The International Peace Bureau (IPB) celebrates alongside the Syrian people the end of the Assad regime’s rule and brutal crackdown in Syria – the scenes of liberation produce hope of a national recovery and transformation to a new inclusive and democratic future for Syrians. The nation has endured immense suffering since the outbreak of conflict in 2011. The initial protests’ rapid escalation into a devastating civil war has already resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, the displacement of millions both internally and externally, and the near-total destruction of the country’s infrastructure.
Continue reading “Statement from the International Peace Bureau (IPB) on the Current Situation in Syria and Aspirations for Its Future”2024 Activities
A Needed Step to Strengthen the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) Regime
By: Enkhsaikhan Jargalsaikhan, IPB Board Member and Blue Banner Chairman
Growing importance of NWFZs
Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) are important and practical regional measures of non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWSs) in promoting the goals of maintaining strategic stability, nuclear non-proliferation and strengthening confidence among states. Today there are more than 115 states the territories of which cover about 84 mln km2 of the world’s landmass, representing 39% of its population and making up almost 60% of United Nations membership. Thus much has been achieved in the past half a century. However, the past rich experience should serve as a tool of strengthening and broadening further the NWFZ regime leading to creating a nuclear-weapon-free-world (NWFW). When oceans and seas that cover about 70% of the Earth’s surface are to be included, the NWFZ regime would cover most of the NWFW.
Continue reading “A Needed Step to Strengthen the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) Regime”A Call for Solutions to Safeguard Democracy in South Korea
Statement | Berlin, Germany | 13 December 2024
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of South Korea, whose courage and resilience have risen as a powerful defense against the erosion of democratic principles and the unconstitutional declaration of martial law. Recent events highlight a grave misuse of power and blatant violations of constitutional law by the government and military leaders. We believe this is a reversal of the hard-won gains of the people-led democratic movement of South Korea and a setback to democracy in South Korea that took root after the people’s victory against authoritarianism in the 1980s.
Continue reading “A Call for Solutions to Safeguard Democracy in South Korea”Nuclear Weapons are Antithetical to Human Rights: Honoring Nihon Hidankyo on International Human Rights Day
10 December 2024
At a time of deep crisis in global cooperation and governance, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Hibakusha), is an essential reminder of what is at stake in the world today – and the strength and commitment of activists to ensure a peaceful future that respects the human rights of all.
Continue reading “Nuclear Weapons are Antithetical to Human Rights: Honoring Nihon Hidankyo on International Human Rights Day”Sign the Appeal: The World Wants Peace, Not Nuclear War!
You can sign the call and find the original call in Spanish here.
On this December 10th, marking the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we, the individuals and organizations signing this statement, wish to express the following:
- Our Deep Concern
We are gravely concerned about the danger and possibility of a nuclear war, a threat that has escalated further following the recent decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to authorize Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. - Call for a Ceasefire
As we have stated before, we urge an immediate ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, where the United States and NATO countries are actively involved. We call on all parties, including the U.S. and NATO, to engage in peace negotiations aimed at definitively ending hostilities and establishing agreements that affirm the right of all countries to peace and collective security, distancing us from the threat of nuclear war. - Global Implications of Nuclear War
The potential for nuclear war would not only affect Ukraine or Russia but could also devastate all of Europe and the United States. Moreover, it would have catastrophic global consequences, including “nuclear winter,” radioactive contamination, and severe impacts on the environment and public health. - Escalation Risks
The risk of nuclear war is real as hostilities between the U.S., NATO, and Russia escalate. This has prompted governments in Norway, Sweden, and Finland to distribute brochures to their citizens, urging them to prepare for the worst—the possibility of a direct NATO-Russia conflict. - The Doomsday Clock Warning
In 2024, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists stated, “Today, we have set the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight because humanity continues to face an unprecedented level of danger. Our decision should not be interpreted as a sign that international security has improved. On the contrary, leaders and citizens worldwide should take this as a grave warning and respond urgently, as if this were the most dangerous moment in modern history—because it very well could be.” The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to total annihilation. - Nuclear Arms Race
Over the past decade, we have witnessed a significant increase in nuclear weapons development and maintenance budgets, particularly by the United States, which has also withdrawn from key agreements like the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Open Skies Treaty, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the Iran nuclear deal—all crucial pillars of nuclear arms control. These hostilities have also led countries like Russia, China, and North Korea to expand or upgrade their nuclear arsenals. - A Call to Action
The danger is real, and we are all at risk. We, the signatories of this statement, demand that world leaders, the United Nations, and governments—particularly the United States—make sincere efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East through peaceful negotiations. We also urge them to advance a disarmament agenda and work toward the prompt elimination of nuclear weapons.
Finally, in this perilous world, we commend the example set by the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, survivors of the atomic bomb, which was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.
Click here to sign!
Report: International Conference on Peace, Nature, and Cooperation in the Baltic and Arctic Regions
The Conference took place on September 21–22, 2024
in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The International Conference on Peace, Nature, and Cooperation in the Baltic and Arctic Regions brought together an impressive coalition of environmentalists, peace advocates, and policymakers to address the increasing militarization of these crucial regions. The event, hosted on the International Day of Peace, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action to counter climate change, promote disarmament, and protect the delicate ecosystems of the Baltic and Arctic zones.
Organizers:
- Public Council of the Southern Coast of the Gulf of Finland, interregional environmental movement of St. Petersburg – Leningrad Region, Russia.
- Global Women for Peace United Against NATO– international network.
- Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space.
- International Peace Bureau (IPB)– Geneva, Barcelona, Berlin.
- World BEYOND War– a global anti-war organization with chapters and affiliates in about two dozen countries. It is opposed to the very institution of war and not just individual wars.
Supporters:
- Regional Press Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia.
- Boligaktionen – Activism for a World with Space for Everyone, Denmark.
- Canadian organization Women’s Voice for Peace (VOW), Canada.
- International Women’s League for Peace and Freedom of Canada(WILPF).
- International Women’s League for Peace and Freedom WILPF– Norway.
- Women for Peace, Finland.
- Women for Peace, Sweden.
Key Objectives
- Advancing Civil Diplomacy: Foster cooperation across borders to address climate challenges and reduce military tensions.
- Peacebuilding and Environmental Protection: Advocate for peace as a prerequisite for environmental sustainability.
- Promoting a Nuclear-Free Zone: Transform the Baltic and Arctic regions into zones of peace, free from nuclear weapons.
- Strengthening Networks: Unite peace and environmental organizations to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Highlights of the Conference
- Speakers and Topics: Renowned activists and experts, including representatives from the International Peace Bureau (IPB), World BEYOND War, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), shared insights on topics ranging from nuclear disarmament to sustainable development.
- Collaborative Declaration: Participants drafted a joint declaration outlining actionable steps for peace and environmental protection. This document will be presented at the World Peace Forum 2025. The declaration can be viewed and downloaded below.
- Networking and Cooperation: The conference established a robust network of organizations and activists across the Baltic and Arctic regions.
JOINT Declaration from the International Conference in St. Petersburg, Russia September
Other available languages:
The full program with recording timeline and videos can be seen and downloaded here.
Conclusion
The conference underscored the critical link between peace and environmental sustainability, advocating for a cooperative approach to address the region’s pressing issues. As we approach the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, initiatives like this conference serve as a reminder of the need for global solidarity in building a just and sustainable future.
Next Steps
- Disseminate the joint declaration to relevant stakeholders and international forums.
- Plan further collaborations for upcoming events, including the World Peace Forum 2025.
- Continue advocacy for nuclear disarmament and ecological preservation in the Baltic and Arctic regions.
For additional details, contact Oleg Bodrov at obdecom@gmail.com or Ulla Klötzer at ullaklotzer@yahoo.com.
Investing in Peace: IPB’s Role in Challenging EU Militarization at the European Left’s Summer University
Article from August 2024
The European Left and its foundation transform!europe held their Summer University in Mieres del Camino (Spain) on July 11th, 12th, and 13th. Chloé Meulewaeter, the GCOMS coordinator at the International Peace Bureau (IPB), participated in the plenary titled: “Investing in Peace, not in War! An analysis of the militarization of the EU.“
The session was moderated by Marga Ferré, Co-president of transform!europe (Spain), and featured several speakers: Claudia Haydt, Vice-president of the European Left and coordinator of its Peace Working Group (Germany); Gavin Rae, from the Nazprod Foundation (Poland); and Niamh Ní Bhriain, Programme Coordinator on War and Pacification at the Transnational Institute (Ireland).
During the plenary, Chloé Meulewaeter discussed the militarization of the European Union, highlighting how the arms industry lobby influences EU institutions to promote the narrative that “security is the precondition of any sustainability” in order to access the EU’s sustainable finances. Additionally, The Transnational Institute emphasized the urgent need to invest in peace rather than war, advocating for the isolation of Israel by cutting off funding to entities that perpetuate violence, in order to end the conflict in Gaza and promote true security.
Civil Society Statement on Calling for the Commencement of Preparations for the UN’s Fourth Special Session on Disarmament
UNGA First Committee on Disarmament and International Security Delivered by Rafi Chowdhury, International Peace Bureau
Chairperson, distinguished delegates,
I present this statement on behalf of 175 civil society representatives and a coalition of organizations from around the world. We urge all member states to activate the UN General Assembly mechanism of Special Sessions on Disarmament without further procrastination, as per the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Action 26(a) of the Pact for the Future.
Continue reading “Civil Society Statement on Calling for the Commencement of Preparations for the UN’s Fourth Special Session on Disarmament”Common Security in the Indo- Pacific Region
14 October 2024 – In collaboration with the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security, PeaceMOMO, and the dedicated efforts of an international working group of scholars and peace leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, the U.S., and Europe, we are proud to share the Common Security Report in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Over the past year, the authors have analyzed key crises in the region and developed diplomatic alternatives aimed at fostering greater peace, justice, and prosperity. This report serves as a vital resource to guide nations, regional organizations, and international institutions in addressing the nuclear and climate threats that challenge global security.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the authors and organizations behind this essential report, “Common Security in the Indo-Pacific Region.” Their work—through articles, travel, and advocacy—has significantly contributed to the global agenda for peace.
This report is available on the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament, and Common Security website, and we encourage its wide distribution and use in efforts to secure a more peaceful and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.
Thank you for your support.
Download Common Security in the Indo-Pacific Region, a practical and instructive resource to help prevent war in the Indo-Pacific region.
Check out the recording of the report launch event!
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Global NATO: Implications for the Asia-Pacific (Part 2)
27 September 2024, Webinar
The webinar explored NATO’s expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific through political and military partnerships, as highlighted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized shared security threats between the region and Europe. Despite their recent involvement, countries like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand have historically had little connection to NATO’s traditional security agenda. The event featured discussions on NATO’s presence in the Western Pacific, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, and neighboring countries, alongside alternative security approaches presented by Anu Chenoy. Speakers included Cora Fabros (IPB), Anu Chenoy (Asia Europe Peoples Forum), Francis Daehoon Lee (PEACEMOMO), Annette Brownlie (Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Djoanna Janier (Stop the War Coalition Philippines), Theresa Arriola, (Our Common Wealth)moderated by Gene Gesiste Jr. and Michelle Clemente.
Watch the full live streamed:
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Read the speech shared by some of our speakers: