All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement: address by the Algerian Head of State

. DISARMAMENT & SECURITY.

A press release from the Algeria Press Service (translation by CPNN)

 Head of State Abdelkader Bensalah delivered a speech at the 18th Non-Aligned Movement (MNA) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, which reads as follows:


(Click on image to enlarge)

“Mister President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
I would first like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people and Government of Azerbaijan, a friendly country, headed by President Ilham Aliyev, for the warm hospitality and perfect organization of the work of this summit. I also congratulate Azerbaijan on its rise to the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) with full confidence in the ability of its representatives to work towards the continuity and dynamism of the role of our movement in the light of the challenges current challenges facing our countries.

I also wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Government of Venezuela for its leadership and praiseworthy efforts during the last three years to consolidate the noble ideals of the NAM.
 
Mister President,
 
Through its history and achievements, our Movement has demonstrated its ability to become an actor in a new world order, based on the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and International Law. An order establishing a solid foundation for partnerships based on mutual interest and respect for the sovereignty and will of countries.

Likewise, our Movement has shown its foresight in the realization of peaceful political solutions with a view to preserving international peace and security.

Our meeting is taking place today in a particular context and in an international context that impose on the NAM the need to assume its responsibility, as a bloc, in the face of the challenges facing its countries, in particular the proliferation of hotbeds of tension and regional and international conflicts. There are also the challenges posed by disarmament, escalating crises, climate and migration, and sectarian and ethnic conflict, which provide fertile ground for racism, hatred, violent extremism and violence as well as enlargement of the sphere of international terrorism.

At the threshold of the third decade of this century, the aspirations of theNAM countries for sustainable development are confronted with a reality marked by the deepening of the gap between the North and the South in several fields, hence the imperative of the unification of visions and efforts to find urgent solutions through frank dialogue and serious work to ensure the stability and security of member countries.

These challenges, which are of deep concern to all of us, are in fact a source of inspiration and stimulation for the strengthening of our ranks and the combination of our efforts.
 
Mister President,
 
The Palestinian cause, which is at the heart of the concerns of our Movement, has reached a turning point that can torpedo the peace efforts that have been made in recent years.

Our historical, moral and legal responsibility requires us to renew our permanent commitment to this cause and to reaffirm our unwavering and constant support to the Palestinian people in their quest for their inalienable national rights, including their right to self-determination and the building of an independent Palestine state.

As part of the broad wave of solidarity with the Palestinian cause around the world following the transfer of the embassies of some countries to El-Quds and in the light of the continuation of the hostile and criminal acts of the occupier against the Palestinian people and its rights, Algeria reiterates, from this rostrum, its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

The acceleration of events in many countries of our brothers and friends, and the propensity to resort to the logic of force instead of the force of logic, challenge us all to seek the most efficient ways to restore stability in these countries. and regions. Algeria remains deeply convinced of the importance of dialogue and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and is committed to the fundamental principles of the United Nations and international law, particularly with regard to the preservation of international peace and security, and therefore it does not spare any effort in this context.

(Click here for the French version of this article.)

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Question related to this article:

The Non-Aligned Movement: Is it an effective force for peace?

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Mister President,

Algeria reiterates its call on the Libyan parties to uphold the country’s supreme interest and to adhere to efforts to find an inclusive peaceful solution, reflecting on the ground the work for the restoration of security and stability in all the territory of Libya, for the preservation of its sovereignty and independence, the unity of its people and respect for its institutions.

Regarding the crisis in our brother country, Syria, Algeria has repeatedly urged the parties concerned to show foresight to end all forms of violence and destruction, the rejection of all external interference and adherence to a reconciliation process.  Indeed, a political solution is the only way to guarantee the assumption of the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and the preservation of its sovereignty, its stability and its territorial integrity.

The humanitarian crisis engendered by the conflict in Yemen, which we wish to see prosperous again, leads us to urge, once again, the protagonists to make the interest of their country prevail through negotiation and dialogue, serenity and stability in the framework of national unity.
 
Mister President,
 
Algeria reaffirms its commitment to continue to work with all partners to establish a solid foundation for stability and security in the Sahel region in the context of respect for the sovereignty of countries and the lack of interference in their internal affairs.

Four years have already elapsed since the signing of the Mali Peace Agreement, which, despite the difficulties encountered in the implementation of its clauses, remains an indispensable instrument today for the definitive settlement of the Malian crisis..

