2007
2007 - 23,24 & 25 November
Barcelona, Spain. WWW Supports the Bolivian Government
On December 14 an event was held in Catalonia Square to support the Bolivian Government and its project of change. World Without Wars participated in the event, together with some officers from Bolivian associations.
The event started with music from the Andes followed by brief speeches by the Bolivian Vice-Consul and representatives from different associations.
2007 - 23,24 & 25 November
La Paz, Bolivia. Second Latin American Humanist Forum
United Latin America Without Wars & Without Violence
On November 23-25, 2007, humanists and humanist organizations together with Latin American representatives from governments, congress, political parties and social movements met in La Paz, Bolivia. We appreciate and value their work together and their contribution to the Forum’s development.
Before the opening of the Forum, we were welcomed to the sacred land of Tiwanaku, where we celebrated an ancestral ceremony in honor of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Father Sun. Later we conducted a Ceremony of Service from Silo’s Message. The local authorities commended the humanists present and their spokespersons as illustrious visitors.
The Forum was opened by the President of the Republic of Bolivia, Evo Morales Ayma. The event was broadcast live on Bolivian national TV.
The work centered around 18 working tables dealing with the following issues: Art and Integration; Women and the Integration of the Peoples; Latin American Student Movement; Conflicts, Disarmament and World Without Wars; Native Peoples; Immigrants and Latin American Integration; Strategic Energies; Human Rights, the Disabled and Development; Generation of Nonviolent Environments; Health; Education; The Human City; Alternative Economies; Mass Media; Spirituality and Religiosity; Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The conclusions from the working tables will be included in an attached document.
Three panels were also held on: “Nonviolent Resolution of Historic Conflicts Between Nations”; “Progress will Only be Possible if it is from and for Everyone”; “Visions for a United Latin America Without Wars and Without Violence”. The book The End of Prehistory by Tomas Hirsch, Humanist spokesperson for Latin America, was also presented.
Parallel events took place for the Gathering of New Generations and the meetings of the Center for Cultures, The Community for Human Development and the Humanist Parties of the region.
The Forum openly expressed its support for the people and government of Bolivia for the important processes of transformation they are carrying forward, toward achieving greater democracy and social justice in the country. After the Forum, we were delighted to learn of the passing of the new Constitution by the Constituent Assembly after many difficulties encountered during this process had been overcome.
Declaration of La Paz
The Bolivian process is an example for the whole continent and the whole world to follow. Universalist Humanism recognizes a genuine coincidence with the principles of nondiscrimination and nonviolence that give an impulse to the Bolivian Government in carrying forward their revolutionary project. Bolivia is showing a way of liberation and humanization for our peoples. The Latin American Humanist Forum makes the commitment to continue disseminating this worthy attempt to the whole world.
We share President Evo Morales’ proposal to include in the Constitution the rejection of war in all countries of the region. This proposal, in addition to his efforts to restore the dignity of the Bolivian people through the methodology of active nonviolence, makes him worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Social-political projects that give priority to the wellbeing of the people above the dictatorship of macroeconomics are arising in Latin America. The recovery of natural and energetic resources as well as basic utility services such as water and electricity and communications move in precisely the same direction. The Bolivian government’s withdrawal from CIADI is a measure that contributes to the improvement of living conditions for the people and is also a decision that should be made by other Latin American countries.
The resolution of historic conflicts and progressive and proportional disarmament among countries of the region are fundamental issues regarding Latin American integration. Wars are not initiated by the people but rather by the economic interests that exploit them. Bolivia’s claim to a sovereign seagate is one of the landmark issues of the region. This Forum will continue resolutely collaborating toward this end, so that this country might achieve this historic objective.
Regarding environmental issues, the Forum considers it necessary to develop regional legislation that can put a stop to the predatory acts of savage capitalism. Both natural and energetic resources comprise the material basis for the survival of the people and the assurance of their future; therefore, they cannot be left to the mercy of short term ambitions for profit. In the same direction, we will study the possibility of organizing an international Forum on global warming and the direct responsibility of speculative capital in this alarming global phenomenon.
The creation of constituent Assemblies by Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela, to replace obsolete and anti-democratic Constitutions, is a path to be followed by other countries of the region. The Forum gives its support to these countries’ attempts to create a new constitutional order with democratic consensus, reaching through this legislative procedure a social agreement for the majority that excludes no one.
Friends: this Forum has meant a great advance in dialogue, complementation and joint action among the peoples of our region. We call on all individuals, as well as social, political and cultural organizations and governments that want to work to strengthen Latin American integration under the sign of peace, sovereignty and freedom for all inhabitants of our region, to participate in the Third Latin American Humanist Forum, to be held next year in Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Peace, Force and Joy to Everyone!
2007 - 22 - 25 November
Las Palmas, Spain – World Without Wars and Other NGO´s at WOMAD Festival.
