Germany’s Easter peace marches lament war-filled world

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article edited by: Darko Janjevic from Deutsche Welle (translation by google, reprinted by permission)

Thousands of people around Germany on Saturday joined in some 70 so-called Easter marches to demonstrate for peace, a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.

Some 100 events are planned up until Easter Monday, according to the Bonn-based activist group Netwerk Friedenskooperative (Peace Cooperative Network), which has coordinated the marches this year.

Easter marches are reportedly planned for cities including Cologne, Munich, Berlin, Leipzig, Bremen and Stuttgart.


‘Never again war’ is written on this 1924 banner by German artist Käthe Kollwitz, carried at an Easter march in Potsdam

Appeal to new German government

A spokesman for the group, Kristian Golla, said a focus of the demonstrations this year was an appeal to the incoming German coalition government  for Germany to “become capable of peace rather than war.”

(Continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
Is there resistance to the rearmament of Europe?

(Continued from left column)

“Instead of taking on new debt  and spending several billions of euros on arms, disarmament agreements and clever diplomacy are needed” to end Russia’s war on Ukraine  and establish a joint European security architecture guaranteeing peace, he said.

The marches started on Thursday and will continue until Monday, the last day of Easter holiday season in Germany.
Golla said that the attendance has been slightly higher than in previous years.

The demonstrations also include a three-day march that has started on Saturday in Duisburg and will continue until Monday through the Ruhr area via Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Herne and Bochum to Dortmund.

Gaza, US missiles

In addition to protesting against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the buildup of weaponry in Europe in response to it, demonstrators are also voicing their opposition to the war in the Gaza Strip and the planned stationing of US medium-range missiles in Germany.

The marches are taking place under different mottos in different cities. 

In Bonn, the motto is “Yes to peace — no to combat readiness,” in Kassel “Peace — disarmament — climate protection — come to the Easter march” and in Leipzig “Against rearmament and cuts to social services.”

The Easter peace marches in Germany had their heyday during the Cold War in the 1980s, when hundreds of thousands of people took part.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe

Eulogy for Pope Francis

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION .

There will be many eulogies for Pope Francis.

We have a special way to do this at CPNN, because no one else has contributed more to the culture of peace in recent times. This is shown by the following list of CPNN articles.


Frame from video of the Pope’s message

Pope Francis calls for ‘disarmament’ while still hospitalized

Lula meets the Pope, talks world peace

Can Pope Francis bring peace to Ukraine?

Review of Against War: Building a Culture of Peace – a book by Pope Francis

Pope’s Video: “Let Us Develop A Culture Of Peace”

Pope Francis: “Hands off the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hands off Africa”

The Pope : “The time has come to live in a spirit of fraternity and build a culture of peace”

Pope urges inclusive and sustainable food systems

(Article continued in the column on the right)

Questions related to this article:

How can we carry forward the work of the great peace and justice activists who went before us?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

Pope, in Easter message, slams weapons spending in time of pandemic

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the celebration of the 53rd World Day of Peace, January 1, 2020

Pope Francis’ declaration in Hiroshima marks another historic step in the fight for the total elimination of nuclear weapons

Pope Francis Calls Nuclear Weapons Immoral as Catholic Activists Face Jail For U.S. Nuke Base Action

The Amazon Synod: “Plus Tard Sera Trop Tard”

Pope hopes his Arabian trip will help Islam-Christian relations

Pope Francis denounces nuclear weapons possession

Pope Francis meets ‘The Elders’ to discuss global concerns

Pope Francis: Make active nonviolence our way of life – a statement for the 50th Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace

‘Do Unto Others:’ Pope Francis’ Call to Action

ICLEI Leaders and Members to strengthen Pope Francis’ efforts on climate, modern slavery and sustainability

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global

Ministers approve BRICS Environment declaration

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article by Mayara Souto from BRICS News

BRICS Environment ministers approved a ministerial declaration on Thursday, April 3, at a high-level meeting in Brasilia. In the letter, the countries reiterate the importance of “environmental multilateralism” and “balanced and inclusive global governance” to achieve common goals to protect the environment. “We recognize the urgent need to address global and regional environmental challenges in a collaborative and science-based way,” reads an excerpt from the text.