This Agreement, which was certainly not easy to put into place, is underpinned by an approach based on national reconciliation and respect for the territorial integrity and national unity, and it also opens the way to real prospects for socio-economic and cultural development.

The implementation of the clauses of this Agreement has led to encouraging progress, but much remains to be done. Algeria pledges to continue its role, serious and effective, in the Follow-up Committee with the international parties concerned, for a judicious contribution to the removal of the obstacles preventing a total exit from the political and security crisis.
 
Mister President,
 
The support for just causes and the historic efforts of the NAM alongside peoples struggling for their independence and freedom, throughout the past decades, demand respect and recognition for the Movement’s steady and principled position in favor of Saharawi people’s right to self-determination.

Algeria is concerned that the return of the two warring parties to the negotiating table was interrupted by the resignation of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Western Sahara. As a neighboring country and as an official observer in the UN settlement process, Algeria reiterates its appeal to the UN Secretary-General to revive the dynamic that he had launched.
 
Mister President,
 
Many of the Movement’s countries are confronted with the scourge of terrorism, in all its forms and origins, which, even though the world has still not managed to give it a global definition, is unanimously held to have serious political, security and economic repercussions.

Algeria, with its experience in the fight against terrorism for a whole decade, has been able to develop an inclusive approach, based on national reconciliation, focusing on the importance of combining efforts to eradicate foci of terrorism and the drying up of its sources, with special attention to socio-economic development issues.

My country also works to promote the culture of peace at the global level. We were at the origin of the decision of the UN General Assembly to celebrate the World Day of Living Together in Peace, coinciding with May 16 each year.

Undoubtedly, the NAM remains a major international player, whose achievements and emergence as defender of the hopes and aspirations of the peoples of its member countries can only be welcomed today, given that it has spared no effort to counter threats, unify visions and efforts, and crystallize solutions in the context of an international reality of a multipolar world.

Our Movement must seize this opportunity to translate the vision of its member countries for a reform of the UN system and an enlargement of the Security Council, essential requirement of the African Continent, which is fighting for the end of the historical injustice imposed on its countries, as well as for the revitalization of the role of the General Assembly in enabling it to fully exercise its prerogatives and achieve its ultimate objectives of providing a forum for peoples, to consecrate peace and to address the major challenges facing the international community.
 
Mister President,
 
In conclusion, Algeria wishes to reiterate its conviction that the NAM is still capable of playing an effective role in the current international context, continuing to aspire to a new world order, based on scrupulous respect for the commitments made in the UN Charter and international law. promoting the encouragement of socio-economic cooperation, the commitment to good neighborliness and the promotion of constructive initiatives to reduce disparities between North and South.

Thank you for your attention”.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, global

Mexico: Culture of Peace with alternative justice strengthened in Guadeloupe

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article from Posta (translation by CPNN)

With the goal of spreading alternative justice mechanisms for the solution of problems in schools, families and communities, the Government of Guadalupe headed by Mayor Cristina Díaz has signed an agreement with the International Republican Institute.
8502

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(Click here for the original article in Spanish)

Discussion question

Restorative justice, What does it look like in practice?

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The Mayor of Guadalupe and Máximo Zaldivar, Resident Director of the International Republican Institute, signed the collaboration agreement with representatives of the Judicial Branch of Nuevo León and municipal officials.

During her speech, Díaz Salazar highlighted the commitment of the municipal administration to resolve conflicts through dialogue in a peaceful manner, always according to the principles of justice and a culture of peace.

“It is important not only to establish this mechanism but to spread it in all places as a solution for families that sometimes live with conflict, as a solution in schools and in our commnities,” said the Municipal President.

She added that with the implementation of this project, communication workshops, justice training and the dissemination strategies will be provided, which will allow a continuous improvement of criminal justice.

“For us it is very important to achieve the signing of this agreement with the International Republican Institute where many areas of the public service of the administration are involved. What we seek is a culture of peace in our municipality,” added Díaz Salazar.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Latin America

Chile: declaration of “World without Wars and Violence”

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Pressenza

No sociologist or politician could predict what was coming after long years of a neoliberal system that has imposed economic violence on the people, but that as steam inside a pressure cooker, an unstoppable alienation was accumulating, and it exploded with the student protest against the increase in price for the Metro..


