Tag Archives: East Asia

Korea: PyeongChang Global Peace Forum Calls on Leaders at DPRK-US Summit

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from Tempo

On Monday, 11 February 2019, the PyeongChang Global Peace Forum issued a resolution calling for the end of the Korean War. More than 500 people from 50 countries and 200 organizations gathered to review the crises and prospects of peace. In a country where the agony of war and deep division spans seven decades, participants have collectively sought ways to end the long, tragic tradition and prepare for a sustainable future.

Taking place just following the announcement of the upcoming DPRK-US Summit, many participants held discussions to consider the importance of this historic moment. The peace process on the Korean peninsula has the potential to impact peace globally. They call on leaders at the DPRK-US Summit on 27-28 February 2019 in Vietnam to make a concrete declaration to end the Korean War. They emphasized that the Summit should also result in concrete steps to implement past agreements, including those from the 2018 Summits at Panmunjom (27 April), and Singapore (12 June) PyongYang (18-20 Sept.) and define a path towards the signing of a peace agreement.

Specifically, Yoshioka Tatsuya, Founder of Peace Boat, a member of the international steering group of 2017 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2017) the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), said:

“people throughout Northeast Asia and the world deeply hope for a positive, concrete result from the upcoming Vietnam Summit., and the international community must support such an outcome.”

ICAN emphasizes that nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula should be pursued through international laws, including the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), known as the nuclear weapons ban treaty.

Looking towards the summit, Christine Ahn, Executive Director of Women Cross DMZ said: 

”Trump and Kim may declare an end to the Korean War, which would be historic for the Korean people who have lived in a state of war for three generations. But it would also be great for Americans as the Korean War is the U.S.’ oldest war and set in motion massive defense spending which has diverted critical resources away from investments that would make America great again.”

Lisa Clark, International Peace Bureau (IPB), Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1910) also said:

“Ending the Korean War and signing a peace treaty will also empower the Korean people to achieve prosperity though the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We need to further enhance cooperation between citizens, mayors, parliamentarians and other groups in order to achieve both peace and sustainable development for the Korean Peninsula and for the world.”

For more information about the PGPF 2019, please refer to www.pgpf.kr.
 
PyeongChang Global Peace Forum (PGPF) 2019 is the civil society-led global peace conference on peace and SDGs on the first anniversary of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and the 20th anniversary of the Hague Appeal for Peace Conference 1999.  Its main goal was to develop a long term agenda for 2020 to 2030 to integrate peace and disarmament to the SDGs making use of the peacebuilding momentum in the Korean peninsula created at the PyeongChang Olympics. It has adopted the PyoengChang Declaration for Peace, the Framework for PyeongChang Agenda for Peace (PCAP) 2030 and the special resolution on peace in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia (attached below). It was organized by the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, Gangwon Province, PyongChang Municipality and the KOICA in cooperation with CSOs engaged in peace and SDGs in Korea and international.
 
The following are the excerpt:
 
`Resolution for Sustaining Peace Process in Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia
PyeongChang, Korea / 9-11 Feb. 2019`

We stand now at a historic moment. From the citizen-led Candlelight Revolution and the establishment of a democratic government in 2017 in South Korea, and the new inter-Korean dialogue catalyzed by the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the peace process on the Korean peninsula has the potential to impact peace globally. Northeast Asia, however, is fast plunging into an unprecedented rivalry and arms race. Peace on the Korean peninsula has great impact not only for the region, but indeed for global peace. People from around the world now look to Korea with great hope.

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Question for this article:

Can Korea be reunified in peace?

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We, the participants of PyeongChang Global Peace Forum (PGPF) 2019, are committed to supporting the Korea peace process, and call upon all government and civil society actors concerned to take the following urgent steps to sustain the peace process in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
 
1. We call on the Republic of Korea (hereafter South Korea), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (hear after North Korea), and other involved nations to immediately declare the end of the Korean War (1950-1953) and sign a peace treaty.
 
2. We call on leaders at the DPRK-US Summit on 27-28 February 2019 in Vietnam must achieve a breakthrough for both above-mentioned ends, with a concrete declaration of the end of the Korean War. The Summit should also result in concrete steps to implement past agreements, including those from the 2018 Summits at Panmunjom, Pyongyang and Singapore, and define a path towards the signing of a peace agreement.
 
3. We call for full implementation of established treaties, as well as other international law regarding nuclear disarmament, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968), Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (1996), International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons (1996), UN Security Council Resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (2004), Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2007), Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017) and the UN Human Rights Committee General Comment No 36 on the Right to Life (2018). We appeal to all parties to take concrete steps for regional and global denuclearization. All concerned nations in the region should establish Northeast Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, which will greatly contribute to confidence-building and security for the region.
 
4. Ending the war and signing a peace treaty will unleash the momentum for the Korean people to participate fully in the international community and multilateral institutions, including the UN. The peace process will enable the peoples of the Korean peninsula to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprehensive regional cooperation by both governments and citizens should be pursued in the fields of humanitarian, economic and social development, based on the universally recognized norms and principles of human rights, democracy, human security and gender equality.
 
5. Such comprehensive, peace-development cooperation is necessary in Northeast Asia. This  requires close cooperation among local, regional and international agencies, both governmental and non-governmental.
 
6. The Korea peace process must extend to the region, focusing on the rivalry between superpowers and the ensuing dangerous arms race.  All nations in the region must immediately end politics of might and at the same time, start disarmament negotiations in all three areas of weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons, and new weapon technology, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and norms. We also call for the implementation of confidence-building measures including lifting of sanctions, and the continued freeze of military exercises.
 