Environment ministers from the 11 BRICS member countries approved the final declaration of the Environment Working Group on Thursday (March 3). Image: Isabela Castilho/BRICS Brasil

In her opening speech, Brasil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva highlighted the importance of the Global South to multilateralism and international cooperation.
“In the coming decades, the strength of our [BRICS] economies will make us even more influential. Today, we represent about half of the world’s population and 39% of the global GDP [Gross Domestic Product]. More than ever, BRICS is an increasingly fertile space for innovation, rich in cultural diversity, with strategic resources, and an immense quantity and quality of natural capital,” said the minister.

“Our countries are providers of services and ecosystems that are essential to the planet’s balance. They are also essential support to nature-based solutions that are in tune with the Earth’s capacity to assimilate. We are in a good position to lead a fair ecological transition that strengthens a more cooperative and less unequal multipolar world,” continued Marina Silva, who also welcomed the group’s new member countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Global warming

The ministerial declaration on the Environment includes the seven proposals that resulted from discussions regarding the four priority axes presented by the Brazilian presidency — desertification, land degradation, and drought; preservation, restoration, and enhancement of ecosystem services; plastic pollution and waste management; and collective leadership for climate action, in synergy with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The group highlights the impacts of climate change, and the “need to accelerate mitigation and adaptation actions” through the transition of economies to low carbon. The Paris Agreement is recognized in the declaration as an important commitment to the establishment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — which seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5ºC.

Minister Marina Silva highlighted that BRICS is essential to maintaining this goal, especially in the current international context. “The rise of unilateralism and extremism is jeopardizing global stability and deepening injustices, affecting the most vulnerable populations in particular. This instability is further aggravated in the context of the climate emergency in which we are living. We have broken successive temperature records. Last year was the hottest in history, surpassing the critical limit of 1.5ºC for the first time. In this context, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has reiterated the strategic role of BRICS as a space for dialogue and collective construction of solutions,” she declared.

(Article continued in the right column)

Question for this article:

What is the contribution of BRICS to sustainable development?

(Article continued from the left column)

Nevertheless, the BRICS WG also draws attention to the “national capacities and circumstances” of the group’s countries to combat climate change. The text encourages technology transfer and “adequate climate finance for developing countries,” which is the main challenge of COP30 (the United Nations Climate Conference), also under Brazilian presidency and to be held in November in Belém, Pará.

“BRICS represents almost 50% of the world’s population and almost 40% of the world’s GDP. Therefore, it is an absolutely important group from both a geopolitical and economic standpoint. And, naturally, when we talk about economics, it has everything to do with the issue of climate change — because solutions to climate change are naturally connected to changes in countries’ economies,” said Ambassador and president of COP30 André Corrêa do Lago, who was also present at the event.

The president of COP30 also highlighted the Brazilian presidency at COP for a new type of climate fund. “Financing has been a challenge since the beginning of the Climate Convention negotiations — and it is an extremely difficult and controversial issue. The fund that Brasil is proposing — the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) — is especially innovative. There are different ways to finance forests for each type of activity. There was no formal mechanism designed specifically for forest conservation, and the TFFF addresses exactly that. It seeks to solve a problem that has not yet been solved,” he said.

Technical cooperation

Technical cooperation was highlighted as essential for the BRICS countries to advance in sustainable development. Strategic partnerships and the sharing of initiatives and technologies are being planned towards the group’s objectives. In this sense, the ministers established investment in “research and innovation for the development of green technologies and sustainable solutions.” There is also a provision for the creation of platforms to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences on the subject.

The conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of countries’ natural resources were also presented as a BRICS commitment to “combating the degradation of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.” Moreover, the group urged for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — signed at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. The agreement establishes targets to reverse biodiversity loss by 2050.

Circular economy and integrated waste management were also included in the declaration as a way to reduce plastic and promote recycling. “We reiterate our commitment to eliminating environmental pollutants and developing sustainable value chains,” the document states.

Finally, the BRICS Environment ministers pledge to increase environmental education and raise public awareness regarding environmental responsibility through campaigns, educational programs, and community projects.

According to the text, the initiatives that were jointly signed by BRICS countries will be monitored regularly. “We conclude this Declaration by reaffirming our determination to work together towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all BRICS countries and for the world,” the document concludes.

Marina Silva added that, in addition to the ministerial declaration, the representatives of the 11 member countries also approved a work plan that includes a memorandum of understanding on environmental cooperation for the 2024-2027 period. The document provides for around 50 practical activities in strategic fields such as air quality, environmental education, biodiversity, waste and chemical management, water resources, coastal and marine areas, and climate change.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

global, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

‘This Is Not Trump’s Country’: 255,000 Have Rallied With Sanders and AOC on Nationwide Tour

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

An article by Jake Johnson in Common Dreams

Across the United States—from Nampa, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah to Los Angeles, California—nearly 255,000 people have turned out in recent weeks for “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies headlined by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive duo that has railed against President Donald Trump and the corporate-dominated systems that spawned him while outlining a vision of a more just future.


U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rally in Nampa, Idaho on April 14, 2025. (Photo: Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Over the past six weeks, according to Sanders’ (I-Vt.) office, 254,931 have attended 17 rallies across 11 states and millions have viewed livestreams of the events online. The most recent swing—which included seven stops across four states in less than a week—drew 146,950 people, including in competitive districts with Republican representatives.

“This week, the American people turned out in enormous numbers,” Sanders said in a statement late Wednesday. “And their message was clear. They do not want oligarchy. They do not want authoritarianism. They are tired of massive income and wealth inequality and the greed of the billionaire class. They are tired of a corrupt political system that allows billionaires to buy elections. And, most importantly, they are prepared to fight back.”

The massive, enthusiastic rallies signal mounting nationwide anger over the Trump administration’s large-scale firings of federal workers, assault on fundamental rights, climate destruction, lawless detention and deportation of immigrants, and push to gut Medicaid and other key programs.

(Article continued in the column on the right)

Questions related to this article:

. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

“This is not Trump’s country. This is our country,” Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday. “The working class is coming together to defend democracy, fight for one another, and build a better future for all of us.”

The events also indicate a desire among Democratic voters for their leaders to respond more forcefully to the president and his billionaire cronies, including world’s richest man Elon Musk. One recent survey found that 70% of Democratic voters give their party a C grade or below for their response to Trump thus far.

“We need to fight the oligarchy, like the message says. And that’s real, even in a state like Montana, where we’re very red,” one rallygoer told the Montana Free Press at a Missoula event on Wednesday. In the 2024 election, Trump won Montana by just under 20 points and a Republican ousted three-term Democratic incumbent Jon Tester in the Senate.

Another sign of the U.S. public’s readiness to organize and fight back against the Trump administration’s abuses and far-right policy agenda was mass participation in a Wednesday call hosted by the Hands Off! coalition, which helped bring millions into the streets nationwide earlier this month.

According to organizers, tens of thousands of people joined the call, which comes ahead of another national day of action planned for May.

“What we have begun to build is powerful,” Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, said Wednesday. “As Trump continues to chaotically and carelessly implement his wildly unpopular agenda, he creates more distrust, more outrage, and more backlash against it.”

During a stop in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez told a crowd of 20,000 that “we can make a new world, a better country where we can fight for the dignity of all people.”

“It looks like living wages, Utah,” said the New York Democrat. “It looks like stable housing, Utah. It looks like guaranteed healthcare, Salt Lake City. And it looks like respect for all of our differences, no matter who we are or where we come from.”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

Teaching Peace: Nurturing Young Peacemakers in Ghana through Education

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article by Mohammed Ibrahim from Peace News

In a region where ethnic and religious diversity sometimes fuels tension, Ghana stands out as one of West Africa’s most peaceful nations. This reputation, however, cannot be taken for granted. 