(Image by Laura Feldguer)

It is undoubtedly due to the failed economic, political and social model that doesn’t work any more. It is violent and intrinsically perverse. It generates tremendous income inequalities, it cannot provide decent wages for the majority of the population. It generates ambition and greed that pervert and corrupt everyone, even the most honest. Its educational system tends to create highly competitive ambitious technocrats that lack the most fundamental civic values ​​of respect, solidarity and fraternity that are needed in every society.

Like any social explostion, the violence occurred inexorably with the sequel of looting and arson that we have all witnessed, mainly against the detonating agent, the Metro, but also against numerous supermarkets and retail stores.

Probably this same social phenomenon would have occurred with the New Majority or any other government that did not commit to ending the unacceptable inequality. It is the entire political system, the way of doing politics that is violent and discriminative, that is totally discredited before the citizens. It is a cumulative phenomenon that was waiting to explode.

However, this social assault is being co-opted by anarcho-violentists who threaten to burn everything until they leave no stone on stone. Behind them comes the lumpen proletariant that takes advantage of the chaos to loot and to steal while posing as legitimate protesters. And surprisingly, after them come the exploited, who, shamelessly and without being declared criminals, join the looting mob to steal like seasoned thieves. It shows that there are more thieves than we believe and it confirms the saying that it is the opportunity that makes the thief. We need to find ways to defend against these elements that discredit and generate legitimate rejection in public opinion.

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(Click here for the original article in Spanish.)

Question for this article:

Can peace be guaranteed through nonviolent means?

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The people do not want violence. They are fed up with it. They are beginning to feel fear and insecurity. They rage against the vandals and looters that invade their neighborhoods and shops that supply the essential goods for their livelihood. This fear and insecurity is shared by large and small merchants who no longer dare to open their businesses for fear of looting in broad daylight with the open premises.

The declaration of a State of Emergency and with it the military control of public security, with the curfew as a corollary, was the response of a government that was despaerate. Perhaps it was necessary to contain the violence, but it is repudiated by the population, especially those who lived the darkest periods of the civil-military dictatorship.

Our organization, “World without Wars and without Violence,” understands the dynamics of this social expression as a result of so many years of abuse and corruption of practically all social sectors. But even if the situation of violence is coming to stay, it is necessary to decrease it in frequency and intensity.

Faced with this violent scenario, “World without Wars and without Violence” declares absolutely necessary a comprehensive National Agreement that includes all political and social sectors in an environment of respect, humility and generosity, setting aside all personal and institutional egos, and commiting to carry out the necessary reforms. These include a New Constitution to ensure satisfactory levels of equality, a new pension system that provides decent pensions, an educational reform to be truly free and to form true citizens and a health system that prevents diseases and treats them as soon as they occur. All these social policies should be aimed at the welfare of the people and should not be allowed to become a business that only pursues profit.

“World without Wars and without Violence” advocates Active Nonviolence as a legitimate form of struggle for which it is necessary to avoid all acts of vandalism that pollute and discredit legitimate social mobilization. The non-violent mobilizations that have been seen in our capital are an example of that struggle that is approved and shared by the entire population. These activities should be strongly encouraged to achieve an environment of social cohesion, recognition and tolerance for the other, no matter what differences they may have.

If, after this legitimate protest and a broad national agreement, the social policies are not radically modified, the next step would be a general strike, not with marches or other expressions that can be contaminated by violence, but with civil disobedience against laws and regulations that are clearly unfair. We need expressions that do not require noise or fanfare or insults or disqualifications for anyone, in a framework of full respect for everyone and everything.

All for the good of Chile and its people, “World without Wars and without Violence.”

EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Latin America

Moroccan Researcher Karima El Azhary Wins International Sustainable Development Award

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from Morocco World News

Moroccan researcher Karima El Azhary won the 2019 Green Talents Award for her research in energy efficiency. The award ceremony took place on October 24, in Berlin. The ceremony saw 25 researchers from different countries earn awards.

The Green Talents Award aims to reward people with “high potential in sustainable development” from all over the world. The award is an initiative by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the award.

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Question for this article:

How can we ensure that science contributes to peace and sustainable development?

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This year, 837 applicants from 97 different countries applied for the award. The jury, composed of expert scientists in sustainable development, selected 25 young researchers for the prize.

