L a t e s t N e w s
 |
IPB Nominates Control Arms for the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 1st Feb. For its annual Nobel nomination IPB has nominated the Control Arms campaign, a worldwide civil society coalition launched in 2003 by Amnesty International, Oxfam and the International Action Network on Small Arms, in order to secure the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty. Talks and negotiations on this topic have been proceeding at the UN for several years, and there is every hope that a successful outcome will be achieved at the conference in July. IPB is "convinced that the award of the Peace Prize to Control Arms would be entirely in conformity with the terms of Alfred Nobel’s will." Individual Board members have also made nominations for: Federico Mayor; Gene Sharp; Cora & Peter Weiss.  |
 |
Pentagon Cuts 'very disappointing' Comment from Kevin Martin, Executive Director of Peace Action (IPB member organisation, USA): "A 1% cut in military spending for next year is paltry, and of course Obama has bragged that military spending will actually increase in the coming years. And even the "cuts" that have been projected are cuts from projected increases, not from a current baseline. Overall it's very disappointing when we need to be looking at serious cuts on the order of at least 25% to the gargantuan US military budget." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16751973 |
 |
Peace Action -- Urgent Call to Prevent Attack on Iran 19 January: IPB's largest member organisation in the USA, Peace Action, has issued an urgent call 'We won't wait for the bombs to drop': "With a second aircraft carrier group steaming toward the Persian Gulf, tens of thousands of US troops stationed throughout the region, and the sale of tens of billions of dollars in US weapons to Iran's neighbors in the Gulf region, it seems that war with Iran could be imminent. But we won't wait for the bombs to drop to make our voices heard. Over the next two weeks, we want to generate thousands of signatures to counter the war drums..." In the UK, Stop the War Coalition are organising a demonstration in London on January 28. |
 |
New Programme Coordinator appointed: Annette Willi The IPB Secretariat is delighted to announce the appointment from January 2012 of Annette Willi as Coordinator of the Disarmament for Development programme. She is originally from the German part of Switzerland but has studied and lived in Lausanne for the last years. She holds a Master's in Religious Studies and has specialized in Islam and Arabic. Recently, she has been working with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines - Cluster Munition Coalition and Mines Action Canada and was involved in the organization of different events related to the Mine Ban Treaty in Colombia and Cambodia and the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Laos. She is very keen on working with the different IPB members and partners. Don't hesitate to contact her at annette@ipb.org. |
 |
Global Day of Action on Military Spending - April 17, Call for Participation On April 17, 2012, people all over the world will join together for the second Global Day of Action on Military Spending. We urge you to join us! The economic crisis has put pressure on the world’s governments to reduce spending on critical human needs: confronting climate change, battling deadly diseases, achieving the MDGs. But most national governments continue to waste enormous resources on the military... $1,630 billion per year – and rising. If spent differently, this money would go a long way to resolving the real challenges facing our planet.>Full Text of the Call; >Japanese version |
 |
Norwegian Peace Movement Welcomes Nobel Laureates to Oslo IPB member organisation the Norwegian Peace Alliance reports: "This weekend (Dec. 9-11) we are happy to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize for three wonderful women. On Friday at the office of Gender Equality Ombudsperson there is a 'Jubilee breakfast' in honor of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates 2011. Amongst the guests is Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion Audun Lysbakken. The same day PRIO organizes a special screening of the documentary 'Pray the Devil back to Hell' featuring Leymah Gbowee."...FULL TEXT |
 |
Economic Dimensions of Nuclear Weapons : IPB resource list In recent months the issue of the cost of nuclear weapons has become more salient in nuclear disarmament debates - mainly due to the intensity of the economic crisis, austerity cuts and sharper scrutiny of public budgets. At the same time there is growing interest in the role played by the private sector in the nuclear weapons industry. IPB's new resources list concentrates mainly on recent materials. It is offered as a toolbox to assist those interested in going further with the economic aspect of this issue. We welcome additions or corrections. |
 |
'Welfare Not Warfare' bloc on 30 Nov. demonstration, London Stop the War Coalition will be joining Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in a 'Cut War not Welfare - Jobs not Bombs' contingent on the Nov. 30th demonstration in London called by public sector trade unions. There will be similar demonstrations up and down the country - we urge our supporters to join them. One third of the budget deficit could be wiped out by ending spending on foreign wars and scrapping Trident. Reports today say that even if NATO leaves Afghanistan the West will be picking up the bill for the keeping the Taliban at bay to the tune of $7.2 billion annually. |
 |
IPB's 'Making Peace' photo-exhibition - available for hire, new website One of the main projects IPB undertook last year to commemorate our 1910 Nobel Peace Prize was a major outdoor photographic exhibition: 'Making Peace'. The full exhibit is now available on a special new website: http://makingpeace.org - which describes the content and explains how it can be used with the general public, schools etc. If you would like this exceptional exhibition to come to your town/city, then work with us to make it happen. Contact the curator, Mr Ashley Woods at: ashley@realexpo.org |
 |
MacBride Prize 2011: photos and press reports The IPB awarded the annual Sean MacBride Peace Prize this year to Hanaa Edwar (Iraqi women’s rights and democracy activist) and Peter Becker (German anti-nuclear lawyer), two individuals who have contributed in quite different ways to the advancement of democracy and human rights. The prize was awarded at the annual IPB Council meeting in Potsdam on Oct. 29th. We were delighted to welcome friends and supporters from many countries, including a large group of Iraqis. See photogallery and press cuttings (in German), news item from Iraq, and speech presenting Peter Becker. |
 |
IPB History Symposium - Alfred H. Fried (Nobel 1911) - press reports Among the 13 Nobel laureates associated with the IPB is the Austrian Alfred Fried, who spent most of his working life in Berlin. IPB recently collaborated with German peace historians and others to organise a symposium on the centenary of his Nobel Prize. It was held in Potsdam on Oct. 28-29. An exhibition has been put together by the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and a book will be published next year with the texts of the various presentations. See also press cuttings in German. A second seminar on Fried is due to be held in Vienna on Dec 1st |
 |
200,000 March for Peace in Italy Those who think the peace movement is sleeping or overwhelmed by other issues should think again. In Sept. 2011 over 200,000 people joined the traditional march from Perugia to Assisi ! (50 years since Sept. 24th 1961, when the first march was organized by Aldo Capitini, the "Italian Gandhi"). Political statement: http://www.perlapace.it/index.php?id_article=7228 Photogalleries: http://www.perlapace.it/index.php?id_section=138 Youth and schools aspects: http://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/news/Italy-the-March-Perugia-Assisi-for-peace-and-brotherhood-among-peoples-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary/2183 |