7. Along with the Korea peace process, efforts should be made to establish regional cooperation mechanisms for peace in Northeast Asia, to reduce and resolve the escalating military tensions and conflicts in the region. We also call for the effective use of existing international mechanisms, including those within the United Nations.

8. All nations in the region must guarantee transparency and civic-democratic control in security and military sectors, immediately stop all efforts to use force or threats to resolve territorial disputes, and replace national rivalry with regional cooperation, prioritizing human security.
 
9. The full and meaningful involvement of civil society, and inclusion of youth and women, is vital for ensuring sustainable peace. Civic diplomacy for peace, such as the PyeongChang Agenda for Peace (PCAP) 2030, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC), the Ulaanbaatar Process (UBP), and the Korea Peace Treaty Now! Women Mobilizing to End the War must continue and expand.
 
10. We call on sports communities to continue to advance peace and diplomacy in the region and globally, while ensuring that large scale projects like the Olympics must be developed in cooperation with local communities in consideration of social and environmental impacts.
 
11. Nations in the region should enhance their support for civic diplomacy for peace. We call for the forging of close cooperation between public and civic diplomacy for peace, including that led by mayors, parliamentarians, and other sectors. We highlight the influence music, culture and media can give to the peace process, as well as expanding peace education and a culture of global citizenship and belonging.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia

Australia: Conference Calls for Mainstreaming Human Rights Education

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article by Neena Bhandari from InDepth News

More investment is needed in human rights education and strengthening of civil society to address inequality and sustainability – the main objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This was the key message from the Ninth International Conference on Human Rights Education (ICHRE) held in Sydney, Australia.


A glimpse of the exhibition on human rights education. (Photo credit: NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning)

Drawing inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which marks its 70th Anniversary this year, the ICHRE 2018  (November 26-29) recommended all stakeholders to mainstream human rights education as a tool for social cohesion towards peaceful coexistence; and strive to bridge the significant gap between integrating human rights education in the curricula and its implementation.

“Beyond human rights education, people have to be enabled and empowered to exercise their inalienable rights, to live by those rights, and to uphold their rights and the rights of others,” said Dr Mmantsetsa Marope, Director of UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education, in her opening address.

She highlighted: “Three core factors – good governance, good health, and quality and relevant education – converge to enable and empower people to create and live a culture of human rights. These three factors are paramount, because they determine other factors that can facilitate or impede the realization of human rights.”

The sixth consultation of the implementation of UNESCO’s 1974 Recommendation  in 2016 reported that more effort was required to strengthening teachers’ capacity to implement human rights education.

Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education, which provides tools and training to teachers and people working with children to integrate human rights values and approaches in the work that they do, reaches out to 100,000 young people across 50 communities in Canada each year.

Equitas Executive Director Ian Hamilton told IDN, “Currently our programme is focused on helping to educate primary school children aged between 6 and 12 years and adolescent youth between 13 and 18 years.

“Through our program, Play It Fair  we use a series of games and activities to introduce human rights to children and encourage them to think critically about what is happening around them and how they can promote human rights values – equality, respect, inclusion and exclusion.

“For example, we ask children to play musical chairs the traditional way and then play a cooperative version and use that as an entry point to talk about inclusion and exclusion.”

Hamilton added: “We have seen that these tools also transform the people, who are working with children. They learn the content about the same time as the children, but it also makes them feel empowered, being equipped to deal with these issues.” 


Equitas also works with young adults using similar participatory approaches and results, and through its virtual forum: speakingrights.ca.

Youth is the focus of the fourth phase  (2020-2024) of the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education launched in September 2018.

Elisa Gazzotti, Programme Coordinator and Co-chair NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning, Soka Gakkai International Office for UN Affairs in Geneva, told IDN, “We use the technique of storytelling to engage young people to share how through human rights education they were able to steer their lives in a positive direction and become fully engaged actors in their communities.”

“We organised a workshop here around Transforming Lives – the power of human rights education exhibition, which was co-organised by SGI together with global coalition for human rights education HRE2020, the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning and others in 2017 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training. It shows how human rights education has transformed the lives of people in Burkina Faso, Peru, Portugal, Turkey and Australia,” Gazzotti added.

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Questions for this article:

How can we promote a human rights, peace based education?

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Arash Bordbar, a third-year engineering student at the Western Sydney University and Chair of the UNHCR Global Youth Advisory Council had fled Iran at the age of 15 years and stayed in Malaysia for five years before being resettled in Australia in 2015. He is now a youth worker at the Community Migrant Resource Centre, where he is supporting newly arrived migrants get education and find employment.

Similarly Apajok Biar, 23, who was born in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya and came to Australia in 1997 with her family under a Humanitarian visa, is chairperson and co-founder of South Sudan Voices of Salvation Inc, a not-for-profit youth run and led organisation. As youth participation officer at Cumberland Council in Sydney, she has been working to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to have a say in decisions that affect them at all levels – local, state, international.

“Knowledge of these rights can both improve relations between people of different ethnicity and belief, and nourish civil society,” said Dr Sev Ozdowski, Conference Convener and Director of Equity and Diversity at Western Sydney University.

Over 300 representatives from international human rights organisations, civil society, educational institutions, media and citizens participated in the ICHRE 2018, a series initiated by Dr Sev Ozdowski, to advance human rights education for the role it plays in furthering democracy, the rule of law, social harmony and justice.