El Azhary is a PhD researcher at the Mohammadia School of Engineers in Rabat. She directed her research towards developing new sustainable construction and insulation materials, based on alimentary and agricultural waste. The aim of her work is improving thermal insulation and energy efficiency of buildings, mainly in underprivileged areas.

The award’s jury appreciated El Azhary’s “great commitment that allows an innovative and inspired research approach to relevant sustainability issues such as energy efficiency.”

They also recognized her volunteer activities as “she is part of international and national youth associations, which aims to encourage and help young people to invest in social entrepreneurship and sustainable projects.”

Following her recognition, the Moroccan researcher told the press that she is “honored and proud” of receiving the award. She also took the opportunity to praise her colleagues; “This award confirms the high competency of Moroccan researchers in all fields.”

The award would allow El Azhary to benefit from the German experience in sustainability science, innovation, and technology. It would also allow her to search for possibilities of cooperation with German universities and institutes in the field.

Representatives from the Moroccan embassy in Germany attended the award ceremony, along with presidents and leaders of international scientific research centers.

Mideast, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Mexico: Inauguration of the II Global Forum of Culture of Peace, in CUCEA

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article from UDGTV

“Public policies to counter violence have not met the needs of society, so we need to promote peace in each neighborhood and neighborhood through workshops, so that the population is aware of strategies that can lead to peace,” according to the President of the National Commission for the Culture of Peace Mexico (Comnapaz), teacher Hiram Valdez Chávez.

He said it is necessary to support communities of development and peace, as well as strengthen the network of civil organizations to transform violence. He added that society has to commit to work for peace by means of non-formal education.

The foregoing was emphasized by him during his participation in the inaugural ceremony of the II Global Forum of Culture of Peace, which takes place on Monday, October 21 and until Wednesday, October 23, at the University Center for Administrative Economic Sciences (CUCEA), of the UdeG.

The forum, which involves 120 national and foreign participants from countries including Canada, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Colombia,will develop topics such as: Education for peace; Environment and peace; Human rights; Security, and how citizens can organize themselves to favor the culture of peace.

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(Click here for the original Spanish version of this article.)

Question related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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The forum was opened by the rector of CUCEA, Luis Gustavo Padilla Montes, who highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of peace, security and prevention, through research and linking with society by the UdeG.

“In the name of peace, atrocities have been committed; therefore, we must understand, integrate, heal and activate peace as a verb, to be a beacon of light on this issue,” said the International President of the Global Citizen Agency for the Culture of Peace, Norman Bardavid Nissin.

He explained that peace is the state of being in unity and, therefore, the north of the compass is to be unity in the individual, social and environmental perspective.

“That is, consider that we are all part of three dimensions: man, humanity and planet, and these must be included in the education system, so that the student knows how to be a contribute as a couple, family, neighborhood, municipality, nation, planet and humanity,” he stressed.

This forum is expected to attend 300 people among students, social leaders, activists, civil organizations and universities in Jalisco and states including Michoacán, Querétaro and Mexico City.

From Jalisco there are participants from Puerto Vallarta, Ocotlán and municipalities of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG), among other cities.

The forum is organized by Comnapaz, Mesa de Paz Jalisco; and is promoted by the UdeG, through CUCEA.

The 2019 Peace Prize was presented at the ceremony. Among the winners are: Verónica Hurtado López, an academic from the University Center for Social Sciences and Humanities (CUCSH); Juan Antonio González Mora, Municipal President of Tonalá and graduate from this House of Study, and Blas Sergio Jasso Hinojosa, academic of the University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS).

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Latin America

Chad: Women’s Ministry salutes community peace initiatives

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Al Wihda (translated by CPNN)

The Minister of Women, Early Childhood Protection and National Solidarity, Dr. Djallal Ardjoune Khalil, received in audience on Monday, the delegation of the National Union of Young Professionals for Consultation and Peaceful Coexistence (UNJCP), led by its secretary-general, Sidick Sougui Lony.

The exchange between the minister and the delegation focused on peace, the disarmament of the civilian population and peaceful relations between the different communities of the province of Ouaddaï.

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(Click here for the original French version of this article.)

Question(s) related to this article:

Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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UNJCP Secretary General Sidick Sougui Lony briefly explained to the Minister the merits of the UNJCP mission in Ouaddaï province.