In September 2024, Ghana experienced incidents of violence over upcoming elections. Other countries in the region such as Mali and Guinea have dealt with ethnic and religious violence in recent decades, including violence committed by youth. 

But efforts are being made to sustain harmony, particularly through peace education in schools. Peace education and sensitization programs aim to empower students as peace ambassadors. Schools across the Ashanti and Central Regions of Ghana are teaching peace education, where students learn conflict resolution skills, social justice principles, and the value of peaceful coexistence. 


Students of St Paul’s Catholic Basic School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

“Ghana is a diverse country with different tribes and religions. Despite this, we have remained peaceful,” said Dr. Charles Ohene-Amoh, the Regional Executive Secretary of the Central Regional Peace Council (CRPC) of Ghana’s National Peace Council  (NPC).  “To sustain this, we must instill the culture of peace in our young people,” he told Peace News Network (PNN). 

Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity

In January 2025, the CRPC collaborated with St Paul’s Catholic Basic School to educate students on peacebuilding, which is crucial for the country’s future stability.

The initiative was a peace education sensitization program themed “Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity.” The program focused on: strengthening students’ understanding of peaceful coexistence, reducing classroom conflicts and bullying, promoting peer mediation, and conflict resolution. Dr. Ohene-Amoh emphasized the need for peace education in schools. 

“We believe that one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts is to educate the youth on how to live in harmony… Schools provide the perfect setting because students are already gathered in large numbers, making it easy to reach them,” he said.

He highlighted that schools reflect the country’s diversity, with students from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The program teaches them to embrace differences rather than allow them to become sources of conflict.

“When we visit schools, we see Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists learning together. We teach them to appreciate their diversity and to coexist peacefully. The results have been encouraging.”

The initiative has already shown positive outcomes. When the CRPC revisits schools where the program has been implemented, they observe noticeable improvements in student interactions. “We see fewer conflicts among students. They have become more tolerant and better at resolving disagreements peacefully,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh added.

Peace Education as a Tool for Conflict Prevention

Beyond promoting peaceful coexistence, the program also prepares students for the future. Many of them may later join law enforcement agencies or other security sectors, where their conduct will be scrutinized.

“We made them understand that their behavior in school could affect their future careers. Many didn’t realize that background checks are conducted before recruitment into security services,” Dr. Oene-Amoh said.

He said that additionally, the program introduced peace classes in schools where students voluntarily learn about conflict resolution and earn certificates for their participation. While attendance is not mandatory, students who participate are encouraged with certificates. This motivates them, Dr. Ohene-Amoh explained, to take peacebuilding seriously and apply these lessons in their communities.

(Continued in right column)

Question for this article:

Where is peace education taking place?

(Continued from left column)

The Ghanaian government has also contributed to maintaining peace in schools by banning demonstrations within educational institutions. This has significantly reduced violence on school premises. “Since the ban, we have not recorded any violent attacks in schools. Combined with peace education, this has created a safer learning environment,” Dr. Ahone-Amoh said.

Youth and Political Manipulation

One major concern in many African nations is the role of youth in political violence. Politicians often exploit young people’s energy and passion, leading them into conflicts. However, with proper peace education, students are less likely to be used as tools for political violence.

“With peace education, the youth will understand the dangers of being manipulated for political purposes. They will think critically before engaging in violent acts,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh stated.

The Challenge of Funding

Despite the program’s success, funding remains a significant challenge. The CRPC struggles to reach all 23 districts in the region due to financial constraints. “We write to organizations for support because our resources are limited. Without adequate funding, it is difficult to reach every student who needs this education,” he said.

“Train a Child, and They Will Not Depart from It”

Barbara Yabom, the CRPC’s Program Manager, described Ghana as one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, largely due to its emphasis on peace education. She cited a biblical proverb, “When you train a child in the right way, they will not depart from it when they grow.”

She emphasized that many young people who engage in violent behavior come from backgrounds where conflict resolution skills were not taught. She said that by training them in peacebuilding early, “we hope to create a generation that values harmony.”

To Yabom, peace education should be a continuous process to instill the values of forgiveness and tolerance. “We have received delegations from countries like Malawi and Ivory Coast who come to learn how Ghana maintains its peace. Peace education is part of our success story.”

She stressed that peace education should not only focus on adults, and noted that it is unfortunate that some people think it should. Yabom added that children are future leaders, and that teaching them these skills now will help them grow up to be responsible citizens who resolve conflicts peacefully.

Calls for Peace Education in the Curriculum

Sam, a senior high school tutor from Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School Mr Appiah whose school participated in the peace education program, advocated for peace education to be included in the national curriculum, saying that it would help address the “culture of impunity” among students, and reduce their exposure to violent influences from social media.

He noted that many students are unaware of the laws governing juvenile violence. “Some think they can act violently without consequences because they are young. But with education, they will understand that even in school, they must obey the law.”

Appiah believes peace education in schools plays a vital role in shaping students’ moral values. “If we sustain this effort, we will raise a generation of young people who value peace. ”

While challenges such as funding issues persist, the impact of peace education in Ghanaian schools is evident. By instilling values of tolerance, respect, and conflict resolution in students, Ghana is not only securing its present peace, but also building a future where harmony prevails.

As Dr. Ohene-Amoh aptly put it: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and tolerance.”

(Editor’s note: Thank you to Transcend News Service for calling our attention to this article.)

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

UNAOC and Religions for Peace:  “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

A press release from Religions for Peace

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace (RfP) are joining forces to launch “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law”, an initiative aiming to amplify a condemnation against war while fostering a message of peace and upholding respect for international law.


A Call for Peace – Press Conference UNAOC-RfP on April 3, 2025

The initiative, presented on April 3 at the UNAOC headquarter in New York, will be held on 25–26 April 2025 in Gernika, Spain, a town that has become a universal symbol of the horrors of war and the enduring spirit of peace. The two-day event will kick off on 25 April with roundtable discussions at the Liceo Theatre, featuring religious leaders, faith-based actors, and civil society representatives, followed by a screening of “Why War”, a film by renowned filmmaker Amos Gitai. On 26 April, the high-level opening ceremony and the official launch of the “Call for Peace” initiative will take place in Fronton Jai Alai, with distinguished speakers led by Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC, and Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary-General of RfP.

(continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

(continued from left column)

“The enduring symbolism of Gernika, and its powerful message of peace and resilience, resonates more profoundly today than ever before,” emphasized Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC. “In a world increasingly fractured by violence and division, this initiative is a powerful reminder that peace is not merely an ideal; it is a shared imperative. As we gather in Gernika, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to reject war, uphold international law, and champion dialogue over discord. Let this be a global call to action toward a future rooted in dignity, justice, and our common humanity.”

“In a world where the echoes of past conflicts still resonate and new wars threaten to engulf us, Religions for Peace stands alongside the UNAOC in this urgent call for peace,” remarked Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace. “We recognize the profound spiritual and moral imperative to dismantle the structures of violence and build bridges of understanding. This initiative, launching from the
historic town of Gernika, is not merely a call to end wars but a summons to cultivate a global culture of peace, rooted in respect for international law and the inherent dignity of every human being.”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

global, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

US: Millions March Against Trump-Musk in Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Protests

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article from Common Dreams (reprinted according to Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

In communities across the United States and also overseas, coordinated “Hands Off” protests are taking place far and wide Saturday [April 5] in the largest public rebuke yet to President Donald Trump and top henchman Elon Musk’s assault on the workings of the federal government and their program of economic sabotage that is sacrificing the needs of working families to authoritarianism and the greed of right-wing oligarchs.


Video of protest in New York City
(Click on image to enlarge)

Indivisible, one of the key organizing groups behind the day’s protests, said millions participated in more than 1,300 individual rallies as they demanded “an end to Trump’s authoritarian power grab” and condemning all those aiding and abetting it.

“We expected hundreds of thousands. But at virtually every single event, the crowds eclipsed our estimates,” the group said in a statement Saturday evening.

“This is the largest day of protest since Trump retook office,” the group added. “And in many small towns and cities, activists are reporting the biggest protests their communities have ever seen as everyday people send a clear, unmistakable message to Trump and Musk: Hands off our healthcare, hands off our civil rights, hands off our schools, our freedoms, and our democracy.”

According to the organizers’ call to action:

They’re dismantling our country. They’re looting our government. And they think we’ll just watch.

On Saturday, April 5th, we rise up with one demand: Hands Off!

This is a nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history. Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights—enabled by Congress every step of the way. They want to strip America for parts—shuttering Social Security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid—all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam.

They’re handing over our tax dollars, our public services, and our democracy to the ultra-rich. If we don’t fight now, there won’t be anything left to save.

(Article continued in the right column)

Questions related to this article:

The struggle for human rights, is it gathering force in the USA?

(Article continued from the left column)

The more than 1,300 “Hands Off!” demonstrations —organized by a large coalition of unions, progressive advocacy groups, and pro-democracy watchdogs—first kicked off Saturday in Europe, followed by East Coast communities in the U.S., and continued throughout the day at various times, depending on location. See here for a list of scheduled “Hands Off” events.

“The United States has a president, not a king,” said the progressive advocacy group People’s Action, one of the group’s involved in the actions, in an email to supporters Saturday morning just as protest events kicked off in hundreds of cities and communities. “Donald Trump has, by every measure, been working to make himself a king. He has become unanswerable to the courts, Congress, and the American people.”

In its Saturday evening statement, Indivisible said the actions far exceeded their expectations and should be seen as a turning point in the battle to stop Trump and his minions:

The Trump administration has spent its first 75 days in office trying to overwhelm us, to make us feel powerless, so that we will fall in line, accept the ransacking of our government, the raiding of our social safety net, and the dismantling of our democracy.

And too often, the response from our leaders and those in positions to resist has been abject cowardice. Compliance. Obeying in advance.

But not today. Today we’ve demonstrated a different path forward. We’ve modeled the courage and action that we want to see from our leaders, and showed all those who’ve been standing on the sidelines who share our values that they are not alone.

Citing the Republican president’s thirst for “power and greed,” People’s Action earlier explained why organized pressure must be built and sustained against the administration, especially at the conclusion of a week in which the global economy was spun into disarray by Trump’s tariff announcement, his attack on the rule of law continued, and the twice-elected president admitted he was “not joking” about the possibility of seeking a third term, which is barred by the constitution.

“He is destroying the economy with tariffs in order to pay for the tax cuts he wants to push through to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies,” warned People’s Action. “He has ordered the government to round up innocent people off of the streets and put them in detention centers without due process because they dared to speak out using their First Amendment rights. And he is not close to being done—by his own admission, he is planning to run for a third term, which the Constitution does not allow.”

The protest organizers warn that what Trump and Musk are up to “is not just corruption” and “not just mismanagement,” but something far more sinister.

“This is a hostile takeover,” they said, but vowed to fight back. “This is the moment where we say NO. No more looting, no more stealing, no more billionaires raiding our government while working people struggle to survive.”

(Editor’s note: This Common Dreams article includes many videos as well as the one cited on the image above. They include videos of protests in Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Portland, ME, Buffalo, NY, St Paul, MN, Oakland County, MI, Columbus, OH, Colorado, Catawba County, NC, as well as London, Paris, Frankfurt and Brussels.)

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

HUMAN RIGHTS, North America

English bulletin April 1, 2025

. WOMEN LEAD THE RESISTANCE .

We can repeat the introduction to last month’s bulletin:

It has been difficult to find good news this year.

Last month it was the fate of Gaza and the fate of Humanity.

This month it is the devastation being wrought by Trump and Musk.

But there are signs of a fightback, light in this time of darkness.

And this month, the good news, the fightback news, comes primarily from the women who took to the streets on International Women’s Day.