While UDHR has been reinforced by several legal instruments, including conventions, charters, declarations, and national legislation, and the global discourse has broadened to include gender equality, people living with disabilities and LGBTIQ communities, the biggest challenge is the threat facing human rights organisations and defenders.

“That is the most dangerous threat because if we silence those voices then our capacity to educate and mobilise the public reduces and we will end up excluding most people,” Equitas Executive Director Hamilton told IDN.

In many countries, human rights are still not a priority. Tsering Tsomo, Executive Director of Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, an NGO based in Dharamsala (India) said: “In Tibet, the Chinese authoritarian regime has criminalised the UDHR itself by punishing people who translated the UDHR in Tibetan language and disseminated it amongst Tibetans.

“This happened in 1989 when 10 Tibetan monks were sent to jail for propagating the UDHR, just a year after the Chinese government publicly acknowledged the existence of Human Rights Day. Along with celebrating the 70th anniversary, we also observe the 30th anniversary of the imprisonment of the 10 Tibetan monks.”

UDHR holds the Guinness Book World Record as the most translated document. It is now available in more than 500 languages and dialects.

“In Tibet, there is a lot of rhetoric about human rights, but no implementation. Instead there is total impunity for the crimes committed by security forces and an upsurge in government spending on domestic security, which has long surpassed defence spending. This has resulted in a series of human rights violations.

“The challenge for the UN and human rights organisations is to counter the economic and political pressure exerted by powerful countries in reframing the international human rights discourse and in silencing critical civil society voices,” Tsomo told IDN.

Speaking on the path from UDHR to the World Programme for Human Rights Education, Cynthia Veliko, South-East Asia Regional Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangkok said: “The shocking retrenchment in leadership on human rights in many States across the globe over the past few years poses a real threat to the historic progress made, often painstakingly, over the decades that followed the 1948 adoption of the UDHR.”

“The continued realisation of the principles set out in the UDHR ultimately cannot be achieved without human rights education. It is an essential investment that is required to shape future world leaders with the principles of humanity and integrity that are required to build and sustain a humane world,” Veliko added.

The ICHRE 2018 Declaration  also raised concerns on the human rights implications of insufficient progress in climate change mitigation and adaptation, increasing food and water insecurity, rising sea levels, inter-state and internal conflict leading to increased migration, escalating new arms race among major powers, and rising levels of violence – particularly violence against women and children.

The Declaration called for greater awareness of the opportunities and risks of new forms of communication and media opportunities, which will help engage and reach more children and young adults, but also pose the threat of human rights abuse online.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling our attention to this article.)

East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE, global, HUMAN RIGHTS, United Nations, ,

Philippines: Peace Education among top priorities in the new Bangsamoro Government

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

“Kung gusto natin ng kapayapaan, simulan natin sa silid-aralan (If we want peace, let’s start in the classroom).”

This was emphasized by Commissioner Susana Anayatin of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) during the sectoral forum on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on Wednesday [December 6] here in [Cotabato City].

Saying the education sector holds a vital role in shaping the minds of the youth, Anayatin urged school officials to support the advocacy for peace provided in the BOL.

“The Bangsamoro Government shall institutionalize peace education in all levels. Sa magiging curriculum natin, i-mainstream na iyong framework of peace such as respect for human rights, conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, and environmental care,” Anayatin said.

In September 2006, then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Executive Order 570 which requires elementary and secondary schools all over the country to include peace education in their curriculum.

Anayatin, however, said past administrations failed to fully implement the order especially in public schools.

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Questions for this article:

Can peace be achieved in Mindanao?

Where is peace education taking place?

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“Ang karamihan po sa sumunod doon ay private schools. Sa Bangsamoro, susundin po natin ang kautusan na iyon. Di po iyan bagong kautusan pero inilagay natin sa batas 

(It was mostly implemented by private schools. In the Bangsamoro, we will follow this order. It’s not a new order but it’s something we placed in the law),” she added.

Anayatin said this measure will prevent the recruitment of the youth to violent extremist groups.

“Maraming kabataan ang di nakakapag-aral. Iyong iba naging rebelde, iyong iba naging terorista na ngayon. Iyong nangyari sa Marawi, mga professionals ang ibang nandoon. Bakit? Sapagkat nawawalan na sila ng tiwala sa gobyerno,” Anayatin said.

(A lot of young people are not able to go to school anymore. Some become rebels, others terrorists. Those who laid siege to Marawi included professionals. Why? Because they lost trust in government.)

For his part, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Nabil Tan urged the participants through a video message to maximize the opportunity as they play a vital role in passing on information about the landmark measure.

The same sentiment was shared by Edgar Sumapal, OIC Assistant of Cotabato City Schools Division.

“As an educator and school leader, it is incumbent upon us to provide accurate information about the BOL,” Sumapal said.

The forum, which was attended by around 100 officials and administrators from Cotabato City Schools Division, was held to provide updates on the conduct of the plebiscite and shed light on the pressing issues surrounding the BOL.

Among the resource speakers present during the forum were BTC Commissioners Mohagher Iqbal, Maisarah Dandamun-Latiph, Ibrahim Ali, and Atty. Lanang Ali.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling this article to our attention.)

East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Special Train Departs for Railway Groundbreaking Ceremony in N. Korea

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from KBS World Radio

A special train carrying about 100 South Koreans has left for North Korea for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for a project aimed at modernizing and connecting roads and railways across the border.