“We are working in Abeche to promote the culture of peace. We call on our civilian brothers to lay down their arms because it is useless for a civilian to own a weapon, “said Sidick Sougui Lony.

The minister congratulated UNJCP for this noble and patriotic initiative. She went on to point out that peace is an inestimable wealth. According to the minister, without peace, no society can evolve.

In addition, the Minister of Women, Child Protection and National Solidarity, Dr. Djallal Ardjoune Khalil urged the UNJCP to move forward in its quest for a united, strong and prosperous Chad . The ministry undertakes to accompany the National Union of Young Professionals for consultation and peaceful coexistence in all its actions.

The two sides agreed to combine joint efforts to intensify advocacy for peace and peaceful coexistence.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Guinea: Wanep and partners promote peace and development

. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .

An article from Guinee 360 (translation by CPNN)

“Peace at the center of development in the Republic of Guinea” is the theme of a press conference held this Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Conakry.

This is an initiative of the Catholic Organization for Human Advancement (OCPH), in collaboration with Wanep-Guinea, funded by USAID, for a period of two years, a project entitled: “Cultural Cohesion Project for Peace and Prosperity”.

The objective of this project, according to its coordinator, is to enable communities in Conakry and the interior of the country to develop a culture of peace and to achieve greater prosperity.

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Click here for the version in French)

Question(s) related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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“It is designed for citizens to strengthen social cohesion within and between ethnic groups,” said Moïse Bangoura.

The Wanep-Guinea representative at the meeting listed some of the flagship actions carried out by this project: “Through this project we have achieved some results. We conducted capacity building activities for multi-actor platforms. We also strengthen the capacity of local elected and appointed authorities. Because one of the observations we have made in our country it takes the state a lot of time to manage conflicts that impede development,” said Boubacar Mansaré

The PM of the cultural cohesion project for peace and prosperity has focused his intervention on the socio-political crisis that Guinea is going through: Jonas Mamadi Kamano recalls that OCPH, CRS and Wanep are not activist organizations, but they tackle the root causes of conflict by doing analysis, research and proposing solutions.

“Before there is a crisis, from the signals we try to do some in-depth analysis and we make recommendations. We tell the different actors what to do so that the conflict does not blow up,” he explains.

Outreach and training are also strategies provided by this project to limit the damage in Guinea.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Protection of human rights and peace in Cameroon: The international association Kofi Annan is engaged

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article by Marcel Ndi from Agence Cameroun Presse (translation by CPNN)

The Kofi Annan International Association has just presented the project to the press in Bafoussam, an activity that will be launched in the next few days.

Indeed, the Project “237- Peace and Good Governance”, is a new concept of the International Kofi Annan Association for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Peace. It is a Support Program for Restoration, Peacebuilding and Improvement of Local Governance in Cameroon.

According to Dr Serges Mboumegne, president of this association, speaking to the media in Bafoussam, the project will extend over 12 months with two components: support for the contribution of households to the construction of sustainable families in Cameroon, and capacity building for local elected representatives and local populations for effective participation in local governance.

With the support of the Civil and Political Rights Network of Cameroon, the program will be implemented in the regions of the West, North-West and South-West Cameroon with the relocation of certain programmed activities in the English-speaking areas in Bafoussam region of West in case of high security risk.

As a reminder, the International Kofi Annan Association’s mission is to work for the promotion and protection of human rights and peace with a view to contributing to the construction of a sustainable rule of law and respectful of the full respect of human values.

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Click here for the version in French)

Question(s) related to this article:

How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?

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• NATIONAL

Contribute to the eradication of violence against children and women;

Disseminate international and national instruments in the field of human rights and peace;

Reduce cases of human rights violations;

Contribute to the respect of the rights of the elderly and to the integration of disabled people;

Promote the culture of peace

Advocate for youth participation in public policy development;

Reduce individual and collective conflicts at work;

Contribute to the improvement of the situation of detained persons;

Support sustainable development policies;

Denounce cases of flagrant violations of human rights;

Provide legal advice and legal assistance;

Contribute to the fight against corruption;

Contribute to the promotion of democratic practices.

• ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

Support peace initiatives

Encourage actions for integration

Encourage mediation

Call for compliance with international commitments on Human Rights and Peace.
 

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Extinction Rebellion, not political? “We occupied the center of Paris for five days! “

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from Reporterre (translation by CPNN)

In response to those who criticize the political weakness of Extinction Rebellion, the authors of this platform claim that their “political message is in the action itself: another organization of society is possible.” And they repeat that strict nonviolence is a “calculated and determined” choice.

The week of action of Extinction Rebellion has elicited many comments: some purely anecdotal and others that are more political. Both sides miss what makes the reason for Extinction Rebellion. Here’s our explanations …

We will not go back to the many anecdotal comments that only serve to hide the important issues. We will try to focus on critics of the nature and methods of Extinction Rebellion.

“We are not a political movement in the classical sense.”

Some would like to find in Extinction Rebellion the slogans and the partisan positions against this or that political or economic power. These commentators reproduce the classic schemas of the political game and would like to bring back Extinction Rebellion into their usual framework of analysis. They make hasty – and often contradictory – conclusions about a movement that refuses rhetoric and incantation to choose action in a very specific context: civil disobedience.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

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Question for this article:

Can peace be guaranteed through nonviolent means?

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A concrete example of our approach is the occupation of the center of Paris from 7 to 11 October. Some have criticized this occupation for being light in political content. Really ? For five days, in the heart of the capital, we have removed a strategic public space from the public authorities. We made live a direct democracy (three general meetings held daily), places of exchange and training, collective kitchens open to all … We have maintained and cleaned the public space instead of the services of the City Hall . We helped the traders in their supplies and the cleaning services to ensure the collection of waste. All this only 100 meters from the police headquarters. Our political message is in the action itself: another organization of society is possible. It was discussed at “Nuit Debout.” We did it at Chatelet.

Our approach goes beyond the usual political framework. We do not dispute a particular regime, we question a system of values ​​that leads to the destruction of the living. And our proposition is that the citizens should seize the debate and make the choices themselves. We defend a direct democracy, because it alone will allow us to be resilient in the face of future crises.

“It would be naive, would not disturb the powers in place and especially would not take into account institutional violence,”

Here is a criticism that often comes up about the non-violent civil disobedience. It’s a complete counter-sense! Martin Luther King, apostle of non-violence, would not have seen or taken into account institutional violence? What is called non-violence is precisely a strategy that aims to reveal institutional violence. As in the martial arts, it is a question of returning the violence of the attacker (here the State) against himself.

When the police forced our non-violent activists at close range on the bridge of Sully in Paris, the images circumnavigated the world, and the condemnation was unanimous. Faced with force, the non-violent action is to divert the violence of the State to place it in front of its contradictions. It’s not being naïve, it’s a calculated choice. Purposeful. And we assume it in each of our actions. The state can dodge this confrontation just as it has done, but it is an unsustainable tactic in the medium term for power.

Some groups are calling for more radical actions, which they say will have a greater impact. They say that they will mount these actions themselves! Their galleries and open letters are only rhetoric. The incantation is without limits, the action will frame them. For Extinction Rebellion, nonviolent civil disobedience is both an ethic and a long-term strategy. Strict non-violence is the only inclusive strategy!

EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Europe

Gandhi 150: The Legacy of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .      

An event from Choose Chicago. For followup, see WBEZ

18th October 2019 – The Field Museum [Chicago] 6:30-9:00 PM
bringing the descendants of history’s greatest peace leaders to celebrate the 150the annivesry of Mahatma Gandhi

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Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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2019 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate 150 years since the birth of “Mahatma” (great soul) Gandhi. Gandhi changed the course of human history. His non-violent protest for freedom inspired civil-rights movements across the globe. The Gandhian philosophy influenced and changed the course of movements led by civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the United States of America, Nelson Mandela in South Africa and that of Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and Latino American civil rights activist who founded the United Farm Workers Union.

WBEZ’s Worldview, along with Gandhi Commemorative Stamp Initiative, India Development Service (IDS) and United for Peace (U4P) will bring together academicians and descendants of some of history’s greatest peace leaders who acknowledged Gandhi’s influence on their lives and social actions. Chicago welcomes Ela Gandhi granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Anthony Chavez grandson of Cesar Chavez, MLK III son of Martin Luther King Jr.,  Maki Mandela daughter of Nelson Mandela, Prof. Carlson, and Dr. Prasad. For the first time in history, these individuals will be sharing the same platform to talk about non-violence, the need for peace, collaboration and how it influenced their parents’ fight for a just society.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America