We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, wish to state the following:
1 – We view with deep concern the rise of far-right governments, which would not be possible without the financial support of large corporations and the U.S. government, as well as its propaganda machine on social media—where voters’ consciousness is manipulated not in favor of greater democracy or social welfare, but to ensure the rise of authoritarian governments that do not fully respect human rights.
2 – The Shield of the Americas, imposed by the United States in Latin America, is a threat to our peoples’ right to full sovereignty, as it requires U.S. military forces to operate in our countries under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. Likewise, the Shield of the Americas revives the National Security Doctrine by drawing a line between “good” and “bad” actors. Among other things, it seeks to determine and impose upon us who are “reliable suppliers” and to safeguard supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths in the interest of the United States.
3 – We call on the U.S. government to end the blockade against Cuba, which constitutes collective punishment against the Cuban people. UN experts have stated that the U.S. “must cease all threats and hostile acts against Cuba’s sovereignty and revoke all measures it has imposed on the country that are contrary to international law.” Solidarity, yes; no more blockade!!
4 – We call on the governments of the U.S. and Israel to put an end to the attacks against Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen. Likewise, we call on the U.S. and the other NATO countries to stop sending weapons and providing military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Wars must be ended, not further supported. We call on all governments involved in conflicts to declare a ceasefire and engage in immediate peace negotiations.
5 – Likewise, we demand an end to the hundreds of U.S. military bases scattered throughout Latin America and the world, and an end to the military exercises being conducted on our continent as well as throughout Europe. We reject NATO’s warmongering rhetoric and its preparations for the possibility of a nuclear war. It is urgent that they speak out and work for peace and demilitarization.
6 – We call on all our governments to significantly reduce military spending and allocate those resources to health care, housing, education, culture, environmental protection, support for vulnerable families, etc. We support international campaigns against military spending. Money for life and peace—that is what matters most.
7 – We call on the UN Security Council, as well as all UN member states, to take real and concrete action to halt all ongoing armed conflicts and bring about negotiations and a ceasefire. It is essential to build a shared commitment to security in which all nations feel safe and to move toward an agenda of disarmament and the building of relationships based on trust and collaboration among all nations. Humanity has the right to live in peace.