Photo YONHAP News

The train carrying nine cars departed Seoul Station at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday [December 26] for the ceremony set for 10 a.m. at Panmun Station in the North’s border town Gaeseong. 

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Question for this article:

Can Korea be reunified in peace?

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The South Korean delegation includes Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon, Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee, ruling Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Lee Hae-chan and floor leaders of ruling and opposition parties.

The North’s delegation will be led by Ri Son-gwon, the chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country. He will be joined by high-ranking North Korean officials including Kim Yun-hyok, the railway minister.

The 50-minute ceremony will feature events in which officials of the two Koreas will sign a sleeper, connect railroad tracks and unveil a road sign.

The South Korean delegation will return on Wednesday afternoon after a lunch at a lodging facility in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia

Australia: Thousands of students walk out of school to demand politicians stop dangerous climate change

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from the website of School Strike 4 Climate

In an Australian-first, as the nation experiences unprecedented fires, drought, heat and storms, thousands of students from hundreds of schools across metropolitan and regional Australia are today [30th November] striking from school to demand their politicians act urgently to stop further dangerous climate change and the Adani coal mine, which threatens their future.

30 major strike events are taking place across the country, in every capital city and almost 20 regional centres including Townsville, the Whitsundays, Inverell, Coffs Harbour, Ballarat, Newcastle and Bega. Instead of going to school, students will today be at their nearest Parliament House or Federal MP’s office for the day.

See the full list of strikes taking place here. Student spokespeople can be made available for interview, and links to vision and stills can be found below.

In a week of storms, fires and record heat: On Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison used Question Time to urge students not to join the strike. On Tuesday, the Senate passed a motion in support of the strike. On Wednesday, over 200 student strikers flooded Federal Parliament to meet with MPs about climate change. On Thursday, Adani announced it has funding to push ahead with its coal mine which is a key target of the students.

Inspired by 15 year old Swedish student Greta Thunberg, who has been striking outside the Swedish Parliament since August, year 8 students from Central Victoria brought the initiative to Australia and have been striking in Bendigo a day a week during November. As a show of support for the Australian strike, students in Sweden, France, Norway and Finland are also striking this week.

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Question for this article:

Despite the vested interests of companies and governments, Can we make progress toward sustainable development?

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Harriet O’Shea Carre, 14 years old, from Central Victoria, said: “As young people, we will inherit the decisions that our politicians are making about climate change. We learn in school that scientists think we have just a decade to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and yet our politicians are helping rich companies like Adani mine and burn more coal that will only make this worse. We’re striking from school to tell them to stop, now.”

Jean Hinchliffe, 14 years old, from Sydney, said: “As a generation, we are sick of those in power failing to stop the climate crisis. We’ve spent our entire lives hearing the dire warnings. Our future is on the line, and sitting around waiting until we can vote and lead the country just isn’t enough. We are striking to tell our politicians to stop all new coal and gas projects, including Adani’s mine, and take immediate action to move Australia to 100% renewable energy.”

Ruby Walker, 17 years old, from Inverell, said: “I wake every morning in a state that is 100% drought declared. I have seen our government axe policies to protect my generation’s future. I have seen the failure to invest in solutions that would protect us and the failure to prevent and prepare for the climate crisis. Enough is enough. As young people, we didn’t create this problem, but we’re going to do everything we can to stop it. We are striking to push our politicians to treat climate change as the crisis it is and do everything in their power to keep fossil fuels in the ground.”

Students plan to continue strike action after the summer holidays and ahead of the Federal election. Many are organising meetings with their Federal Politicians to call for an end to the Adani coal mine, no new coal and gas projects and a commitment to get Australia to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Media Enquiries: 0427 485 233 or 0437 316 331 to arrange interviews with student strikers or schoolstrike4climate@gmail.com

Website: https://www.schoolstrike4climate.com/

Photos from the walk-outs will be uploaded HERE with November action pics.

Vision from the walk-outs will be uploaded HERE.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

East Asia, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

“Peace through dialogue: Our destiny” is theme of Mindanao Week of Peace 2018

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article by Carolyn O. Arguillas from Minda News

“Peace through Dialogue: Our Destiny” is this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP)  theme.

Held every last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December, this year’s celebration from November 29 to December 5 is the 20th Mindanao-wide week of peace that the Bishops-Ulama Forum (now Conference) initiated in 1999, inspired by the annual week of peace in Zamboanga City that the Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) organized.


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The BUC was born three years earlier, on November 29, 1996.

In their joint statement, the BUC convenors — Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla for the Catholics; Aleem Caboali Cali of the Ulama League of the Philippines, for the Muslims; and Bishop Emeritus Hilario Gomez, Jr. of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) for the Protestants — said dialogue is important because as social beings, “humans are destined to associate in order to survive and to grow in humaneness.”

“It is a natural need and therefore a task,” they said, adding that it is necessary to “be present in person with respect, to speak with sincerity, to listen with interest, to be open to all ideas and to seek the truth,” describing it as “the art of humane dialogue.”

The Joint Statement said underpinning dialogue is “the awareness of being a believer in the Oneness of God Who as Creator brings humans to unity and peace, to integrity and solidarity.”

In a separate message, Mindanao’s lone Cardinal, Orlando Quevedo, OMI, newly-retired Archbishop of Cotabato and prsently Apostolic Administor Sede Vacante of the Archdiocese of Cotabato said dialogue is not mere intellectual discussion but “listening humbly and respectfully to ‘the other,’ listening not only with one’s ears, but most importantly listening with one’s heart” as this transforms hostility and suspicion into understanding and trust.