In the US, they stated directly their opposition to the oligarchy of Trump and Musk. In Los Angeles their placard said simply, “Stop `Trump”. In San Francisco, their signs read RESIST No Oligarchs Save Democracy; NO KINGS NO TYRANNY; HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE 170 MILLION WOMEN SCORNED.

In Europe, the theme was more general. For example, in Valencia, Spain, ““We are the cry of those who no longer have a voice” or “We are half the earth, we want half the sky.” And in Amsterdam, “Abortion in the constitution” and “Keep your hands off my womb”.

In Latin American, the demands were radical. In Buenos Aires, rejecting the policies of President Milei, the cry was “Contra el fascismo, el racismo, el patriarcado y el capitalismo”. And in La Paz, Bolivia, one of the most chanted slogans was: “What’s the big deal? They kill us and rape us and the state does nothing,”

In Asia, (Jakarta, Indonesia), the placards demanded “Fair maternity and menstrual leave rights without discrimination” And in Africa,(Abuja, Nigeria): the theme was “commitment to gender equality and empowerment as essential drivers of health for all.”

Codepink celebrated International Women’s Day: “From Los Angeles to Dallas, from Massachusetts to London, UK, our local chapters centered international working women’s resistance to send a powerful and urgent reminder that if women around the world are standing together – liberation from imperialism and militarism is inevitable!”

The fightback against the arrival of fascism in the US as described in last month’s bulletin has continued to develop, especially by trade unions. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers (AFSCME) has launched a new campaign, called Get Organized, or AFSCME GO to fight back against “Elon Musk, billionaires and anti-union extremists.” And Bernie Sanders continued to draw big crowds in districts that voted for Trump. Sanders was joined in Detroit by the head of the United Auto Workers Union.

Although it is not recognized by the major mass media, street protests in the United States against the Trump administration are numerous and frequent, as described in an article from Waging Nonviolence. The authors point out that “Historically, street protest and legal challenges are common avenues for popular opposition to governments, but economic noncooperation — such as strikes, boycotts and buycotts — is what often gets the goods.” They point to the recent effectiveness of boycotts against Tesla and Target as evidence that this is happening now.

The authors conclude that “That Americans seem to be rediscovering the art, science and potency of noncooperation — combined with a robust protest capacity and legal action — shows that resistance against Trump’s agenda in America is not only alive and well. It is savvy, diversifying and probably just getting started.”

WOMEN’S EQUALITY


International Women’s Day: Latin America

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT


Brazil hosts first BRICS Sherpas meeting with expanded membership

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION


Voice of the Global South: Multilateralism Can and Must Deliver

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY


Pope Francis calls for ‘disarmament’ while still hospitalized
  

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY


PLANETE: Scouts in Africa and Europe leading change in peace, gender, and sustainability

EDUCATION FOR PEACE


New Feasibility Study on Peace Education in Non-formal Learning and Youth Work commissioned by the Council of Europe

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION


AFSCME, United States: It’s Time to Get Organized

HUMAN RIGHTS


Resistance is alive and well in the United States
d-women, global

PLANETE: Scouts in Africa and Europe leading change in peace, gender, and sustainability

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the website of World Scouting

The PLANETE project (Acting for Peace, Freedom, Learning, Nature, Equity, Tolerance, and Environment) is empowering over 7,000 Scouts and Guides across five countries and two continents to drive meaningful change in key areas like gender equality, education for peace and climate change education. 

Led by the Scouts and Guides of France, in partnership with the Scouts of Lebanon, the Association of Guides of Lebanon, the Rwanda Scouts Association, Rwanda Girl Guides Association, the Tunisian Scouts, and the Association of Catholic Scouts of Côte d’Ivoire, this initiative is aiming to reach more than 11,000 Scouts and Guides from 14 to 25. Together, they are leveraging the educational methods of Scouting and Guiding to promote peace, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.

Through workshops, camps, training sessions, advocacy campaigns, and other activities, participants are becoming powerful ambassadors for positive change within their communities. These Scouts and Guides are engaging in citizen mobilisation, partnering with local authorities to advance sustainable, equitable, and fair societies. Funded by l’Agence française de développement (French Development Agency), the project provides young people with the tools and skills necessary to create a brighter future.

(continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
Are we seeing the dawn of a global youth movement?

(continued from left column)

A key milestone of the PLANETE project occurred in August 2024, when Scouts and Guides from across the globe gathered in Rwanda for an international camp. Held from 25 to 31 August, the event focused on the pivotal role Scouting plays in fostering peace and tolerance. Drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s history of resilience and recovery, participants engaged in discussions and activities centred on intercultural understanding and reconciliation. These shared experiences reinforced the importance of dialogue and cooperation in the quest for a more peaceful world.

The PLANETE project also places a strong emphasis on environmental action. In France, Scouts participated in an ecological camp in Brittany in July 2024, focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable living. With no access to electricity and fully immersed in nature, Scouts participated in practical activities such as waste collection, vegetation maintenance, and raising awareness in local communities. 

Similar environmental initiatives are taking place in other participating countries, with Scouts leading efforts to protect natural environments and advocate for sustainability.

Looking ahead, the project will maintain its focus on environmental sustainability, peace, and gender equality through various initiatives. In 2025, several ecological camps will be organised across the five participating countries, where young participants will tackle critical issues such as climate change, conservation, and ecological transition. Additionally, from August 9 to 15, an international camp on interfaith dialogue will take place in Tunisia, bringing together seven delegations from partner organisations. This activity will empower participants to become ambassadors of peace and take initiative in their communities.

Creating a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world begins with education, community engagement, and international collaboration. The PLANETE project is igniting a global movement of young leaders, with Scouts and Guides turning their ideals into tangible actions that inspire lasting change.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Africa, Europe, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY,

Pope Francis calls for ‘disarmament’ while still hospitalized

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from La Croix International

As Europe rearms itself, Pope Francis has issued a renewed call for peace and disarmament from his hospital room at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in a letter made public March 18 and addressed to the director of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. “We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, calmness, and an awareness of complexity,” wrote Francis in this message dated March 14.

“Human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills,” said the 88-year-old pope, who has been hospitalized for over a month to treat double pneumonia. Repeating what he expressed in his Sunday Angelus message March 16, the pope said that in the period he is going through, “war appears even more absurd.”

War, he said, have no power other than to devastate ” communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts,” he added, arguing that diplomacy and international organizations need “new vitality and credibility.”

General disarmament

On the eve of the publication of this message, the number two of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was asked about the “rearm Europe” plan presented in early March by the European Commission. This plan aims to mobilize €800 billion ($841 billion) over four years, including €150 billion in loans made available to EU member states.

“The policy of the Holy See, since the First World War, has always been to insist at the international level on the need for general and controlled disarmament, so we cannot be satisfied with the direction we are taking,” declared the Vatican Secretary of State. He further questioned, before journalists on the sidelines of a Roman event on Ramadan organized by the Moroccan Embassy to the Holy See: “Those who rearm, sooner or later, must use the weapons, mustn’t they?”

(Continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
Is there resistance to the rearmament of Europe?

(Continued from left column)

The Holy See’s diplomatic activity in Europe has not ceased since Francis’ hospitalization over a month ago. On March 14, Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the ceasefire proposal from the United States, which Ukraine has accepted.

“The Holy See, while renewing its prayer for peace in Ukraine, hopes that the parties involved will seize the opportunity for sincere dialogue, not subject to any preconditions of any kind, and aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” the Vatican stated, also encouraging “all efforts to be made for the release of prisoners.”

Not just words

A phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, specifically concerning Ukraine, was held March 18. According to a White House readout of the call, Putin agreed to halt military strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but stopped short of agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire agreement.

In the letter made public today, Pope Francis also addressed journalists covering these events and “all those who dedicate their work and intelligence to informing” to “feel the full importance of words.”

“They are never just words: they are facts that shape human environments,” the pope wrote. “They can connect or divide, serve the truth or use it for other ends. We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth. There is a great need for reflection, calmness, and an awareness of complexity.”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe