s legacy. This book uncovers how Norwegian politicians, designated executors of Nobel’s will, have deviated from its intended purpose since the inception of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Fredrik’s work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. His deep analysis and bold revelations offer a critical perspective on the Nobel Peace Prize, challenging us to reconsider how Nobel’s vision can truly foster a world free of war.

We invite you to explore this profound piece of literature, a final gift from a man who tirelessly worked to make the world a more peaceful place. “The Real Nobel Peace Prize” is available for purchase at realnobelpeace.org. For further information, feel free to contact our office.

As we bid farewell to Fredrik S. Heffermehl, we are reminded of his enduring message: peace is not just a dream, but a possibility within our grasp. Let us honor his memory by continuing to strive for the peaceful world he envisioned.

War opponent Boris Kagarlitsky is unexpectedly released in Russia

Press release from the People and Peace Network 12 December 2023

War opponent Boris Kagarlitsky is unexpectedly released in Russia

Today, the Russian war opponent Boris Kagarlitsky was released from prison in the trial in Suktyvkar. Unlike many other prominent opponents of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Kagarlitsky did not flee the country but continued his advocacy work from Moscow. On July 25, he was arrested by the authorities on behalf of the FSB and taken to the remote Republic of Komi and its capital Sykthyvkar.

Kagarlitsky was accused of “justifying terrorism” in a video on YouTube channel Rabkor where he talked about the first explosion on the Crimean Bridge in the summer of 2022. This is according to Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code on “justifying” terrorism committed “using mass media or electronic networks or information and telecommunications networks, including the Internet”, for which the penalty can be a fine of up to one million rubles or imprisonment from 5 to 7 years. The prosecutor requested 5.5 years in prison.

The case was based on a report written by Leonid Krasnoperov, a member of the City Duma of United Russia in the city of Ukhta in the Republic of Komi. Rabkor wrote in a Telegram post when the trial started yesterday, December 11: “Despite the well-known slowness of the Russian judiciary, which is capable of considering any case for years, it seems that the trial of Kagarlitsky could be concluded as early as tomorrow.”

Boris Kagarlitsky was able to leave the court today as a free man. He is, however, sentenced not to edit any media or website for two years and a fine of 6,000 dollars. “Miracles do happen even in the darkest times of political persecution, especially when backed by widespread material, moral and political support from around the world!” writes Rabkor in a comment. “The verdict opens the way for the cooperation between the climate and peace movement against oligarchs in East and West that Boris Kagarlitskij works for,” says Tord Björk, convener of the People and Peace Network’s communication and action group. Both Kagarlitsky and the Russian environmental movement continue to be labeled as foreign agents, but both the verdict and continued environmental protests in Russia, which have been particularly strong in Suktyvkar, show the hope of bringing together the fight for peace and the environment.

The result of the trial is surprising in a time of increased repression of all voices of peace. The success may be due to several forces working together in the campaign for Kagarlitsky as an important symbol of war resistance. One was a broad rally campaigning for the release of Boris and all political prisoners in Russia. That Kagarlitsky is the international best-known left-wing intellectual who was imprisoned both during the Soviet era, Yeltsin and Putin were grateful to highlight as a symbol. Another force was academics who cooperated with Kagarlitsky but are not as critical of Russia’s current actions as he is. One of these is Radika Desai, who raised the issue of Kagarlitsky in a conversation with Putin during a Valdai meeting. A third line has been the peace and environmental movement that stood up both for Kagarlitsky and conscientious objectors in both Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, something that opposition voices in Russia saw as a tactic that makes it easier for them to defend themselves.

In Sweden, the People and Peace Network has supported Kagarlitskij in a statement. At the Peace Fair in November arranged by i.a. Artists for Peace, Friends of the Earth, Women for Peace and the People and Peace Network, the issue of repression against war opponents in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and the EU was an important theme. The People and Peace network has also participated in the peace movement’s international campaign for Boris Kagarlitskij and other war opponents in collaboration with social forum forces both from Russia and EU countries and the International Peace Bureau.

The people and peace network calls for continued support to Boris Kagarlitskij for payment of fines and to enable Rabkor to continue its operations. Donation Alerts (https://www.donationalerts.com/r/rabkortv) We also call for support for other political prisoners in Russia and work against repression in the East and West.


Tord Björk for the People and Peace Network communication and action group (Attached: )

International campaign for Kagarlitsky: https://freeboris.info

The statement of the People and Peace Network in Swedish: https://folkochfred.wordpress.com/2023/09/17/stoppa-repressionen-i-ost-och-vast/

On the International Peace Bureau website:
https://ipb.org/stop-the-repression-in-the-east-and-the-west/
About the environmental struggle in Suktyvkar and the Republic of Komi:

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/01/09/this-is-the-land-of-our-ancestors

Tord Björk email: tord.bjork@gmail.com, skype: tordbjork, tel: +46 (0)722 15 16 90, address: Kyrkängsbacken 8, 14135 Huddinge, Sweden

Kagarlitsky-and-the-climateDownload

In Memoriam: David Krieger

A great heart of peace has stopped beating.

On the death of David Krieger.

Throughout his life, David Krieger was an ardent and tireless campaigner for a world without nuclear weapons. In 1982, he founded the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, of which he was President until 2019. He was involved in many small, large and international anti-nuclear events and activities.

In 1981, he was involved in the founding of the International Network of Scientists and Engeneers, which he served as president in the 1990s and 2000s and whose development into an international network of scientists for responsibility and peace he significantly influenced. As a mentor, he promoted the development of this network for decades

His texts, but especially his deeply humanistic poems, influenced the development of many young people.

He was closely associated with IPB in the common rejection of the madness of nuclear weapons.

Personally, it was a pleasure to work closely with him in positions of responsibility over the years. His will to change, his argumentative strength and persuasiveness, his perseverance and patience, but also his insistence on never giving up characterized our close cooperation. His friendliness and charm made every conversation and discussion with him a lasting element of our joint work.

I am losing a good friend.

The global peace movement must mourn the loss of a tireless fighter and campaigner for a world without nuclear weapons. Bertold Brecht’s words apply to him: the strongest fight for a lifetime, they are indispensable. We will miss him, but we will continue to work in his spirit for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Reiner Braun, former President of the IPB and Executive Director of INES from 1991 to 2001 and member of the Board of Directors until 2006

A peace hero salute, David. Your accomplishments, contributions, efforts and love for humanity and peace will always be remembered.

Please see this link for his work: https://www.wagingpeace.org/david-krieger/ 

Joining Forces with the World Peace Foundation: Addressing the Intersection of Military, Climate, and Justice

We are honored to announce that IPB has been featured in the World Peace Foundation’s esteemed Movement Index. This recognition comes alongside the publication of their critical report, written by Nico Edwards, examining the complex interplay between military actions, climate change, and social justice.

The report, released in conjunction with the ongoing discussions at COP28, delves into the emerging concept of ‘Green Militarism.’ This term refers to the ways in which environmental challenges are increasingly becoming entangled with military responses, raising important questions about the future of eco-social policies and practices.

With the title “Resisting the Militarization of Eco-Social Crises,” the report is a compelling call to action. It invites us to reconsider our approaches to environmental challenges and to advocate for solutions that are not only effective but also just and equitable.

How You Can Help Amplify This Message:

  1. Retweet the Foundation’s Report: Show your support by retweeting the report from the World Peace Foundation’s Twitter account. Retweet Here
  2. Share the Report on Social Media: Use your platform to spread the word. You can use the suggested copy or create your own to highlight the importance of resisting green militarism. Read and Share the Report
  3. Use the Hashtag #RESISTgreenmilitarism: Including this hashtag in your posts will help in creating a unified voice and will enable the World Peace Foundation to easily retweet and share your support.

We are proud to be part of this critical conversation and are grateful for the World Peace Foundation’s efforts in shedding light on these pressing issues!