He said this was the internal process that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front developed through long years of patient dialogue for peace.

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Questions for this article:

How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

Can peace be achieved in Mindanao?

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Since 1999

MindaNews tracked down the MWOP themes across two decade, and found a number of them recurring.

1999: Healing the Past, Building the Future

2000: Mindanaoans Journeying Together Towards a Culture of Peace.

2001: Peace: Sharing the Vision of Unity and Hope
2002: Peace through Reconciliation: Mindanaoans seeking a Common Ground

2003: Healing through Forgiveness: Key to Total Human Development

2004: A Reconciled Family, Agent of Reconciliation

2005: Millennium Development Goals: Women and Youth as Partners in Peace Building

2006: In the Name of the Almighty, God of Harmony, Care for the Earth
2007: Building Bridges of Peace with our Peace Officers
2008: Integrity of Mind and Heart a way to Reconciliation and Peace!

2009: Think Mindanao, Feel Mindanao, Bring Peace to Mindanao

2010: Responsive and Responsible Governance: Key to Peace, Development and Sustainability
2011: Common Word between us and you: Love of God, Love of Neighbor

2012: Love of God and Love of Neighbor, A Challenge for Mindanao

2013: Dialogue and Hope: Key to Peace

2014: We pray for long-lasting peace in Mindanao. Give, Share, Live and Proclaim Peace

2015: Mindanaons’ Aspiration for Peace

2016: Healing for Personal and Social Transformation

2017: Owning Mindanao History for Peace and Development

2018: Peace through dialogue: Our destiny

Then President Joseph Estrada issued Proclamation 207 on November 5, 1999, declaring November 25 to December 1, 1999, “and every year thereafter” as the Mindanao Week of Peace, “to provide a venue for the expression in various forms of the peace aspirations of the people of Mindanao and for convergence of peace initiatives.”

The Proclamation said all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and members of the private sector and civil society based in Mindanao “are enjoined and encouraged to engage in relevant and meaningful activities in celebration” of the MWOP in coordination with the BUF (now BUC).

It also said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in partnership with the secretariat of the BUC Secretariat, “shall provide all the necessary help to ensure a successful coordination of all undertakings during the said week of peace.”

In March 2000, four months after issuing Proclamation 207, Estrada waged an “all-out war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), displacing nearly a million residents, some of whom returned home only after Estrada was ousted in January 2001.

On November 3, 2000, Estrada issued Proclamation 408, amending Proclamation 207 by resetting the date of the MWOP to the last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter.

The following year, on November 26, 2001,  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who assumed the Presidency in January that year following the impeachment of Estrada, issued Proclamation 127 which was practically a reiteration of Proclamation 207.

Arroyo’s Proclamation declared the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter as the Mindanao Week of Peace. 

East Asia, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

UNESCO proposes concrete projects to implement inter-Korean reconciliation

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article from UNESCO

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, today met Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, for the first time, and expressed the Organization’s determination to bolster cooperation with the Korean Peninsula.

“UNESCO wishes to commit its support to inter-Korean reconciliation through concrete projects,” declared the Director-General. “We can help restore the links between peoples through shared heritage, educational programmes and cooperation in natural resources management. Facilitating, even accelerating, the construction of durable peace in the Korean Peninsula through culture, education and the sciences is both the ambition and core mandate of UNESCO.”

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Question for this article:

Can Korea be reunified in peace?

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To that end, UNESCO intends to focus on projects that are at once concrete and symbolic. In her talk with the President of the Republic of Korea, the Director-General spoke of her will to reinforce cooperation in the three area of cultural heritage, education and science. These proposals will be discussed with the authorities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

With regard to cultural heritage, discussions are expected to concern cooperation with a view to identifying shared nominations for inscription on the World Heritage List and on UNESCO’s lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Work will also be undertaken to publish a first dictionary of Korean etymology.

In education, UNESCO will lend its support to teachers by reinforcing global citizenship education. Educational programmes to be implemented across the Peninsula could also be developed.

Finally, Ms Azoulay and President Moon Jae-in also envisaged scientific cooperation with regard to water and environmental preservation. Discussions notably focused on initiatives that could be implemented to facilitate joint access, sharing and management of transboundary water resources, and the preservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use for the benefit of local communities.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia, United Nations,

Women Human Rights Defenders Gather in Bougainville

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from the International Women’s Development Agency

Almost 200 women leaders from across Bougainville have come together to advocate for peace in their communities and gender equality for all. [Editor’s note: Bougainville is an island of Papua New Guinea.]

The women leaders are part of a network of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Bougainville, supported by IWDA’s partner Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation (NCfR). WHRDs work tirelessly to defend women’s rights, acting as educators, advocates, counsellors and activists in their communities.


Women leaders gather at the 2018 Bougainville Women Human Rights Defenders Forum

The Bougainville WHRD Forum was coordinated by NCfR in partnership with IWDA. This year’s forum was unique, with local WHRD groups hosting events in several locations across Bougainville, and thousands of community members watching on.

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Question for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

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Discussions focused on issues of family and sexual violence, community safety and security, poverty reduction, leadership, and recognition of the work of WHRDs, particularly those in rural communities. The women also discussed sexual reproductive health and rights, access to education and services and the need for action on climate change, among many other important issues.

Other organisations attended to share information with women leaders on critical topics, including representatives from the law and justice sector who discussed the Family Protection Act (FPA). The Act states that Village Magistrates have the power to issue Interim Protection Orders, encouraging women to access justice through the court system. The FPA criminalises family and sexual violence with these matters no longer considered a family issue.

Sister Lorraine Garasu, Director of Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, said responding to and preventing violence remained an urgent priority.

Participants of the forum had the chance to share their stories directly with high-level government officials, including the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Honourable John Momis. Women leaders raised their concerns about the rights of women and children in Bougainville and other issues affecting their communities.

IWDA CEO Bettina Baldeschi was at the forum, and said she was inspired by the women’s courage and determination to stand up for change.

At the end of the forum, Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation and IWDA officially launched the second phase of the From Gender Based Violence to Gender Justice and Healing  project.

This project is funded by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development program. The first phase of the project ended in March, and reached almost 22,000 people in Bougainville through counselling, trainings, awareness raising and initiatives focusing on prevention of family and sexual violence, as well as on support and services for survivors.

East Asia, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Asia and Pacific: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

We have found 158 events in 22 Asian and Pacific countries. Details are available for 33 that were listed in Google during the week of September 21-28 under the key words “International day of peace” and 国际和平日 (Chinese) as well as on the website of the event map for the International Day of Peace, the facebook page of the Global Feast, the website of Unify.org and the facebook page of International Cities of Peace. In addition to the 33 events on the above websites, there were 125 events mentioned without detail on the websites of One Day One Choir and Montessori schools singing for peace No doubt there were many events listed on the Internet in languages other than those for which we searched.


Photo from the program in Uttar Pradesh organized
on the occasion of International Peace Day

Here are details of the events

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Women’s Network, celebrates World Peace Day at kabul Star Hotel. With the participation of Social activist’s, Community Leader’s, Religious Scholar’s, Representatives of different NGO’s members, Teacher’s,Youth and children’s. Afghanistan’s Civic Party plans to celebrate this day on the World Peace Day, which is one of the most urgent needs of dear Afghans in Afghanistan with a martial arts competition with the participation of the National Martial Arts Federation and with the participation of Pakistani and Iranian opponents under the name “Fighting to launch peace.”

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN: Carpet of peace woven by Afghanistan youth. It is 35 meters in length in the colors of blue and white. Afghanistan’s Civic League will hold classes about peace with those who cross the carpet.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: On the 21 of September, UNIC Canberra marked the International Day of Peace with the Queensland Branch of the United Nations Association of Australia at their annual Brisbane Peace Lecture. UNIC Canberra Director, Mr Christopher Woodthorpe spoke about the historic context and significance of the International Day. Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology, Dr Larissa Behrendt then delivered the Peace Lecture at St John’s Cathedral to an audience of 150 people. The event also featured performance by the Combined Union Choir with Songlines Katini.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Sister Margaret Parker represented the Brahma Kumaris at an Interfaith Prayer Service at the Uniting Church in Parramatta on Friday, September 21st, to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace. The Uniting Church pastor, Rev. Dr. Manas Ghosh, has been conducting this Interfaith service for the past fifteen years. The service started with the lighting of the Peace Candle by Dr. Zeny Edwards from the UN Association of Australia while the congregation recited the International prayer for peace. This year, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Coptic Orthodox, and the Sufis joined for the first time. Another Interfaith Prayer Service on September 21st was attended by BK Helen Chapman at the Lindfield Uniting Church, in northern Sydney. About 120 people were present when the service started at 11 am. Twelve representatives from different faiths were present to participate in the leading of a prayer or a reading from their particular faith. There was also an exhibition outside the Prymont Theatre Foyer about loving kindness, compassion, inner peace and sustainable development goals (SDGs) where BKs also had a table to hand out pamphlets.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA: School students and Illawarra People For Peace (IP4P) members took to song and friendship to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UN International Day of Peace. ‘The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70’, was the theme of Friday’s event in Wollongong. IP4P president Reverend Geoff Flynn said it was 70 years since the charter for human rights was signed but there’s actually not a right to peace in that particular charter. Students from Amity College, Wollongong Public School, Edmund Rice College and St Mary’s College performed during the September 21 event at Wollongong Mall. Reverend Miao You from the Nan Tien Temple also made a speech about peace and human rights. Amity College president Dr Mehmet Aslan also spoke about social justice and equality.

MALENY, AUSTRALIA: World Cafe Community Dialogue Forum: a series of intimate hosted table conversations focused around practical peacebuilding.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA: 100 people are expected to attend Earthdance Perth for an event benefitting the Kigalisun Foundation of Rwanda.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH: In order to celebrate the International Day of peace, the Department of Information Studies and Library management in association with East West University Library invites students to come together to form a human chain of peace sign on 23rd September 2018 at 12:00 pm in EWU ground. These allies are also conducting an hour-long session at Digital Section of the Library, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the same day to engage the students to understand the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to get their opinions on “Right to Peace”.

SIRAJGANJ DISTRICT, BANGLADESH: The day will start with a interfaith community gathering and with a Peace March. 

KUTAPOLONG REFUGEE CAMP, BANGLADESH: A film by Nihab Rahman portraying Rohingya Refugee Children immersed in the message of peace and hope: http:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJztYzNogCM&feature=youtu.be

ISPP, PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA: The whole school from kindergarten to grade 12 together will write the lyrics of a song expressing our vision about peace. The school will be divided in 6 groups and each group will have 40 minutes to write about peace and humanity.

HONG-KONG, CHINA: Go to the Hong Kong Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a prayer about world peace. Peace ambassadors: Students will promote the message of peace to the kindergartens through storytelling and arts and crafts. Arts and crafts activities for peace. All students of our school will join various programs to acknowledge the importance of this day.

NANJING, CHINA: Sept. 20 (Xinhua) – Nanjing, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) – China on Wednesday called on all countries, large or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, to behave as advocates, promoters, sympathizers and practitioners of peace. The Chinese Vice President, Wang Qishan, made the call during the opening ceremony of an International Peace Day event in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, east China. “The International Day of Peace represents good hope for world peace for all the people in the world,” Wang said. “The Chinese people, always a lover of peace, expect to pursue, maintain and enjoy peace with the peoples of other countries.” Wang also met with foreign guests who attended the event, including Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin; the former president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sánchez; the former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin; the former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama; former Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as “Prachanda”; and the president of the National Regeneration Movement of Mexico, Yeidckol Polevnsky Gurwitz.

HYDERABAD, INDIA: Rendering of peace words and poem by youtube.

BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA, INDIA: Volunteers of National Oral Cancer Prevention Initiative, (NOCPI) in association with Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS) will meet and interact with public gathering and will sensitized them about the importance of their oral & systemic health and also their responsibilities in creation of peace in world.

SOHNA, GURUGRAM/GURGAON, INDIA: The Apeejay Stya University is organizing Poster Making and Discussion on World Peace Day under National Service Scheme.

CHANDIGARH, INDIA: Celebration of the Global Feast

SAHIBZADA AJIT SINGH NAGAR, PUNJAB, INDIA: Celebration of the Global Feast

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2018) for the International Day of Peace?

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UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA: The program was organized on the occasion of International Peace Day under the chairmanship of District Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar. During this, the students were given information about the peace day. Nikhat Parveen District Scout Master District Training Commissioner and Dipinder Kaur District Guide Captain, Scout Guide at District Scout Guide Roti Warehouse campus and International Peace Day was celebrated with Divyang’s children. On this occasion, the Chief Guest was given the message of peace by making a sign of the Messenger of Peace by the District Basic Education Officer. On this occasion, the symbols of peace were allowed to fly into the open sky and the message of unity was given.

CHEMPAKAPARA, INDIA: This is how we celebrated the International Day of Peace. The Non-Violence Project Foundation, NOCER India, Goonj and Dharma Bharathi Mission jointly organised three community activities at Belmount School, Chempakapara (Idukki District – a district devastated by the recent landslide/flash-floods). The village community cleaned a pond, made a kitchen vegetable garden and a children’s park. More than 150 volunteers participated in the community activities and were rewarded with family kits consisting of food grains and general consumables.

RAIPUR, INDIA: Students of #RungtaInternationalSchool were on a full day visit to the four major religious places of #SmartCityRaipur . The Ram Mandir , The Church , The Masjid and the Gurudwara , The religious leaders of all these places spoke about the respective religious . Since most of the discord in the world is divided on religious lines , it’s imperative that we create a #religionofyouth which enables the next generation to understand and assimilate the essence and spirit of peace of all religions and respect them.

CHIBA, JAPAN: Troop 43, girl scouts of Japan hold an annual event for local girls and their supporters to realize peace and encourage to spread it out through the world.

YANGON, MYANMAR: Seminar

KATHMANDU, NEPAL: A mass Message Writing and Signature Campaign is being held on 21st September to as way of sending messages to Stop Sexual Abuse of children and adolescent girls ! 11 spots within Kathmandu, Nepal will have a long spread of cloth to gather messages and signature to come together and create collective against rape and sexual abuse !

KATHMANDU, NEPAL:> In coordination with the establishment this year of Namo Buddha: City of Peace, we from Kathmandu, Nepal today 21st Sept. are celebrating World Peace Day by walking by foot with a “talking” burning candle from Kathmandu to Namo Buddha nearly 65 km. With me are 11 other persons also participating with candles passing and lighting by devotees of Buddhists in different Bihars and Monasteries for three days)

WANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND: Video of the annual gathering for the International Day of Peace,at Handspan sculpture at Queens Park.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND: Members of the World Peace Bell New Zealand chapter and other community groups will gather at the Peace Bell and ring it in support of world peace.

PORIRUA, NEW ZEALAND: Porirua Hospital Chapel’s Annual Peace Day Celebration

KUMARA, NEW ZEALAND: Kumara Village of Peace community had a shared feast for peace’ at the community center with ‘Kites for Peace’ in the afternoon.

BAGH AZAD KASHMIR, PAKISTAN:
Peace walk

HAYATABAD, PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: Nowadays the message of peace becomes more valuable at a time when the country is facing uncertain political situation and terrorist activities.This event will aimed to educating students about the need for a peaceful society and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in conflicts and also give the message of peace and hope.

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN:> Members of Worlds Children Peace Monument, Pakistan World Peace Daily and International Center For Environmental Arts are celebrating international peace day in Margalla National Park, Islamabad.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES: Open mic so participants can express themselves about the International Day of Peace in the Philippine context.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES: The Peace-IPPNW Commission of the UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility presents Himig: an open mic (spoken word and acoustic) event, with the theme of “Peace and Human Rights”. Through this open mic, participants are given the opportunity to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression. Through poetry, prose and music, we aim to foster a sense of unity, and to strengthen and instill in our participants a yearning for peace in all its levels. 

JEJU-DO, SOUTH KOREA: 2018 International Day of Peace Celebration in Jeju ‘Fly for Peace’ : The Right to Peace-The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70
Program:
– Human rights and Peace Booths, flea market to raise donation for refugees
– Celebration Opening, performance, speeches and presentation
– Jeju Peace exhibition and Ethiopia exhibition tour with docent, Human Rights film

SRI LANKA: TWR Lanka will be organizing a special FM radio discussion on the topic ‘Peace’ to be broadcasted via FM 94.3/ 94.5

SURAT THANI, THAILAND: Pyramid rise ecstatic dance

DILI, TIMOR-LESTE:> To celebrate peace day, we will march along the Beach Road (starting point: near Centro Supermarket; ending point: Unidade Policia Maritima). The march will be led by a percussion group. Then, we will continue with a concert in Unidade Policia Maritima, starting from 7pm. The concert will be filled with many young talented Timorese who will be singing various songs related to peace, and dancers dancing to different types of music. On this peace day, we are celebrating diversity! 

In addition to the above events, One Day One Choir lists participating choirs for the International Day of Peace in :
Australia (QUEENSLAND, TOWNSVILLE, MIDDLE SWAN,KATANNING, KADINA, ADELAIDE, MELBOURNE, CANBERRA, CONISTON, RUSE, SYDNEY, NELSON BAY, FORSTER, BELLINGEN, BALLINA, ARUNDEL, TOOWOOMBA, BRISBANE, MORETON, SUNSHINE COAST, BUNDABERG)
Bangladesh (KHULNA)
Brunei (PANAGA)
China (BEIJING, QINGDAO, PUDONG, GUANGZHOU, HONG KONG)
India (KOLKATA, CHENNAI, BANGALORE, MUMBAI, NEW DELHI, BIKANER)
Indonesia (JAKARTA)
Iran (KERMANSHAH, TEHRAN, LAHIJAN)
Japan (CANORA)
Malaysia (PETALING JAYA)
New Zealand (AUCKLAND, TAURANGA, UPPER HUTT, WELLINGTON, QUEENSTOWN)
Pakistan (RAHIM YAR KHAN, JATUI JANUBI, D G KHAN, MUZAFFARGARH, KHANEWAL, HASSAM WALA, LAYYAH, SAHIWAL, KASUR, NANKANA SAHIB, FAISALABAD, SARGODHA,HAFIZABAD, GUJRANWALA, NAROWAL, GUJRAT, DHAKKAR, ISLAMABAD, KOHAT, LAHORE, KARACHI)
Philippines (BENGUET, SIQUIJOR)
Singapore
South Korea (YEONGGI PROVINCE)
Sri Lanka (COLOMBO)
Thailand (BANGKOK, PHUKET)
Timor-Leste (DILI)
Vietnam (HANOI, HO CHI MINH CITY)

And the map of Montessori schools singing for peace on the International Day of Peace includes schools in:
Australia (QUEENSLAND, NEWCASTLE, BALMAIN, BEECHWORTH, NEW GISBORNE, SOUTH VIC, MCLAREN VALE, WEST SWAN)
Brunei (DARUSSALAM)
China (BEIJING, SHANGHAI, HANGZHOU ZHEIJANG, FUJIAN)
India (KOLKATA, LUCKNOW, DELHI, HYDERABAD, BANGALORE, COIMBATORE)
Indonesia (KUTA UTARA BALI, JAKARTA)
Japan (TOKYO, OSAKA)
Malaysia (SELANGOR)
Micronesia (PENIA WENO)
New Zealand (AUCKLAND, WAIKATO, TAURANGA, BAY OF PLENTY, GISBORNE, HAWKES BAY, TARANAKI, MANAWATU, LOWER HUTT, WELLINGTON, NELSON, TIMARU, WANAKA, ARROWTOWN, DUNEDIN)
Philippines (NUEVA ECIJA, DANAO CITY, MANILA)
Sri Lanka (DEHIWALA)
Thailand (MUKDAHAN, KHON KAEN, PHUKET)
Vietnam (HANOI, DANANG)

East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, South Asia,

Philippine troops, Muslim rebels mark Eid Al-Adha

. .DISARMAMENT & SECURITY. .

An article by Maecy Alviar for the Andalou Agency

In a historic solidarity event, the Philippine military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered on Saturday [25 August] to celebrate a Muslim holiday in the southern Philippines.  


Moro Muslims perform the Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) prayer at the orphanage opened by Turkey’s IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation in Cotabato, Philippines on August 21, 2018. ( Ahmet Furkan Mercan – Anadolu Agency )

Maminta Dimakuta, the mayor of Tagoloan Lanao, welcomed the government troops and the country’s largest Moro separatist group to the del Norte province, touting the harmonious relationship of Christians and Muslims in the town despite cultural and religious differences.

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved in the Philippines?

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Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey and Col.Thomas Sedano, representatives from the soldiers’ side, expressed their gratitude to the town officials for organizing the celebration of the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha.

“I’ve long been dreaming of joining with MILF fighters in an event like this,” Sedano said, as quoted by GMA News.

The joint celebration also served to pay thanks for the milestone in the peace process in the southern Philippines, said Dimakuta.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law, the fulfillment of the 2014 peace deal between the national government and the MILF, was signed in June by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The measure for greater autonomy creates the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, a region with more political and fiscal powers including a bigger annual block grant equivalent to 5 percent of the total national internal revenue collection.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia