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.

Ajamu Baraka Awarded 2019 US Peace Prize

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .      

An announcement from US Peace Memorial

The Board of Directors of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award the 2019 US Peace Prize to The Honorable Ajamu Baraka, “whose bold antiwar actions, writings, speeches, and leadership provide an inspiring voice against militarism.”

Michael Knox, Chair of the Foundation, presented the award on September 23 during the forum “A Path to International Peace: Realizing the Vision of the United Nations Charter,” which was held at the Community Church of New York.

In his remarks, Knox said, “Thank you, Ajamu, for your outstanding domestic and international activism to end wars and militarism. We applaud your long and distinguished record of working for social justice, human rights, civil rights, and peace. Many antiwar organizations have benefitted from your innovative leadership and consultation. You are a force in revitalizing the Black antiwar tradition. I believe that Black Alliance for Peace could be the most important new antiwar organization established this century. We want you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated here and around the world. Thank you for your service.”

In his acceptance, Ajamu said, “I want to thank the US Peace Memorial Foundation, Dr. Michael Knox and the Board of Directors for this great honor and for your faith in me and my work. I accept this award this evening with great honor and humility. I accept not as an individual but as a member of a collective of peace and antiwar activists, many of whom are in this room tonight, who paved the way with their sacrifice, courage and unwavering dedication to the idea that we can live in a world without war. We envision a world where human beings can be free to live liberated from brutality, the madness of state and non-state violence in all forms, from direct military engagements to the war of sanctions. We believe that there is in fact an alternative to the irrationality that we call “modernity” built on conquest, slavery, economic exploitation and ongoing colonial domination. So, I accept this on behalf of those visionaries, on behalf of the Black Alliance for Peace, on behalf of all those who are committed to peace but who understand that there can be no peace without justice, and for justice – we have to struggle to achieve it.”

(Article continued in the column on the right)

Questions related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

Ajamu Baraka, a Vietnam-era war veteran, is a social justice and human and civil rights activist who was the Green Party’s nominee for Vice President of the United States in 2016. In 1997, he was one of the 300 human rights defenders from around the world who were honored in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations’ signing of the United Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In addition to being the national organizer and spokesperson for Black Alliance for Peace, Baraka is also an administrative committee member for the United National Antiwar Coalition and an executive board member of the U.S. Peace Council. For years he has been a force in revitalizing the Black antiwar tradition, an influence on domestic and international education, and an outspoken advocate against the U.S. foreign policy of “humanitarian” intervention and U.S. military presence in other countries. His numerous contributions include giving speeches and interviews, writing articles, providing consultation and leadership, and taking part in delegations and panels.

In addition to receiving the US Peace Prize, our highest honor, Mr. Baraka has been designated a Founding Member of the US Peace Memorial Foundation. He joins previous US Peace Prize recipients David Swanson, Ann Wright, Veterans For Peace, Kathy Kelly, CODEPINK Women for Peace, Chelsea Manning, Medea Benjamin, Noam Chomsky, Dennis Kucinich, and Cindy Sheehan. Nominees considered by the Board in 2019 included Erica Chenoweth, Stephen D. Clemens, Thomas C. Fox, Bruce K. Gagnon, Jewish Voice for Peace, National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth, Sally-Alice Thompson, Women’s March on the Pentagon and World BEYOND War. You can read about the antiwar/peace activities of the recipients and all nominees in our publication, the US Peace Registry.

The US Peace Memorial Foundation directs a nationwide effort to honor Americans who stand for peace by publishing the US Peace Registry, awarding an annual US Peace Prize, and planning for the US Peace Memorial in Washington, DC. These projects help move the United States toward a culture of peace by honoring thoughtful and courageous Americans and U.S. organizations that have taken a public stand against one or more U.S. wars or who have devoted their time, energy, and other resources to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts. We celebrate these role models to inspire other Americans to speak out against war and to work for peace.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2019

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

Press release from The Nobel Peace Prize

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019 to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The prize is also meant to recognise all the stakeholders working for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and in the East and Northeast African regions.

When Abiy Ahmed became Prime Minister in April 2018, he made it clear that he wished to resume peace talks with Eritrea. In close cooperation with Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea, Abiy Ahmed quickly worked out the principles of a peace agreement to end the long “no peace, no war” stalemate between the two countries. These principles are set out in the declarations that Prime Minister Abiy and President Afwerki signed in Asmara and Jeddah last July and September. An important premise for the breakthrough was Abiy Ahmed’s unconditional willingness to accept the arbitration ruling of an international boundary commission in 2002.

