By Tyson Smith Berry Jr., Executive Director, 4Kids International/Council Member, International Peace Bureau
Since October 2024, Liberia’s House of Representatives has faced a serious democratic crisis filled with leadership conflicts, internal rifts, and growing public frustration. This turmoil has not only interrupted the legislative process but has also raised significant concerns about the stability of Liberia’s democratic institutions and governance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The G7 Ministers Meeting of Foreign Affairs, hosted by Italy in the year of its presidency that is drawing to a close, concludes today in Fiuggi.
An increasingly confrontational and dangerous international context demands an unprecedented global effort to re-establish a multilateral system that promotes paths of peace and international law, not drifts toward more war. As the C7 has several times stated, the G7 can be part of the problem, if it unilaterally promotes the interests of the most developed economies, or part of the solution, if it defends human rights and the common interests of humanity and the planet.
The dramatic flagrant and unpunished violations of International Humanitarian Law lead to massive suffering of civilians. The G7 and other States should avoid such a silent complicity that enables the continued devastation of wars. They should instead respect and ensure respect for IHL and its principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, condemning all violations of IHL by any actor in every conflict and war. We see a disturbing contradiction between the governments’ calls on peace and ceasefires and the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to parties in conflicts.
We therefore reaffirm the need to strengthen and use the UN system of rules, asking the governments to adhere and engage all partners and allies in the international Treaties to prevent war and on disarmament, in respecting the UN Resolutions and to protect the UN institutions, including the particular case of UNRWA.
The fragility of global peace, the persistence of armed conflicts and the increased risk of nuclear weapons use requires the utmost urgency and concrete actions, that we don’t see yet. A stronger political commitment is needed to implement sustainable solutions to tackle critical structural and systemic challenges. We call for shifting the financial resources from military to diplomacy, human security and social expenditure to foster dialogue and fight the systemic causes of inequalities, poverty and vulnerabilities.
A stronger multilateral system, a shared commitment to protect human rights, a fair financial and economic systems are the preconditions for sustainable peace. Therefore, the C7 calls for the G7 countries to urgently take their responsibilities in this perspective for a more peaceful, just and secure future.
“Empowering Youth for Global Peace: Celebrating World Children’s Day”
On November 20, World Children’s Day serves as a global call to action, emphasizing the vital role of children and youth in peacebuilding efforts. This day reminds us of the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and involving them in creating a harmonious future. By supporting and engaging young people, we lay the groundwork for a world where peace and understanding prevail.
Every year on November 20, the world celebrates World Children’s Day, a moment to honor and advocate for the rights and well-being of children and youth everywhere. It’s a day to reflect on their pivotal role in building a peaceful, sustainable future and renew our commitment to creating an environment where every child can grow free from war and conflict.
Children’s Right to Peace: A Fundamental Human Right
Children and youth have the undeniable right to live in peace and security. This is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989. The UNCRC, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, underscores children’s right to protection from violence, exploitation, and war (Article 38). It also highlights their right to survival and development (Article 6) and the importance of providing opportunities for children to voice their opinions (Article 12).
However, despite these commitments, millions of children around the world continue to suffer the devastating consequences of conflicts and wars. According to UNICEF, over 420 million children—nearly one in five—live in conflict zones today. These children face threats to their lives, education, health, and mental well-being. They are robbed of their childhoods, their voices silenced in the chaos of violence.
Supporting Children and Youth is Essential
This World Children’s Day, let us reaffirm that peace is not just a goal but a fundamental right for every child. Providing a safe and nurturing environment is critical, not only for their well-being but also for the future of our global society. Supporting children to live in peace means:
Ensuring access to quality education, which fosters understanding, tolerance, and critical thinking.
Protecting children from recruitment into armed forces or exploitation.
Offering psychosocial support to heal the trauma caused by wars and conflicts.
Promoting equal opportunities for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
International conventions like the Geneva Conventions and Optional Protocols to the UNCRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict reinforce the obligation of states to protect children from the direct impacts of war and ensure their rights are upheld.
Children and Youth in Peacebuilding
Children and youth are not only victims of conflict—they are also powerful agents of change. When given the opportunity, they can play a crucial role in fostering peace and reconciliation. Engaging them in peace work is an investment in building a more stable and harmonious world.
Programs that empower children to participate in decision-making processes, peace dialogues, and community-building initiatives have shown remarkable success in fostering resilience and understanding.
As the future generation, children and youth will inherit the responsibility of establishing the foundations of peace. It is vital to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and platforms they need to become active peacebuilders in their communities and beyond.
A Global Call to Champion Children’s Rights
On this World Children’s Day, the International Peace Bureau calls upon governments, organizations, and institutions worldwide to take decisive action:
Prioritize children’s rights in all policies and programs, ensuring their protection and empowerment.
Integrate children and youth into peacebuilding efforts, providing platforms for their voices to be heard and respected.
Promote the culture of peace, addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering understanding and cooperation across divides.
Support global and local initiatives aimed at providing education, healthcare, and security to children in conflict zones.
Let us use this day as a time to think deeply about the millions of children around the world who are living through endless cycles of violence. Let us imagine their potential, their dreams, and their capacity to create a brighter future—if only we give them the chance.
Together for a Peaceful Future
World Children’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. A call to recognize that the well-being of children is linked to the well-being of our world. By championing their rights and involving them in the peace process, we are not only fulfilling our obligations under international laws and conventions—we are also laying the groundwork for a peaceful, equitable future for all.
Together, we can empower the next generation to lead the way toward a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.
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.
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.
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.