At the WOMAD Festival of Las Palmas, World Without Wars was selected along with other organizations to represent the area dedicated to NGOs and to set up a sales and information stand.
2007 - 16 November
Madrid, Spain. No to Yankee bases in the Czech Republic: demonstration in front of the embassy in Madrid.
On the afternoon of November 16 a humanist delegation headed by Rafael de la Rubia and members of World Without Wars (WWW) and the Humanist Party, went to the Czech Republic Embassy.
They were received by the Embassy’s Advisor Mr. Svatopluk Cumba, to whom Rafael de la Rubia, international coordinator of WWW, expressed the most emphatic rejection of the possible installation of an American base on European soil. De la Rubia expressed the support of WWW for the demonstration to be held the following day in Prague. Letters formalizing the protest were delivered by Mr. De la Rubia and Mr. Julian Muñoz on behalf of the Humanist Party.
The advisor expressed his government’s stance, explaining that it was a defense base, placed there to service security, both for the USA and for Europe, and that there was no reason for it to increase tensions in the area.
He gave his assurance in any case that the letters would reach his government. The whole event was carried out in a formal and friendly atmosphere.
All who wish to join in the demonstration may send this letter (below) or a similar one to the Czech Republic Ambassador in Spain by e-mail to:
Protest letter to the Government of the Czech Republic
Attention Mr. Ambassador
Martin Košatka.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic
Dear Sir:
As international coordinator of “World Without Wars” associations in different countries, I wish to express to you both our deep concern and our disapproval of the USA’s project of installing a radar base in your country as part of the national missile defense system, despite the fact that, according to the latest polls, 68% of Czechs are opposed to this plan and to the negotiations between your government and the United States regarding this issue.
The establishment of a missile defense system in Eastern Europe is virtually a declaration of war to some neighboring countries and has already contributed to increasing international tensions and to activating the arms race, with the growing risk of a new conflict, possibly of a nuclear nature.
Furthermore, your government is denying your people the possibility of deciding about this important issue through a referendum.
Because of all the above, we express our solidarity and our support for the national demonstration that will be held on November 17, 2007 in Wenceslas Square in Prague, organized by “No to the Bases” jointly with humanist, student and workers’ organizations, the Mayors’ League and other groups.
I am aware that at this time your people are celebrating the “Struggle for Freedom Day” which led to the fall of a totalitarian regime. It is quite significant that on that very day thousands of Czech citizens will mobilize and demonstrate their freedom asking for a true democracy where they can decide about their future and make the government listen to their voice.
We send our respects and we ask that you communicate our stance to your government.
Signed by:
Rafael de la Rubia
International Coordination
“World without Wars” Associations
Links:
Radio interview with Jan Tamas, Spokesperson of the Movement No Bases in the Czech Republic, held during the International Forum on World Nuclear Disarmament:
Madrid, Spain. CONCLUSIONS AND RESOLUTIONS BY THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR WORLD NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
HELD NOVEMBER 2-4, 2007 IN MADRID
The conclusions and resolutions of this Forum were developed by conferences and working tables.
1. The world situation regarding the issue of nuclear weapons and armed conflict is very serious, and evidence is accumulating that shows that we have entered into nuclear war. If this war moves forward, we will be immersed in a very serious dynamics of unpredictable consequences. We will have Iraq at a worldwide level.
2. There is a great need for the voices of nonviolence, pacifism, progressive forces and all the good people in society to unite their efforts and provide a signal, denouncing the dangerous direction events are taking. We must produce a change of direction from the self-destructive course this civilization has taken.
3. From this academic environment and together with social organizations of civil society we call on all levels of power: political, economic, judicial and, in particular, the mass media to reflect on this situation. A world of nuclear wars will be chaos for all, even the powerful.
4. Review the role of the armed forces, which can no longer continue working for the powerful to protect and enlarge their possessions and interests. The armed forces should direct their capacities toward the increasingly frequent natural and humanitarian disasters. They should put themselves at the service of liberating their people and not of oppressing them.
5. Propose the elimination of war as an instrument to solve conflicts among nations, as was announced by President Evo Morales and is being included in the Bolivian constitution by the Constituent Assembly of Bolivia.
6. Establish an Ethical Pledge at all universities, colleges and schools so that a new ethics of knowledge might begin to develop, so that knowledge is used in favor of the human being and not to further enchain and destroy him as is the current practice.
7. Opposing the invasion of other nations, working to eliminate military bases in foreign counties. We support the struggle of the Czech people and the Prague demonstration of November 17, and we encourage everyone to carry out actions in every city and country before the the Czech embassies and the mass media.
8. We support the creation of nuclear weapons free areas. Toward that end, we encourage the implementation of Forums on Nuclear Disarmament in different Mediterranean cities, leading to a larger Forum where a treaty for a “Nuclear Weapons Free Mediterranean Area” can be signed. The following forums have already been scheduled:
- Palermo, 19-20 July 2008
- Malaga 23-24 August 2008
- Barcelona 29-30 September 2008
- Morocco 6 -7 December 2008
- Marseilles, Athens, Tetuan, Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknès, Taza – date to be arranged
We also encourage participation in other Forums such as the Milan Forum of November 2-4, 2008 and the “Europe for Peace” forum in Prague, November 2008.
9. We recognize the need to carry out actions at a worldwide level. A WWW team is working in that direction.
10. All the productions of this forum will be compiled into a DVD and book including all contributions. Video spots, a general video and theme videos will be produced on ethical pledges, embassies and the Social Forum.
All other conclusions and projects elaborated by forum participants are available in the compilation of works made by the working tables.
November 2-4, 2007
Madrid, Spain. International Forum for World Nuclear Disarmament
On November 2, 3 & 4 the International Forum for World Nuclear Disarmament was held in Madrid, organized by “World Without Wars”, the UNED and the “Humanist Forum on Education”.
The interest of this Forum is to create awareness, from the universities and research centers, about the danger to society represented by nuclear weapons, as well as their consequences in politics, in economy and in international relations.
And today a new danger, even greater, is added to the previous one: the danger of stopping “using” nuclear weapons simply as a deterrent, in order to actually use them in conflicts. The worst part is that the great powers are already considering this possibility. Should this happen, the worldwide catastrophe would be one of unimaginably negative consequences.
FORUM WORKING AREAS
1) Universities and Research Centers: To create a “World Conference of Universities and Research Centers for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons”, with the participation of at least one institution per country, with representation from the five continents.
2) Social Movements: Within the environment of associations and groups, to create a “Civil Forum for World Nuclear Disarmament”, with working tables, conferences, panels, debates, movie forums, etc., wherein the issue of nuclear weapons will be discussed.
3) Government Policies: To call on Governments of all countries through their embassies to define their stance on the issue of nuclear weapons. To create a “Conference of Governments of Counties for Nuclear Disarmament” with all those countries interested.
4) Experts and Technicians: To create an “International Team of both civil and military experts and technicians in the elimination and conversion of nuclear weapons,” inviting members from every country to study and debate about the destruction of the nuclear arsenal and/or its conversion for civil use. The work of this international team will be coordinated by “World without Wars” and the “General Gutierrez Mellado Institute of Research on Peace, Security and Defense” of Spain.
5) Legal: With the objective of declaring nuclear weapons illegal, so that they can be banned internationally and their use be considered a crime against humanity. This action will be backed by internationally known lawyers, and it is hoped that it will be included within Humanitarian International Law.
Internet broadcasts:
2007 - 1 November
Santiago, Chile. WWW demonstrates before the UK Embassy in Chile.
On Wednesday, October 31, the International Association “World Without Wars” delivered a letter to the UK embassy, complaining about that country’s claim to over one million square kilometers of Antarctica.
In the letter, handed to the British ambassador Mr. Howard Drake Obe, “World Without Wars” expresses it rejection of the “that country’s belligerent, expansionist and speculative action against Latin America”.
It adds that the announced claim by the UK before the UN affects areas of the frozen continent “historically claimed by Chile and Argentina”.
“We urge you not to proceed with such neo-colonialist aspirations, which do not represent the interests of the people, but rather material and predatory interests that go against the wording of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which froze all rights claimed by different countries.”
It adds that if the UK continues in this direction, “it would be fueling a world race to possess the reserves of resources which, to date, have been protected”.
The Treaty of 1959 and the Environmental Protocol on Antarctica signed in 1991 protect this continent from military exercises and nuclear tests and also ban the exploitation of natural and mineral resources including petroleum.
“Considering such a threat to Latin America, World Without Wars is very concerned that a violation of the Treaty might be used as an excuse to start an arms race in the region,” the letter says.
The claims of the UK have been rejected by the Chilean government.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alejandro Foxley, announced that Chile will present a claim to the United Nations Commission on External Borders of the Continental Platform, “to leave on record” its right to part of Antarctica, territory that the British included in their claim of October 17.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs says that the Antarctic area that Chile claims “is the natural extension” of its continental platform.
Related links:
2007 - 2007 – 5-6 October
Las Palmas, Spain - WORLD WITHOUT WARS INTRODUCES ITSELF AS AN ORGANIZATION IN THIS CITY
World Without Wars made its official presentation in this city at the Press Club of the Canary Islands and at the Alternative Canary Islands Center. In addition to the speech by International Coordinator and Founder Mr. Rafael de la Rubia, a video on the History of Pacifism and Non Violence was shown.