 |
IPB Congratulates Michael D Higgins, new President of Ireland The IPB warmly congratulates newly-elected President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins as he officially begins today his seven-year term of office. Michael D. Higgins was the first-ever winner of the IPB-sponsored Sean MacBride Peace Medal in 1992, a prize which recognizes people who have shown an outstanding commitment to the promotion of peace, justice and human rights. The IPB believed that Michael D. was a worthy and very appropriate first winner of this Prize and now believes that he will be an inspirational Irish President ...FULL TEXT His inaugural speech and other materials are found at: http://www.president.ie/ |
 |
Occupy Wall St - and war spending, IPB report The Occupy Wall Street movement has defied all those predicting its early demise, exploding from a small protest into a worldwide movement. On October 15th, protests were held from North and South America to Asia, Africa and Europe, with over 1,500 events in 82 countries. A part of these protests was directed against super-sized military budgets (particularly in the US). They called attention to the unfairness of ever-higher military spending while spending on social welfare institutions and programmes is being cut.>>>FULL TEXT |
 |
5th UN World Conference on Women - request for feedback IPB has been asked to join the group of NGOs working for a 5th UN World Conference on Women to be organized in 2015. The decision to potentially organize a 5WCW lies with the UN member states. There are pros and cons for organizing such a big conference. Those who are for see it as a possibility to mobilize broadly on both governmental and civil society level in favour of gender equality in all walks of life. Those who are against find that there are enough documents already, the costs are too high, that regional conferences may be more effective, and that the world may have grown more conservative and we therefore risk going backwards. >...FULL TEXT. Feedback please by Nov. 21 |
 |
IPB Calls on Ban Ki-moon to Act Urgently in Syria The IPB Council meeting in Potsdam on 29-30 Oct. 2011, calls on the UN Secretary General to use all the non-violent tools of the UN to protect civilians in Syria, and in other places where people are striving for democracy and decent human conditions. IPB appeals to him to involve international expertise in peace-building and peaceful handling of conflicts, as well as the regional bodies, notably the Arab League and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, in facilitating negotiations between the Syrian Government and those protesting against undemocratic and violent behaviour. IPB urges Ban Ki-moon to exert his influence on member states in order to avoid that the Security Council adopts a militaristic interpretation of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, as we saw in Libya. |
 |
World Peace Day, Iraq: Baghdad Peace Festival Iraqis celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21st by organizing the Baghdad Peace Festival in the centre of the city. It was an impressive feat, bringing together Iraqis and especially Iraqi youth to celebrate peace in this war-torn country. The Festival was organized by the Iraqi Alamal Association (IAA), whose secretary Hanaa Edwar will be awarded IPB's Sean MacBride Peace Prize for 2011 (along with German anti-nuclear lawyer Peter Becker). The ceremony will take place in Potsdam, Germany, on October 29th, during the IPB's annual Council meeting. FULL TEXT |
 |
Sir Richard Jolly Lectures on Development and Disarmament, Nov. 13 - London This year's Remembrance Sunday Lecture will be given by Sir Richard Jolly (Hon. Professor, Institute for Development Studies, University of Sussex, Former UN Assistant Secretary-General, Special Advisor to the UN Development Programme and Deputy Director, UNICEF). His topic is Development and Disarmament: the kindest cut of all. Sunday 13 Nov, 2011, 2 pm at the Imperial War Museum >>> Movement for the Abolition of War. |
 |
Militarism Watch - new project offers resources and analytical tools The Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA) announces Militarism Watch, a new project to increase the capacity in social change movements and academia for research that serves activism and campaigns against US militarization at home and abroad. Militarism Watch brings together resources to help increase research skills, with digital versions and links to these tools posted on the Militarism Watch web page. |
 |
IPB Celebrates Triple Nobel for Women Peacemakers Geneva, 7 October, 2011. The IPB is delighted to add its voice to the congratulations pouring in from around the globe for this year’s Nobel peace laureates: Leymah Gbowee, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman. IPB sees the prize not only as an accolade for these three individuals, but also for the thousands of women who over the years and the decades and in all parts of the world have courageously raised their voices for peace, for human rights and for democratic processes...>>>FULL TEXT |
 |
“The Nobel Peace Prize – What Nobel Really Wanted” Swedish launch A few days before the announcement of the Nobel Peace Laureate 2011, Fredrik Heffermehl's book “The Nobel Peace Prize – What Nobel Really Wanted” was published in Swedish ('Nobels Fredspris – visionen som försvann'). At the launch in Stockholm on Sept. 27th, Fredrik told the fascinating story of how the prize has been adjusted to Norwegian foreign policy instead of being given in line with Nobel's will, as expressed by himself, and inspired by Bertha von Suttner. |
 |
New Edition of GDAMS Newsletter-now available (military spending) The September 2011 Newsletter of the Global Day of Action on Military Spending highlights recent developments re military budgets and bases in several countries. Foreign Policy in Focus contributors present up-to-date figures and an overview of key developments. While budgetary constraints, coupled with increasing popular pressure, have highlighted the need for military cuts in the US and Western Europe, only certain Western European countries have actually achieved reductions. Latin America and Africa, meanwhile, have seen notable increases in military budgets. Next edition will have news on the 2012 GDAMS. For back issues of GDAMS NLetters and other events on GDAMS >>> Go to... |
 |
IPB ACTIVITY REPORT 2010-now available IPB's new Activity Report covers 2010, which was our Nobel-centenary year. The Report contains a brief overview of our main programmes during the year:
plus an up-to-date list of elected officials. Hard copies are available on request from the Secretariat. |
 |
Cluster Munitions Convention Meeting of States Parties, IPB report The Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions took place in Beirut from 13-16 September 2011. Lebanon was chosen to host the meeting because it is a country with direct experience of the devastating impact of these weapons. It was especially affected after the 2006 war during which, according to UN estimates, Israel fired around four million cluster bombs into South Lebanon, at least one million of which failed to detonate. This placed resident populations at risk from death or injury, affected economic growth, restricted agricultural production and hindered post war reconstruction efforts...FULL TEXT. Photo: John Rodsted/CMC |
 |
Michalis Peristerakis, Greek Vice-President of IPB: obituary The Marathon race of Michalis Peristerakis's life, which began in Naxos 73 years ago, came to an end prematurely. An emblematic figure in the Greek peace movement, with significant international activity for which he was officially honoured by the IPB, Mikis passed away suddenly on 4 May 2011, in his law office, from a heart attack....FULL TEXT |
 |
Arms Trade Treaty PrepComm - NYC, July 2011. IPB report + key documents Allison Pytlak reports: Member States of the UN came together in New York from 11-15 July for the third Preparatory Committee session to discuss a future Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). A growing number of key countries are now offering support to the process, contributing to strong overall progress. The participation of a record number of civil society representatives, including IPB member organizations, demonstrates the wide-ranging impact of the arms trade and extensive interest in these discussions that crosscuts a variety of sectors. The diverse group included women, men, and survivors of armed violence, health professionals, lawyers, researchers, youth, and arms industry representatives... FULL TEXT Read also: Chair's draft statement - NGO speeches - Investors Statement - Victims Declaration |
 |
Hiroshima - Observance of the 66th Anniversary. Speech by IPB Co-President Ingeborg Breines "We are gathered at this international conference convened each year by the Japan Council against A and H bombs, the Gensuikyo, to commemorate the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 66 years ago, to take stock of the world situation regarding nuclear weapons and to strategize for our common goal: a nuclear-weapon-free world...." FULL TEXT Hiroshima - Observance of the 66th anniversary. Speech by IPB Co-President Ingeborg Breines. Photo1 -- Photo 2 --Photo 3 - Report in Norwegian ; ...IPB Report |
 |
IPB Offers Condolences to Norway and Urges Greater Commitment to Peace Work Geneva, July 26, 2011. Observers all over the world were deeply moved to see the dignified grief expressed by the Norwegian people yesterday in the wake of Friday’s atrocities. The huge, spontaneous demonstrations in Oslo and in many other communities – with flowers held aloft – spoke volumes about the country’s firm commitment to solidarity and democracy. The International Peace Bureau, its officers, staff and members, offer deep condolences to the Norwegian people and their leaders....FULL TEXT |
 |
1200 S Korean Police Attack Village on Jeju Island, Citizens Resist |
 |
IPB and UOC to Launch On-line Education Course on D for D, March 2012 1st July, 2011. The International Peace Bureau (IPB) and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) are pleased to announce that they have established a collaboration designed to lead to a new on-line course focussing on the IPB’s main area of work: Sustainable Disarmament for Sustainable Development (‘D for D’). The course is due to open on 6th March 2012. It will be open to adult students (university level) from any part of the world. Language: English. FULL TEXT |
 |
The Anti-Nuclear Mountain is Being Scaled: Doug Roche By Douglas Roche, IPB Former Vice- President and IPB's nominee for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize June 22, 2011 – “A three-week global speaking tour has convinced me that the world is moving into a new stage in the long quest to eliminate nuclear weapons” says Mr Roche. “Weakened government ideology in support of nuclear weapons is now colliding with chronic deficits and other economic realities that make them unaffordable. In the discussions surrounding my lectures to university students, think tanks and civil society groups, it became clear to me that the intellectual case for nuclear deterrence is crumbling....Full text here and French translation. Dougs new book is entitled How We Stopped Loving the Bomb |
 |
IPB Member Makes Marathon 30-hr Speech on World Peace On 4-5 June, 2011, IPB individual member Mr M. Madasamy gave what may be the world's longest speech (30 hours) in an attempt to claim a 'Guinness world record'. The topic of his marathon presentation was world peace, gun violence and military expenditure. His extraordinary effort, which took place in his home town of Peermade, Kerala (S. India) was reported in the local press. Mr. Madasamy is currently awaiting confirmation of his achievement from the Guinness Book of Records. |
 |
IPB at the Newark Peace Education Summit From May 13-15, over 2500 peacemakers, educators and community organizers from Newark (New Jersey), the USA and from around the world met to share, strategise and promote practical approaches to developing peace, conflict resolution, justice, disarmament and development through education and action. Hosted by Newark Mayor Cory Booker and the Tibet House, the Newark Peace Education Summit emphasized the links between personal peace, conflict resolution in the community and global peace, justice and disarmament. IPB representatives played a featuring role in the Summit plenaries, press conferences, workshops and events, alongside other Nobel Peace laureates and inspiring peace advocates. Read full report by Alyn Ware. |
 |
GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON MILITARY SPENDING -- A SUCCESS On April 12, 2011, the Institute for Policy Studies and the International Peace Bureau hosted the first ever Global Day of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS). Events were organized by some 100 organizations in 35 countries around the world. Actions included a protests in front of the White House in Washington D.C. (US), the Treasury in London (UK), the Ministry of Defense in Bangkok (Thailand) and in the forecourt of the Department of Defence buildings in Canberra (Australia); actions at the United Nations in New York and Geneva; a march in Kampala (Uganda)...FULL TEXT & LINKS See also photos from Geneva & Paris in Planete Paix (Mouvement de la paix magazine) May 2011, p.2: http://www.mvtpaix.org/outils/planete-paix/planete-paix.php |
 |
Global Day 12 April 2011 -- Summary report from IPB on Geneva activities IPB worked with several other organisations to organise three very successful activities to mark the Global Day of Action on Military Spending - a project itself co-coordinated by IPB. Activities included a public action at the Place des Nations, a lunchtime seminar on 'Military Spending or the MDGs?', and an evening meeting on militarisation in Burma. See press cutting, photos and report. and also speech by Elisabeth Sköns (SIPRI) and slide-show of SIPRI data on 2010 world military spending |
 |
UN Message for Global Day of Action on Military Spending IPB is delighted to report that the UN High Representative on Disarmament, Ambassador Sergio Duarte, has published a very encouraging statement on the occasion of the Global Day of Action on Military Spending: "At this Global Day of Action on Military Spending, I call on governments to consider the full possibilities of creating security through non-military means....The discussion on military expenditures will intensify in the coming years. The Global Day of Action on Military Spending should serve as a catalyst for shifting global and national priorities from massive military spending to creating human security and safety for all." |
 |
Pax Christi International Statement in Support of Global Day of Action on Military Spending Pax Christi International (IPB member organisation) has issued a statement to express its support for the Global Day of Action on Military Spending taking place on 12 April 2011. The Global Day of Action against Military Spending (GDAMS), coordinated by the International Peace Bureau and the Institute for Policy Studies, is a worldwide moment for action where people in many countries will join to focus the attention of public, politicians and press on the costs of military spending and the need for a renewal of priorities. As a strong supporter of this action, Pax Christi International encourages all its member organisations to engage in this campaign. |
 |
Global Day of Action on Military Spending - Press Communique IPB/IPS On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, people in more than 35 countries will participate in the first-ever Global Day of Action on Military Spending. Actions will include a protest in front of the White House, actions at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, a march in Kampala, a demonstration in Dhaka, a forum in Seoul, and much more. The Global Day is co-organized by the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC and IPB in Geneva. It has been endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including Religions for Peace, Scientists for Global Responsibility, the American Friends Service Committee, and Fellowship of Reconciliation. This global action coincides with the annual release of the figures for global military expenditures by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.>>>FULL TEXT |
 |
Financing for Development: UN experts need to factor in military spending! Once again UN experts rack their brains to think up new ways of financing development. Once again they fail to notice the elephant in the room: the US$ 1500+ billions spent every year on the military. But civil society is more and more embracing a different set of priorities. It is time to encourage the experts to study ways to transfer funds from war preparations to tackling inequality and the environmental crisis. The ideal opportunity arises on April 12: the first-ever Global Day of Action on Military Spending, with over 100 endorsements and dozens of public events scheduled in all continents. See: http://www.demilitarize.org. Meanwhile, it is encouraging to see that this issue was raised at the UN meeting by the NGO Committee on Financing for Development: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/ecosoc/springmeetings/2011/NGO1.pdf FULL REPORT & weblinks (Links, see in the Report, section below] |
 |
Libya: IPB Condemns Military Strikes and Urges Political Negotiations to Protect the Civilian Population 21 March 2011. A new historical era opened three months ago with the popular uprisings in Tunisia and then Egypt, the first of the ‘Arab spring’ season. These rebellions brought hope to millions and youthful energy to societies suffering decades of repression, injustice, inequality, especially gender inequality, and increasing economic hardship. The Libyan revolt was inspired by these largely nonviolent victories, but, as the world has witnessed with dismay, has rapidly become militarized and is now embroiled in a full-scale civil war.>>>Read the full statemenet in English; Spanish; Swedish; French |
 |
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami - solidarity message from IPB On 11th March, IPB sent a solidarity message to friends and colleagues in Japan. The responses received so far suggest that our colleagues are safe - but all are struggling to cope with this overwhelming catastrophe, now made worse by the seriousness of the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo) set up an account and called on Japanese people to donate to help the victimized people and areas. Postal Money Order: Account No.: 00110-9-1780. Account Name: Japan Council against A and H Bombs (Gensuikyo). http://www10.plala.or.jp/antiatom/en/index.html Peace Boat is also conducting emergency relief efforts. See link here for reports and information about how to donate both money and material goods, and how to volunteer: http://bit.ly/peaceboat_relief |
 |
Geneva Programme for Global Day of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) - April 12 Three events are planned: NOON banner display outside the UN + LUNCHTIME seminar 'Military spending - or the MDGs?' (with speaker from SIPRI) 12.30-14.30 at 1 rue de Varembé + EVENING meeting on militarisation in Burma, with film 'Burma's nuclear ambitions'. Events co-organised by IPB, WILPF and Assoc. Suisse-Birmanie. All are welcome! See FLYERS, in English and en français. Please spread the word! More background on the GDAMS at http://demilitarize.org |
 |
IPB Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize 2011 1st Feb. 2011 -- IPB today nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize the Hon. Douglas Roche O.C. (Order of Canada, former Ambassador and Senator) who has devoted his long professional life to the cause of disarmament -- notably nuclear disarmament. "We believe he is eminently eligible for the Nobel Peace Prize on account of the multiple outstanding roles he has played, both in the ‘official’ arenas and as a leader in a variety of civil society endeavours...as founder or co-founder of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), Middle Powers Initiative (MPI), and Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (PNND) – all of which have played very significant high-level roles in the global disarmament movement. Aside from existing Nobel laureates, it is hard to think of a single individual who has worked as hard for disarmament as he, and with such persistence and determination, at the top levels of world politics." (from letter to Nobel Committee). Full details at: http://roche.apirg.org/public_html/index.html. Individual Board members also made nominations for: International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms; Betty Reardon (peace educator); Evo Morales Ayma (Bolivian President); Canon Andrew White (the 'Vicar of Baghdad'). |
 |
NEW IPB PUBLICATION: Brochure 'What does development cost?' + POSTER Jan. 26, 2011 - IPB today published its new brochure ‘What does development cost?’(Eng), Brochure (Fr) (+ poster) , which is a contribution to the planning for the first-ever Global Day of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) - April 12. You will also find here the Invitation to Participate which we ask readers to pass on to any others who might be interested. NOTE: The text of the invitation is now available in : Arabic – Dutch - French – German - Italian – Spanish at http://demilitarize.org/background-information/ As you can see from the map and listing at: http://demilitarize.org/action-events/, the idea is spreading far and wide and we are excited to see that many different events are being planned in a large number of cities. The coming GDAMS newsletters will give details of these..... (See full version of cover letter, with discussion of MDG cost estimates). |
 |
Global Day of Action on Military Spending (APRIL 12): Newsletter, Vol. 2 More and more groups are signing up to join the Global Day of Action on Military Spending (APRIL 12). Please find here our GDAMS newsletter for December 2010, which has a special focus on Northeast Asia. Please share it with your networks. Remember to keep us posted on your plans for GDAMS actions! See map of actions, videos, background docs etc at our dedicated website: http://www.demilitarize.org |
 |
Prof. Kingsley Price - blind philosopher and IPB benefactor IPB is delighted to announce that a legacy has been received from the estate of Prof. Kingsley Price, who died last year at the age of 92. Prof. Price was Professor of Philosophy at John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA. His is a remarkable story: although blind from the age of four, he managed to reach a high level in the academic world nevertheless. His support for IPB came as a result of his friendship with Bruce Kent (former IPB President). Prof. Forest Hansen has written a most interesting obituary. |
 |
IPB has 8 websites! please note MAIN SITE: http://www.ipb.org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ipb1910 Twitter: http://twitter.com/IntlPeaceBureau PROJECT: Global Day of Action on Military Spending (shared with Institute for Policy Studies, Washington DC); Main site: http://www.demilitarize.org Facebook: HERE PROJECT: 'Making Peace' Photo-exhibition (100 panels) -- http://www.makingpeace.org PROJECT: Nobel-centenary conference, Oslo Sept. 2010 (shared with Norwegian Peace Alliance) -- http://www.ipb100.org |
 |
IPB Supports Urgent Call for Peace on the Korean Peninsula In view of the worrying situation in the Korean peninsula, IPB has joined the appeal of many civil society organisations (grouped under the umbrella of the North-East Asian network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, GPPAC). This calls on the governments concerned to refrain from any military activities and to work to create and expand Demilitarized Zones. |
 |
IPB Vews on New UN Women Agency In September 2010, Michelet Bachelet (former President of Chile) was appointed Head of the new UN agency: 'UN WOMEN AGENCY'. In response to requests for policy input, IPB has submitted a statement urging (among other things) that "disarmament, anti-militarism and peacemaking [be put] up front in the agenda of UN Women, in accordance with the longstanding efforts and demands of the worldwide women’s movement." |
 |
IPB Tribute to Athlete and Nobel Laureate Noel-Baker at Peace & Sport Forum IPB Vice-President Tony Kempster and consultant Ashley Woods gave a tribute to Philip Noel-Baker (IPB Vice-President 1974 – 82) at this year's International Peace and Sport Forum, Monaco (1 - 3 Dec). Those attending were HRH Prince Albert II, IOC members, gov’t representatives, well known athletes and NGOs. Noel-Baker (see portrait) remains the only Olympic medallist (Antwerp 1920) to have won the Nobel Peace Prize (1959), and as such is an excellent symbol/ambassador for the IPB. MP and founder of World Disarmament Campaign UK, he was a vigorous advocate especially for nuclear disarmament. Author of many books including The Arms Race, he strongly criticized military expenditure. With the upcoming Olympics in London in 2012, Noel-Baker offers IPB a unique opportunity to promote nuclear disarmament and disarmament for development at one of the largest sporting events in history. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1959/noel-baker.html http://www.peace-sport.org/index.php?lang=en See also presentation card for the conference dinner |
 |
Nobel Peace Summit in Hiroshima Calls for a Universal Treaty to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Nobel Peace Laureates meeting in Hiroshima from 12-14 Nov. have released a declaration paying tribute to the atomic bomb survivors who have dedicated their lives to the campaign for nuclear disarmament, and calling for a universal treaty to abolish nuclear weapons. The 11th Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates also gave Peace Summit Awards to the Japan Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers Organizations and to Roberto Baggio, an Italian footballer who has worked tirelessly to help fund money for hospitals, earthquake victims and curing world diseases. It also established an action group of Laureates to follow-up on the proposals in the Declaration. See: Nobel Peace Summit website. IPB was represented by Alyn Ware (former Vice-President) and Prof. Shoji Sawada (Gensuikyo) - For speeches Shoji Sawada One and Two |
 |
MILITARY SPENDING-Global Day of Action APRIL 12 - Newsletter no1 IPB is proud to present the first edition of the Global Day of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) Newsletter. Also Spanish edition. IMPORTANT: The date has been changed to APRIL 12th (day after release of SIPRI data on military expenditure).This is the first time that a global Day of Action has been organised on this topic. Help us make it a big success! Main campaign website: http://www.demilitarize.org/ The Facebook address is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=100733129991763&v=wall The letter of invitation to endorse already has many important organisations signed up. We need more! so don't hesitate to send us your endorsement (organisations only please at this stage). Please circulate - translate - add to calendars and websites - reach out - think of some creative ideas! Dont forget to keep us informed so we can share the news with the global network. |
 |
IPB Message to Voice of Women Canada Anniversary Conference On the 50th anniversary of the founding of IPB member organisation Voice of Women for Peace (Canada), Co-President Ingeborg Breines addressed the following message to the conference: ...Our biggest challenge, as far as I can understand, is to educate the world about how incredibly unwisely we spend our resources and how urgent it is that we change direction. Regional and sub-regional groupings of the richer nations try to take over decision-making from the more democratic UN in many important areas. Women have previously fought for the UN, we may have to do it again. We need to tackle conflicts and disagreements before they turn violent....FULL TEXT For conference programme, and more info on VOW's work, go to: http://vowpeace.org/cms/Home.aspx |
 |
A Look at Global Militarisation - short film on military spending Iara Lee writes: Our latest post on my blog at the Huffington Post features the Cultures of Resistance 4 min. video "A LOOK AT GLOBAL MILITARIZATION." Please post your comments and help us promote demilitarization! In 2009, the United States government spent some $650 billion on its military. This is more than the next 46 highest-spending countries combined. Much of this treasure ended up in the hands of profit-driven weapons manufacturers. In the following short film, Cultures of Resistance takes a brief look at the current state of what President Eisenhower famously called the “military industrial complex.” With the U.S. waging two wars overseas at the same time that millions of people are out of work at home, those pushing to reel in government spending and balance the budget would be wise to look carefully at bloated and unchecked military spending. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/iara-lee/a-look-at-global-militari_b_777534.html Contact email: iara_lee@culturesofresistance.org; On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iara.lee.filmmaker.activist |
 |
IPB Shares the Haas Peace Award, USA November, 2010. The IPB is honored to be among the three recipients of the Haas award for International Peace and Social Justice for its role in helping to mobilize public opinion to support the World Court case on the illegality of the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. This award is named in honor of John C. and Chara C. Haas for their active support of these issues throughout their lives. This year, the Project for Nuclear Awareness honors the World Court Project. Accepting the Award on behalf of the Project were Peter Weiss of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy, and a founder of and now Vice-President of the International Association of Lawyers Against Nuclear Arms; John Loretz, Program Director of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War; and Cora Weiss, former IPB President and UN Representative. Her acceptance speech describes the work done by IPB and others around the celebrated court case at the International Court of Justice; and also the origins of the Women Strike for Peace campaign against nuclear testing in the early 1960s. Previous awardees were Jonathan Schell and Hans Blix. http://projectfornuclearawareness.org/2010/10/nov-8-nuclear-futures-conference-haas-peace-award-dinner/ |
 |
|
 |
NEW IPB CO-PRESIDENTS COMMENT THE 2010 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE Geneva, 8 October 2010. This year’s Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, illustrates once again the dilemma faced by the Nobel Committee, and all commentators, in interpreting the meaning of ‘peace’ in our era. It is true that no sustainable peace can be achieved at the national level without full respect for human rights and democratic participation in decision-making. In this sense we applaud the decision of the Norwegian Nobel Committee to shine a spotlight, not only on Liu Xiaobo and his Charter 08 movement, but on human rights defenders all over the world. On the other hand, international peace cannot be achieved without mutual respect, including between nations. There is a risk that the award of this prize, to a person who may be regarded as a hero by western governments and analysts, and as a criminal by the Chinese government, will exacerbate tensions between states. >>>Full TEXT |
 |
IPB ASSEMBLY ELECTS NEW BOARD AND COUNCIL At the IPB Assembly held in Oslo on Sept 26 a new set of Officers, Steering Committee and Regional Representatives were elected. The governance structure is now as follows: OFFICERS = Co-Presidents, Treasurer + 6 Vice-Presidents (total 9 persons) BOARD = IPB Officers + Steering Committee (total 19 persons) COUNCIL = Board + Regional Representatives (total 39 persons) See RESULTS CHART for full details. |
 |
IPB ELECTS CO-PRESIDENTS Sept. 26, 2010, Oslo. At the end of a four-day conference in Oslo where the International Peace Bureau celebrated the centenary of its Nobel Peace Prize, the IPB for the very first time elected one woman and one man to jointly head the organization for the coming three years. This was considered an innovative way of meeting the many challenges confronting the organization. It is also the first time that a Norwegian is elected President of IPB. Ingeborg Breines, Director of the Nordland Academy for Arts and Sciences in Northern Norway and a former UNESCO director, is sharing the presidency with Tomas Magnusson, a former journalist and director of the Swedish humanitarian organization GI See PRESS RELEASE in English and Norwegian. |
 |
OSLO REPORT |
 |
IPB Exhibition on Action - Making Peace promo video-now on YouTube IPB this year celebrates its Nobel Peace Prize centenary. You can find here the Geneva leg of this international celebration, its photographic exhibition in promo video, on YouTube. |
|
Advance notice: GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON MILITARY SPENDING: JUNE 2011 In 2009, global military spending surged to an all-time high of US $1.53 trillion. Given the numerous crises facing the planet we must create a global movement to shift this money to human needs. Thousands of organizations and millions of individuals support this point of view. Because of the global economic crisis, governments are even beginning to talk about cutting military spending. But they won’t unless we pressure them to do so. As part of this campaign, IPB proposes to organise, together with the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, a Global Day of Action on Military Spending for early June 2011 (exact date to be announced) to coincide with the release of the SIPRI annual report, which will include new figures on military expenditures. On this day, people all over the world will join together in actions to focus attention on the costs of military spending and the need for new priorities. Such events will help us build the international network around this issue. If you are interested, please get in touch. Full letter>>> HERE. |
 |
One Nation Working Together - major US mobilisation Oct 2, Washington DC DC March: On Saturday, October 2, 2010, hundreds of thousands of Americans from across the country will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to demonstrate our re-commitment to change. Many members of IPB in the USA are already part of this important action. Full details at: http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org The One Nation March will feature human and civil rights leaders, labor leaders, environmental and peace activists, faith leaders, celebrities and sports figures – all marching together to help Put America Back to Work and to Pull America Back Together. And to help reorder our national priorities so that investments in people come first. See also background flier on Military security v. Real Security drafted for the One Nation Working Together "Peace Table" by Jackie Cabasso, winner of the 2008 Sean MacBride Peace Prize |
 |
Climate Change: A climate for peace or for conflict? This paper looks at how military establishments are using the challenges of climate change to adapt their security strategies and institute new spending programmes. Often, as few offsetting reductions are made elsewhere in military budgets, overall military spending increases. Meanwhile, significant disarmament is stalled. The paper seeks to help make peace campaigners aware of this new dimension to militarism. 12pp background paper for Oslo conference. By David Hay-Edie. Full text HERE |
 |
IPB Centenary Conference, Oslo - PRELIMINARY FULL PROGRAMME + BULLETIN no. 2 IPB Secretary-General Colin Archer writes: I am delighted to announce the preliminary full programme of our commemorative conference 'A Climate of Peace' (Sept 23-26). As you will notice, the programme still contains a few gaps and elements that remain to be confirmed. We will post new versions from time to time on our Conference website: http://ipb100.org. Also available is Conference bulletin no. 2 , which contains short descriptions and photos of our speakers. This document will also go through at least one more revision before the conference itself. ACTION ! (1) if you have not done so yet, please REGISTER and BOOK your TRAVEL and ACCOMMODATION; (2) forward this information to others who may be interested; (3) add it to your website/calendar/newsletter- and make a link to this site and the conference web-page. |
 |
A Golden Opportunity: 'The Nobel Peace Prize - What Nobel Really Wanted' Tomas Magnusson, IPB President, writes: I wish to congratulate Fredrik S. Heffermehl on his new book : The Nobel Peace Prize - What Nobel Really Wanted. I have read it, so I know. Fredriks’ solid documentation presented in the book leaves no doubt that Nobel intended his peace prize to promote demilitarization. Instead, the prize no longer dares to challenge military ideas of security. If Norway's parliament and the Nobel Committee would both start to respect Nobel's intention, and obey the law, because what is written in a will of a person can’t be changed, our cause would be stimulated and gain very much - both in money (US$ 1,8 billion/year) and in worldwide attention to peace ideas. The Nobel Committee stonewalled Heffermehl's first book in Norwegian, and the new book gives a grim picture of democracy Norwegian-style and undignified ways to avoid the peace debate. The Committee is right that today peace work must be broad and take many forms, we all know that, but Nobel went to the core of the problem of war and his peace prize is more radical and modern than most of today´s politicians are able to fathom.>MORE |
 |
UN SUMMIT ON MDGs:CHALLENGE MILITARISM IN ORDER TO TACKLE POVERTY! Statement by IPB and other civil society organisations: Geneva, August 20, 2010. The worldwide struggle to overcome poverty reaches a new landmark in one month’s time with the convening of the UN’s Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York (Sept. 20-22). The meeting is the latest in a long line of high-level discussions designed to develop strategies to tackle the scandal of mass poverty in an age of unprecedented wealth........ Development cannot be reduced to a matter of economics alone; many transformations are required. But money is of course essential. Unfortunately the plans being put before the leaders once again make no reference to the largest collection of economic resources available to governments: the vast treasury known as global military spending. >MORE. See also statement by Ubuntu network (supported by IPB) on the need for an interntaional currency transactions tax: >Click HERE |
 |
BETWEEN HELL AND REASON, HIROSHIMA DAY 2010 In many countries a 65th birthday is a sign that it is time to retire from normal employment - if one has not already done so. But the 65th anniversary of an event as momentous as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is no time to retire. Quite the contrary, it is time to speed up - to accelerate the worldwide work to eliminate for ever these weapons of mass destruction and terror. 'It is the simple thing, so hard to do' as Bertolt Brecht said in another context. For the hibakusha, the survivors of this hell-on-earth, the urgency is all the greater since they are now elderly and their numbers dwindle year by year. Their commitment to nuclear abolition is exemplary. Once again the members of the IPB network salute their courage, their humanity, their determination to rid the world of these instruments of massive overkill. >>> READ MORE |
|
IPB Oslo conference Sept 2010 - A Climate of Peace - news bulletin now available IPB will organise a major international peace conference in Oslo from Sept 23.-26. The Secretariat has just published a 2 page newsletter with highlights of the conference plans. You can read about speakers, the MacBride Prize, and the youth programme, as well as registration, venues, accommodation options, local travel etc. Check out further updates at the dedicated website: http://ipb100.org The Secretariat requests all member organisations and partners to include this information on their websites, newsletters, calendars etc. |
 |
MacBride Peace Prize 2010 to be awarded to Binalakshmi Nepram 25 June 2010, Geneva. The IPB is delighted to announce that Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network and Secretary-General of Control Arms Foundation of India, is to be awarded the Sean MacBride Peace Prize 2010, in recognition of her extraordinary efforts to promote disarmament and an end to gun violence in India. Her pioneering work has demonstrated deep determination and commitment - in particular to the linkage between disarmament and development. Her achievements offer an inspiring model for activists in other parts of the world. The Prize, a silver medal contributed annually by Irish CND, will be awarded on 23rd Sept. in Oslo, at a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the IPB in 1910. The ceremony also serves as the opening session of the IPB’s Triennial Conference, entitled ‘A Climate of Peace’. Read more on Binalakshmi Nepram's work and effort: Silencing the guns. |
|
IPB NOBEL-CENTENARY CONFERENCE, OSLO-SEPT. 23-26 The International Peace Bureau cordially invites all members and supporters to join together for a great celebration in the Norwegian capital from 23rd to 26th September 2010. Under the broad title ‘A Climate of Peace’ we will organise – together with the Norwegian Peace Council - an intensive programme of discussions, social gatherings and cultural events. Topics: Disarmament for Development, Peace Education, Peace History, Nuclear Disarmament, Gaza. Hotspot debates: The West's Involvement in Afghanistan; Norway as a Peace Nation. Speakers: to be announced shortly. For details of the programme and pre-registration, please visit: http://ipb100.org/ Click HERE for conference flyer |
 |
Making Peace - inauguration day: report and media coverage A brief report on the grand opening day/festival of IPB's outdoor exhibition 'Making Peace' that took place on June 6 here in Geneva. It was a great success ! especially as the sun shone (almost) the whole day and the lakeshore was packed with visitors of all kinds, all ages, all origins....a wonderful way to celebrate the centenary of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to IPB in 1910. Many thanks to all those who helped put this ambitious programme together. The report comes in several sections: The Weekend - The Exhibit - The Village - The Debates - The Garden Party - Special Guests - Photo competition - Kids and culture - Media coverage - Sponsors - International distribution - Centenary celebrations- part two ! SEPT 2010 conference - Norway. NOTE: IPB especially welcomes ideas on where we can take the exhibition in the coming months/years, and new partnerships we can develop. See wide range of positive comments at Guest Book. Speech by Norwegian Ambassador at the 'Making Peace' event in Geneva: http://www.norway-geneva.org/unitednations/other/Norways-ambassador-spoke-at-celebration-of-International-Peace-Bureau/ |
 |
IPB's MAKING PEACE EXHIBITION+WEEKEND PROGRAMME:June 6 Full Exhibition>>HERE (light version) IPB this year celebrates its Nobel Peace Prize centenary. You can find here the (14pp) brochure and programme for the Geneva leg of this international celebration. It consists of a major photographic exhibition (which will be available for use/download around the world) and a special programme of activities in Geneva on Sunday June 6, under the rubric of 'Peace Village/Rencontres', designed to reach the general public. We plan to publish, via our websites (www.ipb.org and www.makingpeace.org) a collection of supplementary material, (mainly in English and French) relating to the themes, institutions and persons featured in the exhibition. This material may be useful in teaching or publicity contexts or in other ways. You will note that this event is part of a special International Weekend - June 5-6, (combined with World Environment Day activities on June 5) - see the combined weekend flyer also attached. Please help us by passing this material on to people who may be interested and letting us know if you are keen to show the exhibition in your city. Contact us: secgen@ipb.org |
 |
IPB Panel on Conversion of Science and Technology for Human and Environmental Needs, May 5-NY IPB is co-organising an important session in New York during the first week of the NPT Review conference. The theme is the conversion of science and technology for human and environmental needs Militarisation is not only an economic and social burden. It is an issue for the future of science, engineering and technology: where do we want our best science brains to be deployed? A huge proportion of the world’s research capacity is lost to the civilian sector due to the power of attraction that military projects hold for scientists and experts of every stripe. In this session we will hear from experts with ideas on how this situation can be challenged. NGO Room: Room A, Temporary North Lawn Building. Co-organised by International Peace Bureau (IPB) and International Network of Scientists and Engineers for Global Responsibility (INES). We look forward to your participation. See full details HERE. |
 |
NUCLEAR ABOLITION: International action + Confer. in NY (Apr 30 - May 2) on eve of NPT Join with thousands of people from around the world on the eve of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference at the United Nations in New York. Hundreds of international organizations (including IPB) have come together to organize a weekend of action to bring pressure to bear on world leaders who will be attending the NPT conference, to make nuclear abolition a reality “in our lifetimes!” We also understand that nuclear disarmament is interconnected with ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, funding human needs and environmental sustainability, so we will march together to call for: No Nukes, No Wars, Fund Human Needs, Protect the Earth! For info on the march, rally and peace festival (May 2) go to: http://peaceandjusticenow.org/wordpress/day-of-action/ For info on the conference (April 30-May 1) go to: http://peaceandjusticenow.org/wordpress/conference/ |
  |
KENYA: IPB member publishes comic strip stories to promote reconciliation IPB recently received from a young member in Kenya two small comic strip booklets featuring Nyota, a brave girl who can fly and also read minds! Her mission: to resolve various conflicts and reconcile people who are close to beating each other. Marcel Bin, the author, whose drawings are very colourful and creative, proposes a simple but effective way to promote the idea of peace and reconciliation among young and old alike. See here a copy of the booklets no. 1 and no. 4. (pdf) Contact: Kialu Vision, PO Box 11, 90121 Emali, Kenya – Email: kialu.visions@gmail.com |
 |
Religions for Peace Campaign for Shared Security includes call to redirect military expenditure + Petition IPB is delighted to report that our colleagues at Religions for Peace (member organisation) have included a specific call to 'Redirect 10% of military expenditure to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.' in their 'Arms Down!' campaign. We encourage everyone to sign their petition which is found at their campaign website. Religions for Peace is the world’s largest multi-religious coalition advancing common action among religious communities for peace. The Religions for Peace Global Youth Network is advancing disarmament for shared security in a year-long campaign launched in November 2009. http://religionsforpeace.org/initiatives/global-youth-network/campaign-for-shared-security/ |
 |