Peace does not arise from the actions of one party alone. When Prime Minister Abiy reached out his hand, President Afwerki grasped it, and helped to formalise the peace process between the two countries. The Norwegian Nobel Committee hopes the peace agreement will help to bring about positive change for the entire populations of Ethiopia and Eritrea.

(continued in right column)

Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved between Ethiopia and Eritrea?

(continued from left column)

In Ethiopia, even if much work remains, Abiy Ahmed has initiated important reforms that give many citizens hope for a better life and a brighter future. He spent his first 100 days as Prime Minister lifting the country’s state of emergency, granting amnesty to thousands of political prisoners, discontinuing media censorship, legalising outlawed opposition groups, dismissing military and civilian leaders who were suspected of corruption, and significantly increasing the influence of women in Ethiopian political and community life. He has also pledged to strengthen democracy by holding free and fair elections.

In the wake of the peace process with Eritrea, Prime Minister Abiy has engaged in other peace and reconciliation processes in East and Northeast Africa. In September 2018 he and his government contributed actively to the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Djibouti after many years of political hostility. Additionally, Abiy Ahmed has sought to mediate between Kenya and Somalia in their protracted conflict over rights to a disputed marine area. There is now hope for a resolution to this conflict. In Sudan, the military regime and the opposition have returned to the negotiating table. On the 17th of August, they released a joint draft of a new constitution intended to secure a peaceful transition to civil rule in the country. Prime Minister Abiy played a key role in the process that led to the agreement.

Ethiopia is a country of many different languages and peoples. Lately, old ethnic rivalries have flared up. According to international observers, up to three million Ethiopians may be internally displaced. That is in addition to the million or so refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries. As Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has sought to promote reconciliation, solidarity and social justice. However, many challenges remain unresolved. Ethnic strife continues to escalate, and we have seen troubling examples of this in recent weeks and months. No doubt some people will think this year’s prize is being awarded too early. The Norwegian Nobel Committee believes it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts deserve recognition and need encouragement.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee hopes that the Nobel Peace Prize will strengthen Prime Minister Abiy in his important work for peace and reconciliation. Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous country and has East Africa’s largest economy. A peaceful, stable and successful Ethiopia will have many positive side-effects, and will help to strengthen fraternity among nations and peoples in the region. With the provisions of Alfred Nobel’s will firmly in mind, the Norwegian Nobel Committee sees Abiy Ahmed as the person who in the preceding year has done the most to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019.

Africa, DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, global,

Articles from 2015

Now displaying CPNN news in English during 2015.
Click on the numbered pages below to see all.
For articles from other years, click 2024 or 2023 or 2022 or 2021 or 2020 or 2019 or 2018 or 2017 or 2016 or prior to 2015.
For English articles by category or region, click Read on the menu above.

No posts found.
Uncategorized

Articles from 2016

Now displaying CPNN news in English during 2016.
Click on the numbered pages below to see all.
For articles from other years, click 2024 or 2023 or 2022 or 2021 or 2020 or 2019 or 2018 or 2017 or 2015 or prior to 2015.
For English articles by category or region, click Read on the menu above.

No posts found.
Uncategorized

Articles from 2017

Now displaying CPNN news in English during 2017.
Click on the numbered pages below to see all.
For articles from other years, click 2024 or 2023 or 2022 or 2021 or 2020 or 2019 or 2018 or 2016 or 2015 or prior to 2015.
For English articles by category or region, click Read on the menu above.

No posts found.
Uncategorized

Articles from 2018

Now displaying CPNN news in English during 2018.
Click on the numbered pages below to see all.
For articles from other years, click 2024 or 2023 or 2022 or 2021 or 2020 or 2019 or 2017 or 2016 or 2015 or prior to 2015.
For English articles by category or region, click Read on the menu above.

No posts found.
Uncategorized

Young people from DRC and Rwanda demonstrate in Goma for peace in the sub-region

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by Justin Kabumba from L’Interview

Several hundred young people from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo marched on the streets this Thursday, October 3, 2019, in Goma capital of the province of North Kivu to support peace in the Great Lakes region.


LINTERVIEW.CD/Photo Justin Kabumba

Under the theme “Our Diversity, Our Opportunity” these sons and daughters came from the two neighboring countries, all dressed in white and blue. They came together to preach peace in the Great Lakes region and to challenge the leaders of the two countries that young people are ready to work for peace.

(continued in right column)

Click here for the version in French)

Question(s) related to this article:

Can you add to this analysis of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

(continued from left column)

“For a long time victims of wars, we take the option of celebrating peace. We are able to preach the culture of peace, because we believe that peace is built, that’s why we mobilize young people to say that we are ready for peace and we support peace,” said Guy Kibira, Provincial President of the youth of North Kivu.

These young people say they are hoping for the return of total peace to the DRC with the new regime.
“The new regime inspires confidence, that’s why we are here, so that they understand that we aspire to peace, we want to live in peace and in this peace that we will have partners who will invest in our region,” he adds.

A young person from Rwanda has the same reaction. He says he is satisfied with the initiative, which according to him would perpetuate the peace between these two countries.

“I came to the market with my Congolese brothers to show that we are the same, and that there are no problems between Rwanda and the DRC. We must live in a good peaceful cohabitation,” said a young man from Rwanda.

This march is part of the regional program “Transboundary Dialogue for Peace in the Great Lakes Region.”

These young people with a sign of satisfaction gathered at the Muningi roundabout in Nyiragongo territory where they started their walk before going to the stadium of ISC Goma where several exchanges of experiences were made to launch a strong message to the Congolese and Rwandan authorities that young people are ready for peace in harmony in the Great Lakes region and that the leaders must follow the deep aspirations of the youth of the North Kivu province in the DRC and that of Rubavu district in Rwanda.

Africa, DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Spain: Toledo hosts the II International Forum Toledo Culture of Peace in October

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from El Dia Digital

The regional capital will host the Second Toledo Culture of Peace Forum on October 16, 17 and 18, a space to reflect and jointly build local proposals to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

(continued in right column)

(Click here for the Spanish original of this article)

Questions for this article:

How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?

(continued from left column)

“Citizens of Toledo will highlight their commitments to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world, moving from reflection to action. In addition, experts and activists will discuss and exchange experiences that promote the necessary transformations to address the social and environmental challenges marked in the 2030 Agenda,” the NGO Coordinator reported in a statement.

The new development model considers cities as a basic element for promoting the necessary actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, during three days in which the Forum will take place, it will emphasize the need for a municipal and citizen commitment that drives profound changes in ways of life and the model of society to achieve a more just, sustainable and inclusive world.

“The Toledo Manifesto for a Culture of Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals will shape this commitment, around which a great citizen alliance will be formed that constitutes a turning point in the location of the 2030 Agenda”, the Coordinator highlighted.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Europe

Venezuela: President Maduro Meets with the Activists of Peace Boat

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article from Ultimas Noticias

The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, held a meeting with activists from the Peace Boat, which arrived this Thursday (October 3) at the Port of La Guaira.

(Continued in right column)

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

Question related to this article:

Peace Boat: Building a Culture of Peace around the World

(Continued from left column)

The activity that took place in the Office No. 1 of the Miraflores Palace, located in Caracas, and was attended by the director of the Cruise, Yoshida Marin, and the international director of the Peace Boat, Nohira Shinsaku.

The boat, which is celebrating its seventeenth visit to Venezuela, arrived with a crew of 1,200 people, who will participate in exchange programs in health, culture, sport and economy.

Peace Boat is a non-governmental organization, headquartered in Japan, aimed at promoting peace through international exchange.

The fundamental purpose in the construction of a network of citizen action that fosters the installation of a culture of peace.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, Latin America

Brazil: Rio Branco City Hall starts Culture of Peace Festival this Friday

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from AC Jornal

The Rio Branco City Hall, through the Garibaldi Brazil Culture, Sport and Leisure Foundation (FGB), starts the Culture of Peace Festival this Friday, 4, at 19h, at the Lydia Hammes Cultural Center. The project, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Citizenship and supported by parliamentary amendment of former Federal Representative Angelim, will bring 10 artistic occupations to two spaces of the city: Centro Cultural Lydia Hammes (Bairro Velho Velho) and Cacimbão da Capoeira (Centro).

(continued in right column)

(Click here for a Portuguese version of this article)

Questions for this article:

Can festivals help create peace at the community level?

(continued from left column)

The activities will be held in October and November 2019. The first event will have the theme “Black Empowerment”, and will feature presentations by Samba Girls, Capoeira Senzala, and slam with May Dourado and Matheus MB. Admission is free.

Four other themes will be brought to Lydia Hammes on October 11, 18 and 25 and November 1. They are: Youth, Forest Peoples, Women’s Empowerment and LGBTQI + Rights. The same themes will be addressed at Cacimbão da Capoeira, on November 3, 10, 17 and 24 and December 1.

“This project aims to fill our city with art and culture that address important themes of affirmative politics. We are very pleased to see projects like this, as it is proof that Mayor Socorro Neri cares about what is essential: our humanity,” says FGB President Sérgio de Carvalho.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Latin America