disarmament – IPB – International Peace Bureau

Nobel Peace Prize 2024 Award to Nihon Hidankyo and the Fight Against Nuclear Weapons

Statement by Alain ROUY, National Secretary of the “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau

The award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo is a well-deserved reward for the hibakushas who have been warning against the use of nuclear weapons for decades.

We are living at a crucial moment when some are considering the use of nuclear weapons in ongoing conflicts, and when the nuclear powers are engaged in “modernizing” and increasing their nuclear arsenals.

This is particularly true of France, which is preparing to double its spending on nuclear weapons (7 billion euros in 2025, compared with 3.5 billion in 2017), with the terrifying goal of spending 100 billion in 15 years on nuclear weapons.

We have to say no to this infernal arms race and develop international mobilizations for the elimination of nuclear weapons. In France, we are asking our government to take into consideration the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which came into force on January 22, 2021 and has already been signed by 94 countries and ratified by 73. France must take its turn in this process, first by participating as an observer in the meetings of the States Parties to the TIAN, to join it.

Following on the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the international ICAN campaign, the Nobel Prize 2024 is a powerful encouragement and support for all those fighting for a world finally free of nuclear weapons.

Déclaration de Alain ROUY, secrétaire national du “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), vice-président du Bureau International de la Paix

L’attribution du Prix Nobel de la Paix 2024 à l’organisation japonaise Nihon Hidankyo est une récompense méritée pour les hibakushas qui par leur témoignage mettent en garde depuis des décennies contre l’usage des armes nucléaires.

Nous vivons un moment crucial où certains envisagent l’utilisation des armes nucléaires dans les conflits en cours et où les puissances nucléaires sont engagées dans la “modernisation” et l’augmentation de leurs arsenaux nucléaires.

C’est en particulier le cas de la France qui s’apprête à doubler ses dépenses consacrées aux armes nucléaires ( 7 milliards d’euros en 2025 contre 3,5 milliards en 2017), avec l’objectif terrifiant de dépenser 100 milliards en 15 ans pour les armes nucléaires.

Il faut dire non à cette course infernale aux armements et développer les mobilisations internationales pour l’élimination des armes nucléaires. En France, nous demandons à notre gouvernement de prendre en considération le Traité sur l’Interdiction des Armes Nucléaires (TIAN)entré en vigueur le 22 janvier 2021 et déjà signé par 94 Etats et ratifié par 73. La France doit s’engager à son tour dans ce processus, d’abord en participant comme observateur aux réunions des Etats-parties au TIAN, avec l’objectif de le rejoindre.

Après le prix Nobel de la Paix de 2017 attribué à la campagne internationale ICAN, le Prix Nobel 2024constitue une aide et un puissant encouragement pour tous ceux qui luttent pour un monde enfin débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Statement by Alain ROUY, National Secretary of the “Mouvement de la Paix” (France), Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau Download

Nihon Hidankyo is also an organizational member of the International Peace Bureau. The Hibakushas deserve this award, and it is about time to recognize their efforts and the legacy they live for — never again, no to nuclear weapons and yes to peace.

Summit of the Future Side Event Report Back: Advocating for SSOD-IV

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) participated in the Action Days and the Summit of the Future held in New York from September 20 to 23. During this pivotal event, we engaged in various activities and organized two significant events, one of which was an official offsite side event featured on the Action Days calendar.

Our official offsite side event “Reversing the Doomsday Clock: Nuclear Disarmament and the Need for a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament” aimed to advocate for a nuclear-weapon-free world and stronger disarmament commitments, calling for the convening of a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). It took place in the beautiful and warmly welcoming Church of the Covenant on the afternoon of Saturday, September 21.

The event was co-sponsored by the Republic of Kiribati, International Peace Bureau (IPB), SCRAP Weapons (SOAS University of London), Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF), Parliament of the World’s Religions, Agora Mexico and was supported by many other partners like Reverse the Trend (RTT), Justice for All, Agora Mexico, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung NY (RLSNY), the Episcopal Church, NGO Committee on Human Rights to the UN, NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, and Committee of Religious NGOs to the UN.

This gathering aimed to unite diverse stakeholders, including member states, civil society representatives, and experts in disarmament, to address the urgent need for a Fourth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-IV). As the UN Secretary-General stated, the Summit of the Future and its accompanying Pact for the Future offer a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for member states and multistakeholders to come together and drive substantial global action.

In Memoriam: Peter Becker (1945-2024)

Peter Becker, a renowned German lawyer and tireless advocate for peace and disarmament, passed away in 2024. Best known for his anti-nuclear work, the International Peace Bureau awarded him the 2011 Sean MacBride Peace Prize.

Becker’s legal career spanned over four decades, during which he became a leading authority in administrative and energy law. He successfully represented over a thousand students in numerous cases. He played a key role in energy law after German reunification, helping establish Becker Büttner Held (BBH), Germany’s top energy law firm.

In his peace work, Becker challenged the presence of U.S. nuclear weapons in Germany, representing cases aimed at stopping nuclear activities in Büchel and Ramstein. Though the cases were dismissed, his efforts sparked significant public awareness.

Peter Becker’s legacy as a peace advocate and legal pioneer will continue to inspire.

Read the Orbituary from IALANA: https://ialana.de/aktuell

Traueranzeige für Peter Becker 20240925 Download

PRESS RELEASE: Climate and Peace Groups Join Togetherin First Global Week of Action

Berlin, September 21st, 2024

Peace and climate movements are taking action together in the first Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice to highlight the connections between their causes.

The week runs from 21-28 September, with more than 50 events planned across five continents, in countries including Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Malawi, Mexico, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the USA, as well as many online.

The week of action aims to raise awareness of the links between war, militarism, and climate injustice, such as the following:

The world’s wealthiest countries have repeatedly failed to provide $100bn in promised climate finance to help countries adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate breakdown. Meanwhile, in 2023 global military spending increased for the ninth year running to $2443bn.
Experts estimate that the world’s militaries are responsible for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If the world’s militaries were a country, they would have the fourth largest carbon footprint: higher than that of Russia. But militaries are excluded from current climate agreements, so face no accountability for their pollution.

The week also aims to build bridges between peace and climate justice movements, and to build momentum behind the demand to ‘divest from war – invest in climate justice!’

In New York City, there will be events to coincide with the UN Summit of the Future. The Japan-based international NGO Peace Boat will carry out workshops and actions in Tokyo and in the Atlantic Ocean as part of its global voyage for peace. In Mexico, students will create a list of demands directed to the Mexican Congress, asking them to divest funds from the armed forces and reinvest them in environmental public policies. In the UK, vigils will be held in London, Taunton and Bath.

Yurii Sheliazenko: “We must change the narrative of the inevitability of war.”

26.08.24 – Ukraine – Mauro Carlo Zanella | Pressenza International Press Agency

Changing the Narratives of War: An article based on Yurii Sheliazenko’s interview to read.

People should not be defined by wars they waged, wage or expect to wage. People must define their identity with collective imagination, knowledge, art, joy and happiness of togetherness and openness to embrace anyone and anything in this wonderful and good Universe. When we will walk in the light, not in the darkness, we will be brothers and sisters, equal and creative, not destructive. For that end, a great work of enlightenment must be done.

Legal Team and Legal Mandate Established for Tribunal Investigation Into 1945 Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Which Claimed 70,000 Korean Victims

The International People’s Tribunal on the Responsibility of the U.S.A. for the 1945 Atomic Bombings and for Ensuring Redress (Apology) to the Korean Victims

On August 6, 2024, The International People’s Tribunal on the Responsibility of the U.S.A. for the 1945 Atomic Bombings and for Ensuring Redress to the Korean Victims announced the members of the Legal Review Team which will be leading a Tribunal seeking the following:

1. A legal decision as to whether the 1945 atomic bombings by the U.S. violated international law.

2. A legal decision that the current threat to use and the use of nuclear weapons are in violation of international law.

3. An official apology from the U.S. to the Korean victims for the atomic bombings of 1945.

A detailed Legal Review Paper is attached to this Press Release.

During the 1930s, approximately 1.2 million Koreans were forcibly removed by the Japanese from their homeland, and many were brought to the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to work for the Japanese. The U.S. knowingly dropped the world’s first atomic bombs on these two civilian cities on August 6 and August 9, 1945, claiming over 700,000 victims in total, 70,000 of which were Korean nationals.

This International People’s Tribunal has established a powerful legal team with law professors and trial attorneys from around the world to present the evidence, argue the law, and hold the relevant parties accountable. A panel of international judges will deliberate on the evidence and render a verdict.

Presenting this evidence and establishing these precedent-setting legal rulings will have a positive influence on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the bringing of a lasting peace to that area and to a world without nuclear weapons.

The Tribunal Legal Team consists of the following members:

· Daniel Rietiker, Adjunct Professor of International Law and Human Rights at Lausanne University, Switzerland; Co-President of IALANA

· Toshinori Yamada, Professor at Meiji University Law School, Japan

· Okubo Kenichi, President of Japan Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear
Arms, Japan

· Manfred Mohr, Professor of International Law and Co-chair of International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons, Germany

· Monique Cormier, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Monash University, Australia

· Anna Hood, Associate Professor of the Auckland Faculty of Law, New Zealand

· John Kierulf, Former Diplomat of the Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Tribunal also announced that the official Co-Chairs of the International People’s Tribunal are the Honorable Former Bishop Kang Uil (Peter) from the Catholic Diocese of Jeju; and the former Mayor of Hiroshima, the Honorable Hiraoka Takashi. Both individuals were in attendance in June 2024 in Hiroshima during the second forum to establish the Tribunal. Their long work in this field, their legacy and voice, provide a deep moral authority to the Tribunal.

The Tribunal will spend the next two years assembling evidence, witness testimony, and forming its legal arguments. The Tribunal will hold its oral proceedings in New York City in 2026, a year which will mark the convening of the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

SPARK (Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea), a peace NGO based in South Korea, and Brad Wolf, lawyer and former prosecutor serve as co-coordinators.

The following organizations have endorsed this Tribunal and are serving as partner organizations: Environmentalists Against War, World BEYOND War, Peace Action, International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms, International Peace Bureau, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Japan Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms, Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, Korean American Peace Fund, Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal, Peace Action New York State, STOP the War Coalition Philippines, The International League of Peoples’ Struggle, Veterans for Peace, The United Methodist Church,

Contacts:
South Korea: SPARK, abombtribunal@gmail.com
U.S.A.: Brad Wolf, bradwolf1310@gmail.com

Join the Initiative through SPARK

We are SPARK, a peace organization based in South Korea. Collaborating with Korean atomic bomb victims, we are currently undertaking a project to organize the International People’s Tribunal on 1945 US Atomic Bombings (scheduled in 2026). We are reaching out to request your organization’s participation as a partner.

The International People’s Tribunal is a significant endeavor to hold the United States accountable for the dropping of atomic bombs. To ensure the success of the A-Bomb Tribunal, collaboration from various organizations is essential. Any non-governmental organization is eligible to become a partner organization for the International People’s Tribunal. No joining fee or annual subscription is required, although financial and other relevant contributions are welcome. PartnersEnvironmentalists Against War, World BEYOND War, Peace Action, International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms, International Peace Bureau, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Japan Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms, Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, Korean American Peace Fund, Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal, Peace Action New York State, STOP the War Coalition Philippines, The International League of Peoples’ Struggle, Veterans for Peace, The United Methodist Church – To be added

Become a Partner

SPARK(Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea) is a grassroots movement organization established in 1994, during a time of heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula, following the spirit of the Korean peace movement. SPARK, which leads the A-Bomb Tribunal alongside Korean atomic bomb victims, is committed to five core values: sovereignty, peace, reunification, denuclearization, and disarmament.

The 2024 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs Declaration of the International Meeting

August 4, 2024, Japan – The participants of the 2024 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs concluded the event by adopting a declaration at the Closing Session. As next year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, the Hibakusha, who survived and have fought for the abolition of nuclear weapons, are calling on both A-bomb survivors and the younger generation to turn the tide toward a peaceful and just world without nuclear weapons.

IPB Condemns Escalation and Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Following Targeted Killings in West Asia

31 July 2024, Germany

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the recent targeted killings in West Asia, including the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukur, in Beirut. These actions are a violation of international law and pose a serious risk of escalating the conflict to a regional level. Such escalations not only endanger regional stability but also have global consequences, as they increase the risk of a wider conflict that could involve the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), leading to catastrophic outcomes worldwide.

These attacks have severely set back efforts towards achieving a ceasefire and a long-term resolution to the conflict, including the return of Israeli hostages. The timing and nature of these actions suggest a deliberate attempt to undermine diplomatic efforts, prolonging the suffering of civilians and obstructing peace processes.

Recent statements by Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and various international responses underscore the fragile state of affairs. IPB urges all stakeholders, including regional and global powers, to work towards a peaceful resolution and avoid actions that could lead to uncontrollable escalation.

IPB emphasizes the critical importance of using diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Resorting to violence only exacerbates the suffering of innocent civilians and brings the region closer to widespread conflict. We call on all states and non-state actors, both within the region and those with direct or indirect involvement, to prioritize peace and stability, respecting international law principles.

We urgently call for a ceasefire and comprehensive negotiations that address the root causes of the longstanding conflict, cycle of violence, and oppression in Palestine and Israel, and throughout West Asia. Long-term peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust-building, ensuring the common security and dignity of all people involved.

Llamamiento por la Paz: ¡¡No + guerras!! ¡¡No más OTAN!! | Call for Peace: No More Wars!! No More NATO!!

IPB supports this call from organizations and individuals around the world, demanding an end to wars and the dissolution of NATO. As the NATO Summit approaches, taking place from July 9 to 11, 2024, in Washington DC, we feel compelled to voice our collective concern over the increasing global conflicts, military spending, and the resulting insecurity. This letter highlights the critical issues and calls for immediate, non-violent resolution of disputes, urging the United States and NATO countries to act responsibly and prioritize peace.

You can find and sign the original Spanish letter here. Supporting signatures will be collected until Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Below you can find its English translation.

Peace Wave 2024: A Global Movement for Peace and Unity

On June 22-23, 2024, the International Peace Bureau and World BEYOND War held the third annual 24-hour Peace Wave, a global event dedicated to promoting peace and opposing military buildup. This extraordinary event unfolded over a 24-hour Zoom marathon, featuring live peace actions in various locations around the world, moving westward every two hours. Participants engaged in different ways to spread the word of PEACE. Each segment throughout the event concluded with a live Q&A session, fostering real-time interaction and engagement.

The 2024 Peace Wave took place against the backdrop of the RIMPAC military exercises in the Pacific and the lead-up to protests against NATO’s 75th anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C., in July. The event aimed to support global peace initiatives and oppose military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, which are contributing to global military buildup and conflicts.

Event Overview

Europe and Africa (13:00 – 15:00 UTC) The Peace Wave kicked off with peace actions in the UK, contributions from Ireland around the topic of neutrality, followed by a panel with activists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and peace actions from Cameroon and Djibouti. This segment highlighted the diverse approaches to peacebuilding in different cultural and geopolitical contexts.
South America (15:00 – 17:00 UTC) The event then moved to South America, featuring actions from Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. A large solidarity March with Palestine was held in Santiago de Chile, the session was enriched with songs.
North America (Eastern Time Zone) (17:00 – 19:00 UTC) In the USA and Canada, the Eastern Time Zone saw a variety of activities. A notable segment was led by Kathy Kelly, who moderated discussions and live interactions with peace advocates. In addition to videos of peace walks, live outdoor rallies, and Q&A sessions.
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (19:00 – 21:00 UTC) The Peace Wave continued through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where peace activists held numerous events that emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and grassroots activism in promoting peace and justice.
North America (Pacific and Mountain Time Zones) (21:00 – 23:00 UTC) In the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones of the USA and Canada, the Peace Wave featured contributions from activists like Elizabeth Murray, who shared insights from Ground Zero and the Peace Pagoda. Notable segments included a video presentation from the Peace Caravan and an anti-war demonstration in Portland, Oregon.
Hawaii and Guam (23:00 – 01:00 UTC) The event moved to Hawaii and Guam, where peace activists engaged and elaborated on their work to promote peace globally. These segments highlighted the strategic importance of these regions in global military dynamics and emphasized the local efforts to promote peace and demilitarization.
Australia and New Zealand (01:00 – 03:00 UTC) In Australia and New Zealand, the Peace Wave featured a variety of activities and events. These events underscored the role of cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom in peacebuilding efforts.
Japan and South Korea (03:00 – 05:00 UTC) The segment in Japan and South Korea included a video presentation by the Japan Council against A & H Bombs (Gensuikyo) and a pre-recorded video about Japan by Joseph Essertier. This was followed by a live Q&A session with contributors from Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island, highlighting local resistance to militarization and the impact of global military policies on local communities.
Southeast Asia (05:00 – 07:00 UTC) In Southeast Asia, peace activists from the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar organized various events, with peace activists engagements. These activities focused on regional conflicts and the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue and cooperation.
South Asia (07:00 – 09:00 UTC) The South Asia segment included contributions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Highlights included a panel discussion on regional cooperation and peace, featuring messages and videos from various individuals and organizations. This segment emphasized the interconnectedness of regional peace efforts and the importance of collective action.
Central Asia and the Middle East (09:00 – 11:00 UTC) The Peace Wave then moved to Central Asia and the Middle East, with activities and contributions from Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria, focusing on the ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in these regions.
Russia, Ukraine, the Nordic Region, and Central Europe (11:00 – 13:00 UTC) The final segments included contributions from peace activists from Russia and Ukraine, a video describing the worrying militarisation of the Nordic Region, and several speeches and actions from Kosovo, Romania, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. This part of the event featured powerful speeches and demonstrations, highlighting the global nature of the peace movement. Contributions from Ukraine and Russia underscored the need for dialogue and understanding amidst the ongoing conflict.

Context, Significance, and Importance:

In a world often fraught with conflict, violence, and political tension, the role of peace activities and campaigns cannot be overstated. Initiatives like the annual 24-hour Peace Wave, serve as critical platforms for advocating peace, fostering global solidarity, and challenging the pervasive culture of war. These efforts are essential not only for preventing conflicts but also for building a sustainable future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

Promoting Awareness and Education: One of the most significant impacts of peace activities is raising awareness about the devastating consequences of war and the benefits of peaceful resolutions. Educational components, such as panel discussions, workshops, and cultural events, help disseminate knowledge about the complexities of conflicts and the importance of diplomacy and negotiation. For instance, during the Peace Wave event, various segments were dedicated to discussing the impacts of military alliances like NATO and AUKUS, and the necessity of global cooperation to address these issues. By educating the public, these campaigns empower individuals to advocate for peaceful policies and support nonviolent solutions in their communities.

Encouraging Global Solidarity and Collaboration: Peace campaigns often bring together a diverse range of participants from different countries and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of global solidarity. This unity is vital in addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, and resource scarcity. The Peace Wave, for example, featured live peace actions from dozens of locations worldwide, including rallies, concerts, and public demonstrations. This global participation not only highlights the universal desire for peace but also demonstrates the power of collective action in challenging the status quo and pushing for systemic change.

Challenging Militarism and the Arms Industry: A core objective of many peace campaigns is to challenge the normalization of militarism and the influence of the arms industry on global politics. By opposing military build-ups and the proliferation of weapons, these activities aim to redirect resources towards more constructive and humanitarian endeavors. The Peace Wave specifically targeted military exercises underscoring the urgent need to reduce military spending and promote disarmament. Such actions spotlight the disproportionate impact of militarization on marginalized communities and the environment, advocating for a shift towards policies that prioritize human security and well-being.

Inspiring Future Generations: Engaging youth in peace activities is essential for sustaining long-term peacebuilding efforts. By involving young people in dialogues, educational programs, and activism, these campaigns nurture a new generation of peace advocates. The inclusive nature of events like the Peace Wave, which features contributions from various age groups and communities, ensures that the message of peace resonates with and inspires future leaders. Empowering young people to champion peace not only secures the continuity of these efforts but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges of conflict.

Building a Culture of Peace: Ultimately, peace activities and campaigns contribute to the broader goal of building a culture of peace. This involves transforming societal values, norms, and institutions to prioritize peace over conflict. By celebrating and promoting peace, these campaigns help embed the principles of nonviolence, cooperation, and empathy into the social fabric. Events like the Peace Wave create opportunities for individuals to experience and practice these values, reinforcing the idea that peace is not just the absence of war but a proactive commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity.

Conclusion

The 2024 Peace Wave was a resounding success, bringing together peace activists from around the world in a unified call for peace and demilitarization. The event highlighted the importance of global cooperation, local activism, and the power of collective action in addressing the challenges of militarization and conflict. As the world continues to grapple with these issues, the Peace Wave serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring human spirit’s capacity for peace and reconciliation.

You can visit the IPB YouTube Peace Wave 2024 Playlist to watch the full event.