IPB Nobel Prize Centenary 2010 - an invitation Letter sent to IPB members, Feb. 26. In recent communications we have mentioned the importance of this significant year in IPB’s history. Back in 1910, the IPB was the umbrella group for the national ‘peace societies’ that existed in Europe and beyond. The Nobel Prize was awarded in 1910 to the Bureau as a way of making a tribute – and an encouragement – to the organised peace movement of the day.......... Since those days, IPB and its members have been involved in many of the great peace campaigns and causes of the century. So this is a special moment for IPB, a time to look back at 100 years of peace history, and also to look forward to the challenges of the coming years. We are preparing various events to commemorate this centenary (notably in Oslo and Geneva) – and we will inform you in more detail in the weeks to come. This letter is an invitation to you to plan some programme work in your own country or sector to commemorate the jubilee of this Nobel Peace Prize, one that (in a general sense) we all share.....What we hope is that in all the world’s continents activities will be organised that will help to make IPB’s name known and will inform the public of the work of the peace movement.>>>Full text READ HERE |
 |
Sean MacBride Prize 2009 - Acceptance speech by peace educator Betty Reardon + other materials “Pragmatic utopianism is a way of thinking about the problematic of global violence which envisions nonviolent alternatives to the present war system, explores multiple possible policy changes and various practical strategies to achieve them. Pragmatic utopians bring serious consideration of how to make the possible probable. It takes fully into account the many obstacles that stand in the way of this change and challenges with reasoned and evidence based analysis the greatest obstacle of all, the prevailing political realism that refuses to see the positive possibilities for peace that could free us from the thrall of the armed conflict that continues to pour out our blood and treasure to feed the power lust that garbs itself as world leadership. While in years past, few but the most visionary and responsible have spoken this truth, peace education seeks to bring it to the consideration of the wider citizenry; not to preach it, to not attempt to inculcate it, but to open it to the probing inquiry and serious reflection of original thought of the kind essential to revealing and ultimately to designing positive political possibilities… I see a strong element of pragmatic utopianism in the awarding the Nobel Prize to von Sutner, MacBride and IPB…” (excerpt – click for the full text) + for the other materials >>>READ MORE |
 |
Challenging Militarization in a Decade of Crisis Colin Archer, Secretary-General of the International Peace Bureau (editorial introduction to the Jan. 2010 newsletter of the Global Campaign for Peace Education) http://www.peace-ed-campaign.org/newsletter/archives/69.html “The world is over-armed and peace is under-funded. Military spending continues to rise every day. Just one generation after the end of the Cold War, it is now well above US $1 trillion. More weapons are being produced. They are flooding markets around the world. They are destabilizing societies. They feed the flames of civil wars and terror.” (Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General,Opening address to the 62nd Annual DPI/NGO Conference - "For Peace and Development: Disarm Now!" 09 September 2009) Jan. 18, 2010. All this week our screens have been full of powerful images and reports from Haiti. The most appalling, and sudden, large-scale catastrophe, and in a desperately poor country. Immediately - though already too late for many - the international aid community is gearing up for a massive response. The sums seem impressive: $100 million here, $100 million there.... until you remember that the military budget (in major states at least) is counted in billions rather than millions. A thousand times more. So it is a question of priorities. It is a question of politics, and values. >>>READ MORE |
 |
IPB nominates A-Bomb survivors for Nobel Peace Prize 2010 |
 |
IPB NEW YEAR VIDEO - HOW WOULD YOU SPEND MILLIONS? As a special media experiment, IPB has decided to promote its Disarmament for Development campaign in a new way. The short clip entitled 'How would you spend millions? was aired as a repeated big-screen advertisement in front of a huge crowd on New Year's Eve (Silvesterzauber) in Zürich. The event itself was carried on New Year's news reports and TV footage carried around the world in locations such as Berlin, London, Sydney, Paris etc. See: http://www.silvesterzauber.ch/webautor-data/29/Silvesterzauber_Infoblatt_E.pdf We are very grateful to our colleagues at Rotor Marketing and Media (http://www.rotor.me.uk)who put this together for us. |
 |
Arias Foundation endorses IPB's Global Call on Military and Social Spending Jan. 7, 2010. Good news! IPB Secretariat has just received a very positive letter from the Arias Foundation, Costa Rica, endorsing our Call for Action on Military and Social Spending. This Foundation is headed by the President of Costa Rica, Dr. Oscar Arias, winner of the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize. It is with much enthusiasm that the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress endorses this Global Call for Action on Military and Social Spending. We agree strongly that the needs of the world’s poor and developing countries are not being met by developed countries and that excessive spending to purchase and stockpile weapons while the most basic human needs of so many in the world go unmet is an injustice that cannot be allowed to continue. We also support you in calling for action to reduce such spending and directing 10% of those funds to meet the UN´s Millennium Development goals by 2015. It is time that the nations of the world act on the many promises that have been made throughout the years. IPB hopes this latest endorsement will encourage other organisations and institutions to add their voices to this important Call. |
 |
IPB WASHINGTON CONFERENCE - Nov. - 2009 Speeches and documents - 1st series Representatives of IPB member organisations and other peace movements from 21 countries, as well as individual participants, gathered at Georgetown University in Washington DC on the weekend of November 14-15, 2009 for the annual IPB conference – the first held in the USA since 1904. The conference was followed by the IPB Council, a planning meeting for the nuclear abolition activities at the NPT Review next May, and a day-seminar on military spending. Speeches and/or articles supplied by conference presenters are available HERE. For the photogallery of the Conference click HERE. A second series of materials will be posted here as soon as we have them. |
 |
Estimated Global Military Spending Since Jan 1, 2010 - $1,213,305,213,712 Estimated costs to provide the following፡- Shelter for every human being: $21,000,000,000; Eliminate ALL Starvation and Malnourishment: $19,000,000,000; Clean Safe Water for every human being: $10,000,000,000; Eliminate ALL Nuclear Weapons: $7,000,000,000; Eliminate ALL Landmines: $4,000,000,000; Eliminate ALL Illiteracy: $5,000,000,000; Relief for Refugees everywhere: $5,000,000,000; Stabilize Human Population Growth: $10,500,000,000; Prevent Soil Erosion Globally: $24,000,000,000; Annual Expenditure of the United Nations system: $15,000,000,000 Estimated Cost to reach the Millenium Development Goals: $121,000,000,000 But to see the military spending at this actual moment - Click this COUNTER |
 |
New web section: Peace and Law Our Peace and Law section is intended to serve as an introduction to various concepts related to peace and how domestic and international law may be used to implement measures to realize all of the components of peace. Some of these elements include education, tolerance, equality, security, disarmament and development, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Following the short introduction below, you will find a list of definitions; sub-sections on Peace and Law at the international level, including the role of the United Nations and the issue of peace building, and the national domestic level; and links to more information as well as different national and international civil society campaigns for peace. Edited by Kate Johnson. MORE... |