2007 - 3 September
León, Nicaragua - WORLD WITHOUT WARS TOURS CENTRAL AMERICA TO DEMAND THE END OF WARS AND WORLDWIDE DISARMAMENT
Overcoming all obstacles, humanists of the Central American region traveled thousands of kilometers to meet in Lean, the land of Ruben Dario, at the “New Generations for Non Violence Forum,” which gathered nearly a hundred young students from different universities, including the University of El Salvador, the National University of Honduras and, the host, UNAN of Leon. They were of course accompanied by the energy of Professors and other representatives of the Humanist Movement of each country.
With a view of the Royal Basilica of the Assumption , built in 1747, the participants united their hopes and wishes for a different world in which all forms of violence, especially that generated by wars and by discrimination, exploitation and subjugation of the people to hunger and misery, are eradicated. “We do not want any more wars or violence, we demand nuclear disarmament now!”
World without Wars and Without Violence is a project of the Humanist Movement, created with the purpose of denouncing military invasions, the military industrial complex, and the serious danger in which humanity finds itself, in the face of a probable nuclear war which would end all forms of life on the planet. It proposes searching for understanding and the nonviolent means to solve conflicts, so that future generations can live in peace.
2007 - 3 June
Russia – Presentation of WWW at the Podparozia University
2007 - 26 May
Russia – Days of Education and Non Violence in Saint Petersburg II
Young African students and professors participated in the Days covering the following themes: “Introduction to Education and Nonviolence,” “Students without Violence,” “Child Soldiers (kursanti) and Nonviolence,” “Discrimination Against Women in Russian Society,” “Tolerance,” “Cuban-Russian Cultural Relations,” “Language as an Instrument of Relation among Cultures,” “Children and Nonviolence,” “The Orthodox Church and Nonviolence.”
2007 - 16 May
Russia – Interchange with Students. University of Saint Petersburg.
Students from the University of Saint Petersburg interchanged with representatives from WWW based on video shows and proposals on nonviolence.
2007 - 27 April
Spain, Madrid - Interchange: “A New Challenge: “A Europe of Nonviolence and Disarmament” -UNED
The National University of Education at a Distance (UNED) and World Without Wars (WWW) organized this interchange as a preparation for the Forum for World Nuclear Disarmament I, which will be held on 2, 3 and 4 November, 2007. Participants included: Maria Novo (UNESCO Professor of Environmental Education and Viable Development, UNED), Eglee Iziarte Lavieri (Autonomous University of Madrid, School of Medicine, Psychiatry), Rafael de la Rubia (President WWW) and Giorgio Shulze (European Spokesperson of New Humanism). The moderator was Juan Lacruz (Penal Department – Penal Law and Criminology, UNED).
2007 - 20 April
Panama – Peace Symbol. Main Entrance of the University of Panama – Panama City.
A torch of hope for peace and world nuclear disarmament was raised at the entrance of the University of Panama, with the hope that nonviolence is both possible and desirable.
2007 - 20 April
Russia, Pushkin - Rock Festival for a World Without Wars I
This action was organized by second year students at Pushkin LGU University. The act opened with the words of the Dean, followed by a brief presentation of the WWW campaign by the students. Presentations by the musical groups Grandma, Grinch, Kofein, Mandarin and Zvezda followed.
It is important to point out that each musical group said a few words thanking WWW with expressions against war and violence.
2007 - 24 March
France, Paris – Journey for a World Without Wars and Without Violence – Public presentation of WWW – University of Paris – Saint Denis
This Saturday March 24, 2007, we are meeting at the Saint Denis University for a day to officially launch “World Without Wars and Without Violence – France.”
There were six working tables organized by the participants, where the themes of disarmament and nonviolence were explored through reflections on youth, the media, beliefs and prejudices about a world of peace, the African situation and possible actions.
2007 - 14 March
Russia, University of Saint Petersburg – Meeting with students. Faculty of Economics.
Organized by the students, with gratitude expressed to WWW by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics for launching the campaign for a world without wars among young people.
2007 - 6 March
Spain, Ceuta – Presentation of the Disarmament Campaign in Ceuta. Associated with UNED.
2007 – 3-4 March,
El Salvador – First Meso-American and Caribbean Forum – UES – San Salvador
Members of delegations from all the countries of Meso-America and the Caribbean met at the UES (University of San Salvador) to celebrate the First Meso-American and Caribbean Forum. This event was co-organized by WWW.
2007 – March 2
El Salvador – Building the Peace Symbol – San Salvador
Representatives from all Central American countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Mexico and Costa Rica) met in Constitution Square in San Salvador to make a peace symbol with candles. There was also music, poetry and the reading of declarations and testimonials.
2007 - 17 February
Russia, Saint Petersburg – First Meeting on Education and Nonviolence. Pedagogical Training Center.
European (Russian and from other countries) and African participants carried out a meeting on the theme of education for nonviolence. Videos were shown and different approaches to the theme were presented.
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