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< Back Tuface Idibia for Osun Vote Not Fight Campaign 2000-Man Peace Concert ​ Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of National Democratic Institute (NDI) is set to organize the biggest rally in Osun State tagged “Peace Rally” against Election Violence. The rally is organized to sensitize the youth and public on peaceful participation in elections, ahead of the September, 22 Osun State Governorship Poll, and also to invite them to the Vote Not Fight peace concert which is scheduled to hold Tuesday, 28th August, 2018 at Aurora Conference and Event Center, Ring Road, Osogbo where the campaign ambassador and renowned Hip-Hop artiste Tuface Idibia will be live on stage to use his platform and brand to preach peace and amplify the message “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War”. The Vote Not Fight Rally is going to be one of a kind in the history of the state; it is expected to host over two thousand (2000) youths from all the Local Government Areas of Osun State. The rally’s take off point is Nelson Mandela Freedom Park by 9am on Tuesday, 28th of August, 2018. The rally will thereafter move to the Aurora Conference and Events Centre by noon for the “Vote Not Fight” Peace Concert where 2Baba will be joined by other critical stakeholders ranging from the Election Management Body, INEC, to security agencies amongst others. About ‘’Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War” Project: The “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War” project is a youth non-violence voter education campaign that seeks to promote peaceful participation by Nigerian youth in elections. The campaign seeks to encourage youth to make a commitment to shun violence and embrace peace, by signing a Non-Violence pledge card through a partnership with the 2Baba Foundation. 2Face Idibia has been commissioned as the Campaign Peace Ambassador and has committed to use his platforms for various festivals and events to further promote the campaign. Vote Not Fight is a non-partisan and non-profit campaign that has continued to work with Nigeria’s youth and political actors to promote violence free elections since 2015. by Mayowa Adeniran, CS NEWS Network(Nigeria) 2018.08.23 Previous Next

< Back 8th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit Result Report 8th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit Result Report Peace as an Institution: A Foundation for Sustainable Development This report summarizes the 8th Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit held online on September 18, 2022. September 18th has been the date to commemorate the HWPL World Peace Summit in 2014, which brought together leaders and activists from around the world to declare their commitment to cooperation for world peace. And it has been the date to discuss achievements and future directions of peace projects annually. This year, HWPL focused on peace in terms of institutionalization. Under the theme of ‘Peace as an Institution: A Foundation for Sustainable Development’, this summit introduced a series of action plans and cases that contribute to institutionalizing peace as a form of norm, culture, or law in each society, which serves as a foundation for the global community to achieve the goal of sustainable development for co-existence and co-prosperity. And all these efforts are based on the principles of peace contained in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed with the participation of experts in international law. Marinus Bee, Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname, explained the political structure and function in the process of making peace an institution. He emphasized that the legislative branch can establish a representative democracy that creates a legal structure for the government to carry out its functions of promoting and guaranteeing the values of peace, security and equality. Therefore, as the most traditional and important actor in today’s international society, in order for the state to establish the foundation of peace, it is understood that the parliament serving as legislator and the symbol of democracy representing citizens, the justification to formulate various policies and programs that are the basis of peace. Octavia Alfred, Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and Nation Excellence of Dominica, explained the introduction of peace education as a long-term approach to raising awareness of peace as a part of the civic education curriculum. The peace education textbook with 12 chapters prepared by HWPL has become a guideline for the implementation of peace education in many educational institutions around the world. Although the methods of introducing education policies differ from country to country, the development of a series of policies to make peace publicly recognized through education has been a process of establishing peace as a culture in each society. Mahendra Das, the Temple President of Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir of the Philippines, presented an institutional approach to interreligious dialogue in terms of the role of religion in contributing to peace. He described the implementation of Religious Peace Acadamy, where representatives of different religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, participated to explain their religious characteristics and share information. He suggested that regularizing international exchanges and programs to prevent conflicts based on religious misunderstanding can be a starting point for a foundation of peace. Young Min Chung, General Director of IPYG, emphasized the role of youth as the main role-player of international action for peace. The Youth Empowerment Peace Workshop (YEPW) and the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) as programs led by IPYG are functioning as a platform for young people from all over the world to unite to create a network of youth in which they voice a common voice for peace. Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL reminded that the mission to achieve peace is assigned to all in the global community. The objects he refers to as the global peace family are the people of the world who will play a role of leaving peace as a legacy for future generations to create a world peace community. Thus, institutionalization through multidimensional approaches will be the basis for the stable operation of sustainable development that people around the world are making together. [HighQuality]ResultReport_Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit_EN .pdf PDF 다운로드 • 26.28MB [LowQuality]ResultReport_Anniversary of the September 18th HWPL World Peace Summit_EN .pdf PDF 다운로드 • 1.24MB by MAGP, Republic of Korea 2023-01-06 Previous Next

< Back Guyana’s foreign minister tells UN and G-77 ‘Multilateralism under attack’ ​ NEW YORK, USA — In his address to the United Nations and the G-77 at the sideline of the UN General Assembly last week, the foreign minister of Guyana, Carl Greenidge, said that “multilateralism is under attack.” He joined a chorus of world leaders at the UN who have condemned the rise of populism, protectionism, disrespect for international treaties and conventions. Greenidge said that multilateralism is “under attack in some quarters and there have been recent calls for it to be replaced”. This is why he suggested that the G-77, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries, for example, may become more relevant and urged them to pool their diverse resources and reinforce solidarity. “Multilateralism is under direct challenge. The global order and the rules of engagement at the international level are being redefined – whether on trade, climate change, migration or the very sanctity of international agreements, undertakings and understandings,” he said. This new shift will “affect the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the SDGs,” and could become a crisis, he stressed. To combat this rise of nationalist politics and protectionism, Greenidge urged the G-77 and China to unite; to advocate for developing countries in the areas of climate change, global trade, South-South cooperation, and migration. He called on the G-77 to remain “the credible champion of all our countries and utilize the strength of our collective voice and joint negotiating capacity to advance our collective interests on all major economic issues”. “The G-77 simply cannot afford to remain silent on these issues or give a pass to those who would seek to forget historical wrongs, or injustices, mistakes or acknowledged responsibilities. To counter increasing unilateral tendencies in our world, G-77 has to work to reaffirm the efficacy of multilateralism,” he said. Guyana called on the G-77 to stick with its core principles like mutual respect, dialogue, peaceful resolution of issues, differentiated capacities and responsibilities, solidarity, non-interference and sovereign equality guarantee the integrity. Guyana called on the US to lift the economic and trade embargo on Cuba. “Again we join the overwhelming majority of the international community in calling for the removal of the trade and economic embargo against our sister Caribbean nation of Cuba,” he said. Greenidge also reiterated Guyana’s call for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel/ Palestine conflict. “These two peoples have much to gain by living side by side in peace. The people of Palestine, including the inhabitants of Gaza, like people everywhere have a right to life, to a dignified existence and to their own homeland,” he said. Guyana also raised the issue of the force expulsion of the about one million Rohingya people from Myanmar, and he commended Bangladesh’s efforts in providing a safe haven for the refugee population, with the assistance of international agencies. Greenidge was in Bangladesh earlier this year and saw firsthand the plight of the Rohingyas. At the UN on Friday, he urged the international community to take the necessary steps to ensure respect of the human rights of the affected population. Guyana seems certain to return to its historical role of robust participation in the G-77, the NAM and the ACP Group. These groups emerged as a solidarity forum for developing countries during the Cold War, but with the demise of Yugoslavia, Egypt’s protracted domestic challenges and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s religion-based nationalist agenda, developing countries are looking to China. Many are afraid that Modi, who was the first Indian leader to skip a NAM summit, will toe the US line. India has already voted against Iran and Palestine at the UN forums. by Youri Aramin Kemp, Caribbean News Now(U.S.A) 2018.09.28 Previous Next

< Back Media and Collaborative Governance ◆Date and Time: July 29th, 2017 ◆Venue: Online(Ukraine, Nigeria, Nepal, Philippines) ◆Contents: -Concept of Collaborative Governance for Implementation and Development of the DPCW -Role of Media for Collaborative Governance Date and Time July 29th, 2017 Venue Online( Ukraine, Nigeria, Nepal, Philippines) Overview Theme Media and Collaborative GovernanceContents Concept of Collaborative Governance for Implementation and Development of the DPCW Role of Media for Collaborative Governance Contents Concept of Collaborative Governance for Implementation and Development of the DPCW Role of Media for Collaborative Governance Purpose To seek connectivity of journalists in different countries for the purpose of peacebuilding through sharing ideas, experiences and opinions Discussions Q. What are the requirements of collaborative governance for global peace? Regarding communication among citizens and media, non-governmental organizations take their responsibilities in this type of role, but dialogues and discussions with government and related organizations are relatively low. Also, possibly due to the difference in influence and power, there is no clear space where people in different backgrounds can communicate. Along with thinking of how to communicate beyond social strata, governments should pay more attention to the voice of citizens with a horizontal approach (rather than top-down). As members of society, citizens are responsible for communicating with governments on which policy making is based. Through ideas and voices from citizens, governments and non-governmental organizations build responsibility and trust. The role of non-governmental organizations is to continue a long-term communication between citizens and governments. To do that, a mechanism of collaboration among these stakeholders is needed. For global peace, government and peace-oriented organizations including HWPL should play a role in sharing information and knowledge related to peace affairs and figures who propose a better life with peaceful, just social conditions. It is appropriate to discuss international issues, despite differences in national identities and social backgrounds. Media should make a voice of collaborative governance in order for people from all walks of life to participate in promoting peace. Q. What is the role of media to achieve collaborative governance for global peace? should make a voice of collaborative governance in order for people from all walks of life to participate in promoting peace. Media serve as a monitor to sustain and remind the function of good governance. To do this, media should contribute to sharing ideas of experts from different fields, produce such issues, and provide access to the information. Media are an ideal vehicle for bringing out motivations to citizens in terms of severing political injustices that arouse international criticism and conforming to rule of laws. Media are a mediator who can give hands. They can invite military and local leaders, women and youth to seek solutions to problems caused by hatred. This governance offers conflict resolution methods – ultimately peace. To execute continuous press publications on peace-related contents, media can create a peaceful environment through peace building processes such as the DPCW designed to prevent violent conflicts. About Voice of Press HWPL’s Intercontinental Voice of Press is a dialogue platform for journalists to constantly contemplate the true freedoms and responsibilities of the media in order to achieve world peace, starting from last November in Europe, CIS and Asian continent countries. It reached the union press forum. It was the first time for journalists from the three continents to gather together to discuss peace, so the participants requested to hold on the continuous opening of the join media forum with embrace and appreciated the breakthrough and developmental efforts. This media forum is drawing attention to the future direction, supported by the expectations of journalists who agree that establishing the media network and building of a peace platform at the international level are guaranteed the freedom of the media internationally. by MAGP, Republic of Korea 2017.07.29 Previous Next

< Back What legacy did North-South Korea Inter-dialogue leave behind? Kim Jong-un(left) and president Moon(right) holding hands (source: KBS World Radio) Starting the Kim Jong-un’s regime from 2012, North Korea dedicated all its efforts and resources into the development of nuclear weapons. It pressed on with launching several nuclear missiles and tests, thereby threatening the neighboring countries. North Korea also stated itself as nuclear nation in its constitution. On the other hands, Trump administration starting from 2017 considered all the possibilities of diplomatic strategies including preemptive military strike, to maximize the sanctions on North Korea. Through these measures, the Trump administration brought North Korean government to a negotiating table in the hopes of denuclearizing North Korea. Amidst the tension, Moon administration in South Korea starting from 2017 consistently delivered the messages of reconciliation and collaboration to North Korea. In 2018, Kim expressed its will in New Year’s congratulatory messages to improve North-South Korea relationship and participate at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games, bringing two Koreas into the new phases of diplomatic relationship. Afterward, North and South Korean governments held three meetings, which also led the heads of North Korea and the United States to hold the Summit for the first time in its history. The whole world paid its close attention to the four Summits held within 6 months. Especially the North and South Korean Summit on April 27th marked the historical event where the North Korean leader come down to South for the first time. At that moment, the candid conversation between President Moon and Kim was broadcasted worldwide, leaving the deep impression onto people. The movement of peace rose quickly in the Korean peninsula which were left at ceasefire for 70 years, bringing many achievements. Such events also changed the perceptions of people toward the reunification. Changing the Perceptions of South Korean Citizens While the world was concerned with the North Korea’s nuclear missile threats, people in South Korea were interested in bringing reunification as to cherish their shared heritages and ethnic identities. And yet, North Korea remained closed and off-limits for the most part, which left uncertainties to the hope of fulfilling reunification. What was discussed during the North-South Korea Summits and U.S-North Korea Summit had great impacts into bringing new perspectives into North Korea. There have been significant changes in how South Korean citizens view North Korea, as shown in the statistical data below. ① How South Korean citizens view North Korea (source: IPUS) As seen in the data, South Korean citizens began to see North Korea more as a collaborative ally rather than a hostile enemy. Particularly noteworthy is that less people in all ages see North Korea as hostile enemies. This significant change in people’s perceptions toward North Korea can be attributed to three North and South Korea Summits, spreading the peaceful atmosphere throughout the Korean peninsula. In 2017, several threats from nuclear missile tests by North Korea heightened the tensions and brought two countries at the brink of war. In 2018, tensions between North and South Korea quickly eased when the North Korean athletes participated at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. ② Reliability of North Korean Regime (source: IPUS) For the first time, the number of people who answered positive on the reliability of North Korean government exceeded that of people who answered negative on the reliability of North Korean Regime statistical data. That number increased dramatically between 2017 and 2018. This increase can be attributed to the will and measures North Korean regime has taken toward denuclearization after actively exchanging the conversations at the North and South Korea Summits. ③ Perceptions on the Possibilities of Changes in North Korea (source: IPUS) The number of people who answered positive to see the changes in North Korea in the immediate future, not only surpassed that of people who answered negative, after 10 years, but also marked the highest number of people. Tourists’ commentaries on the recent development and trends in Pyeongyang quickly spread worldwide via social media, which played a significant role in bringing such change in the perceptions. People are now more informed of usages of smartphones as well as fashion trends in North Korea. In contrast to the previous North Korean leaders who were often portrayed as reclusive, Kim’s striking movement also greatly impacted on the South Korean citizens’ perceptions of North Korea. There are many hurdles to overcome in order to bring two Koreas into the reunification. As seen in the cases of German reunifications, many social, cultural, and economical aspects must be considered in prior, as two countries have changed a lot since they were separated 70 years ago. However, North and South Korea Summit in 2018 has greatly changed people’s perceptions, the most important strides toward reunification. The world is paying closer attention to see how these changes will lead to more Summits and North and South Korea reunification. The image of statistics is edited from the report paper of Institute for Peace and Unification Studies(IPUS), Seoul National University by MAGP, Republic of Korea 2021-04-06 Previous Next

< Back Cook Islands support moves to strengthen global ban on chemical weapons ​ (COOK ISLANDS GOVERNMENT) – The Cook Islands joined other countries this week at a special meeting in The Netherlands in supporting a United Kingdom led proposal to strengthen a global ban on chemical weapons. The UK proposal was supported by an overwhelming majority of 82 votes, including the Cook Islands, to 24 against. The Meeting of State Parties, agreed to strengthen the role of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), who is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. As of today, OPCW has 193 members, including the Cook Islands, who are working together to achieve a world free of chemical weapons. Of particular importance, this week’s Meeting agreed to establish a mechanism that formally identifies perpetrators of chemical weapon attacks so they can be held to account. It was this element of the proposal that was problematic for a number of countries that voted against. Representing the Cook Islands Government at the Meeting, Ian Finley, the Cook Islands Permanent Representative to the IMO emphasised the Cook Islands long held firm support for global efforts to eliminate all weapons of mass destruction. Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Finley made reference to Cook Islanders who had served in the New Zealand Pioneer division in the First World War, some of whom hd witnessed and suffered the horrors inflicted by the first use of mustard gas. “As a State Party in our own right (to the CWC), we call on all parties to the OPCW to address not only the existence of such barbaric weapons but the reality of their continued use today”. Ambassador Finley’s participation was facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and has involved a series of consultations over recent weeks via diplomatic channels out of Rarotonga, Wellington and London led by UN & Treaties Division Director Josh Mitchell. “The Cook Islands participated in this meeting and supported the UK led proposal, because the recent spate of chemical attacks in places such as Syria, Malaysia, Iraq and the UK seriously undermine many years of concerted global effort to outlaw use of chemical weapons,” said Mitchell. “While we may indeed be a remote small island bordered on all sides by the vast Pacific Ocean, an attack on one party to the treaty is an affront to us all and must be condemned.” 9 of the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum participated and voted in support of the UK led proposal, demonstrating the value of Pacific voices in such multilateral fora as the OPCW. MFAI will continue to lead Cook Islands engagement on this issue in the coming weeks and State Parties will reconvene in The Hague in November this year. by Nuku’alofa Times, Tonga 2018.06.29 Previous Next

< Back South Korean Citizens Condemn Government and Religion’s Silence on Human Rights Violation A rally with memorial ceremony advocating for the enactment of a special law to ban coercive conversion programs. A nationwide rally with 100,000 protestors calls for legislation on renunciation of religious violence and coercive conversion International Movement for Religious Freedom and Human Rights The South Korean government has been actively engaged in reconciliation process with North Korea, but not even a single official statement from the government on 1,000 victims from forcible change of religion against individuals in minor religious denominations has not been delivered. Human Rights Association for Victims of Coercive Conversion Programs (HAC), hosted a rally on March 4 in major cities including Seoul the capital city for legislation to protect religious freedom in terms of human rights and investigation of Christian pastors involved in “coercive conversion programs”, accompanied with kidnapping and confinement of individuals by family members instigated by pastors. Around 100,000 Korean citizens participated in the rally. The last rally in January was held in 22 locations in 12 countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and France with 200,000 participants after a death of young woman caused by coercive conversion. The recent rally is a part of an international movement, condemning silence of both the Korean government and Christian community in the country. More than 10,000 participants gathered at the Memorial Walk on March 4th. Citizens Gather Together, but Silence from Government and Religion Continues The 25-year-old Korean young woman, Ms. Ji-In Gu, was found dead in January while she was confined in a pension far away from her place. She was suffocated to death from an obstruction in the airway while she had been kidnapped by her family and forced to change her religion. Before this she was also taken in 2016 to a Catholic monastery for 44 days. At that time, she was kidnapped by her family and a Christian pastor forced her to convert. After that the late Ms. Gu offered a petition on a legal protection of citizens from religious discrimination to the Blue House, the presidential office of South Korea. While there has been no official response from the Blue House, Ms. Gu was kidnapped again and came to die. The HAC urged the government take responsibility for investigation of the conversion program and prevention of reoccurrence of similar cases. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism made it known that it cannot carry out investigation on a religion due to the principle of the separation of church and state. The HAC further says that there have been 1,000 victims for the last decade. The online petition for ban on coercive conversion program received 140,000 supporters, but it disappeared in the government website without an explanation. The religious circle in South Korea is also consistent in remaining in silence. Targeting those who change their religious orientations, coercive conversion programs by Christian pastors have been carried out with a tacit agreement from Churches in Korea. In the name of “educating ‘lost followers’ taken to cult”, the Korea Christian Heresy Research Center has been actively promoting the conversion program and even claims that the pastors involved in “cult consulting” should be protected. Over the Family Issue “The problem of coercive conversion program is that Christian pastors consider it as a business to make money in the name of ‘counseling’ for protection of family from cult. Through this, they instill distrust in the family against other family members who pursue other religions,” said Ms. Ji Hye Choi, co-president of HAC. “The consequence is destructive. Mental traumas, fear, family breakdown, divorce, losing jobs, school dropout and many other irreversible problems continue,” she added. In her interview at Franceinter the French state-run radio, Ms. Hye Jung Lim said, “Three men came to me grabbed my hair and dragged me into my place. I jumped over the wall, ran in bare feet and luckily got a taxi to escape. My life changed ever and I lost my family. I reported what happened to the police but their response was family issues should be handled within the family.” “The fundamental issue behind the death of a young woman from the conversion program is the the corruption of the whole Christian world represented by the CCK. The organization with the majority of the Presbyterian Church has been controversial in worshipping the Japanese emperor, support for the military dictatorship in the 1970s and illegal fund during the CCK presidential election. It is obvious that many followers leave church to pursue other religions. What can we say about the relationship between the government and church when the government is hesitant to protect citizens and religions are not willing to give love to those who lose faith?” said Mr. Sang Ik Park, co-president of the HAC. Interfaith Dialogue for Religious Harmony and Human Rights “Religion has become the center of conflict and bloody slaughter of innocent people. This phenomenon suggests that religious leaders who should offer the exemplary values to humanity take the lead in persecution of citizens and neglect the teachings of God and Jesus,” said Pastor Wan Su Park, senior research specialist on religious scriptures from Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), conducting interfaith dialogues in 216 locations from 126 countries. “Religious leaders should be the first to find the way to reconciliation through interfaith dialogue. The first step is comparative studies on scriptures to understand different religions and find the essence of teaching from the above,” he emphasized. (This press release was written by HWPL with the provision of materials from the HAC in order to give information on human rights issues.) by MAGP, Republic of Korea, written by HWPL with the provision of materials from the HAC in order to give information on human rights issues.) 2021.03.01 Previous Next

< Back International Actors Urge Cooperation to Leave “Peace as a Legacy for the Future Generations” <[1] Fareed Shawky who died from a missile strike said “Please do not bury me”> A War Silenced by the Globe On October 13, 2015, six-year-old Fareed Shawky in Taiz, Yemen, and his friends were playing with a ball in his front yard as usual. Then all of a sudden, a missile was dropped to the house with a roaring sound and in a flash, his house was in chaos. Fareed with shrapnel lodged in his head was raced to the hospital by motorcycle. The boy cried out in a low voice shaking with fear by saying, “Please do not bury me.” Fareed was ultimately buried in a cold graveyard shortly after. In 1994, the first civil war broke out in Yemen after Royalists of the existing reign was retreated by the coup by Republicans. Since then, great and minor scales of conflict occurred, and it led to a proxy war since the Shia supported by Iran and Sunni Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels were formed. According to BBC, this war is known as ‘Silence of War’ since the world major media paid less attention compared to the gravity of the situation. The horrors of civil war in Yemen <[2] Yemen is hard to receive clean water due to water shortage > <[3] An old woman being treated for cholera> By the statement of the UN, 2.6 million Yemenis, approximately 10% of Yemeni population fell to refugees after losing their residence. Also, patients are placed not in proper treatment and people have been exposed to the polluted water since hospitals and sewage plants were destroyed during the long-term disputes. The efforts of International Society to overcome the damage of war in Yemen The United Nations held a ‘High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen’ attended by senior figures in 60 international organizations and NGOs from 72 countries in Geneva on 25 April 2017. They alarmed the seriousness of the situation caused by civil wars and stressed the necessity of resuming conversation among all the parties for peace and recovery of stability through the recognition that only political solution is the answer to settle the disputes. <[4] The UN says the situation in Yemen is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world> Some experts emphasize that the fundamental approaches are necessary to put an end to repetitive conflicts. “Along with binding mechanisms including international agreements and legal framework in the country, creating a culture of peace that promotes the mindset of peacebuilding through the participation of all sectors of life is of tremendous importance to achieve immediate ceasefire and sustainable peace,” emphasized Mr. Ian Seo, general director of department of public relations, HWPL HQ. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) under the UN ECOSOC advocates global campaign for conflict resolution through the cooperation among states to establish respect on international agreements, promotion of religious freedom and ethnic identity, and spreading a culture of peace through education and media. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) drafted by HWPL designates the aforementioned provisions and has been introduced in governments and international governmental organizations. “Increasing the national defense budget and the military power of some countries will have an influence upon other countries. Furthermore, these things will continually threaten the world peace. We support all the laws that limit the proliferation of armaments and contribute to the promotion of the world peace,” said Mr. Ayoub, Chief of Improve Your Society (ISYO) in “Piece of Peace” held in Sana, Yemen with 160 participants from 5 NGOs. Mr. Hrant Bagratyan, the former Prime Minister of Armenia, said “The DPCW will be a good instrument against extremism, terrorism, war, and associations that will be a good base for the sustainability of peace” regarding the DPCW. “We all have to support what we have to do with all the same hearts. It is for living. Will you leave money and authority to our future generation who will live in this global village? There is nothing better than leaving a legacy to the future generation after achieving the world peace,” emphasized Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL. (** ‘Open Day of Art’ is an annual campaign that Mr. Murad Subay known as a street peace artist suggested. This time, Mr. Murad Subay suggested collaborating this project with HWPL. Regardless of the nationality, anyone who loves peace can express and perform the thoughts and idea on the wall.) References and Sources: Timeline of *Photos [1] Fareed Shawky who died from a missile strike said “Please do not bury me”: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-34572137 [2] Yemen is hard to receive clean water due to water shortage: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41818779 [3] An old woman who is being treated for cholera: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41818779 [4] The UN says the situation in Yemen is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39694234 *Contents [1] The death of six-year-old Fareed Shawky in Yemen: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-34572137 [2] Explanation about civil war in Yemen: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423 [3] Explanation about Yemen cholera outbreak: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/world/middleeast/yemen-crimes-against-humanity.html [4] ‘High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen’ of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland: http://www.mofat.go.kr/webmodule/htsboard/template/read/korboardread.jsp?typeID=24&boardid=11824&seqno=15310&c=&t=&pagenum=1&tableName=TYPE_KORBOARD&pc=&dc=&wc=&lu=&vu=&iu=&du= by MAGP, Republic of Korea 2021.04.11 Previous Next

< Back Caribbean countries to sign first regional environmental agreement at UN ceremony ​ NEW YORK, USA — Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are among the countries expected to sign the “Escazú Agreement” on regional environmental matters on Thursday at a high-level ceremony at United Nations headquarters, New York. The Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (the Escazú Agreement) will open for the signature of all the countries in the region in the framework of the UN General Assembly. The Escazú Agreement – so named because it was adopted last March 4 in the municipality of Escazú in Costa Rica – is the region’s first environmental agreement and is the only one of its kind in the world, since it includes specific provisions regarding defenders of human rights in environmental matters. It is the first legal instrument to have emerged thus far from the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Río+20). The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) provides the technical secretariat for the agreement. From September 27 onward, any state that has signed the regional agreement will be able to ratify, accept or approve it. Ratification, acceptance or approval can be undertaken immediately after the signature. To enter into force, the agreement will require 11 states parties. In addition to the official delegations from signatory countries, other potential participants in the ceremony include intergovernmental organizations and related entities that have observer status with the General Assembly, as well as non-governmental organizations that are in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Escazú Agreement seeks to ensure that all persons have access to timely and reliable information, can participate in an effective way in the decisions that affect their lives and their environment, and can access justice in environmental matters, thereby contributing to the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This is an agreement made by us, for us and the generations to come. It is a visionary instrument, without precedent, a second-generation environmental treaty because it explicitly links environmental matters with human rights and guarantees procedural rights that are essential for adequately implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” ECLAC’s executive secretary, Alicia Bárcena, indicated. by Youri Aramin Kemp, Caribbean News Now(U.S.A) 2018.09.27 Previous Next

< Back How Global Journalists Get together for Freedom of Media and Peace Journalism Students at Polytechnic University of the Philippines To journalists, the year 2017 represents the misfortune of journalism. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) says at least 81 reporters were killed and violence against media has soared in 2017. Also, more than 70 media companies were closed in Venezuela where the political and social unrest is festering. A news article from the Guardian reported that “Global press freedom plunges to worst level this century” mainly due to government censorship, crime targeted at journalists and financial pressures associated with the growth of the internet. To respond to such challenge and turn it into an opportunity, journalists around the world with an international NGO have been seeking ways to enhance press freedom through the international media network and peace journalism in relation to rethinking their role in contribution to building a peaceful, democratic society. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international NGO under the UN ECOSOC formed a series of HWPL Media Forums throughout the year 2017 to establish a working group of journalists around the world to examine the phenomena of journalism around the world and empower the right and duty of journalism pertaining to peace and media freedom. Journalists-at-the-Conference-for-Global-Peace-Media-Network “We asked for it” – Problem comes from within According to some journalists, the current crisis of journalism is due in part to journalism itself. In the HWPL International Media Forum held on July 7, K. M. Harun, Senior Television and Media Consultant in Bangladesh, said, “Ethics of Journalism changed due to commercialism, when media lack ethics then it threatens the peace and harmony rather than promoting it. Media has lost its credibility due to the dissemination of a lot of negative news in an irresponsible manner. Print and broadcast media can only promote peace and harmony when responsible journalism is practiced.” Another problem pointed out by journalists is the trend of media coverage concentrating on war, conflict, violence, crime, and hatred that instill negative influence to society. In the HWPL Media Forum held on January 15th, Mr. Ali Alabdallah, the journalist from Sweden said, “Recently, the European media focus on the war and the plot of how a number of refugees came to the region. They failed to focus on humanity, culture, and civilization to understand the human nature, which provides ideas of peace and coexistence.” State and Media Freedom Media freedom especially information sharing through news reports has been challenged by government censorship in countries with a low level of the democratic system. “Freedom of speech in most of the African countries is still a myth, an ideal. If you do not learn how to write or tell your story intelligently, the chances of survival are minimal,” saidMr. Jean de Dieu Munyembabazi, chief editor of IGIHE in Burundi. “The media have their own observations that should not be controlled by others. It is important to preserve the independence of the media and obtaining objectivity of news is the responsibility given to journalists,” added President Xinzheng Zhou from Macau Rule of Law Newspaper at the HWPL Media Forum held on December 2, in Tsinghua University, China. Peace and International Cooperation – Construction of Media Network Many journalists say that building an international media network focusing on the issues of peacebuilding can bring out solutions to the current challenge. “Media freedom plays an important role in guaranteeing social stability, and in that sense constructing new ways to collect information across national borders will assure the right of each individual to present ideas,” said Mr. Fedorov Petr, the director of international affairs at All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company when he spoke in the HWPL Media Forum – Voice of Press in CIS back in May. Participant-journalists-at-the-HWPL-Media-Forum—Intercontinental-Voice-of-Press On 17 September 2017, at the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit, “the Conference for Global Peace Media Network – Freedom of the Press and International Peace Media Community Initiative” was held with 100 journalists from 50 countries around the world. Journalists-are-raising-their-hands-to-ask-questions It is suggested that the establishment of media agencies with a concentration of peace can contribute to public awareness, and more journalists should participate in delivering news of peace and settlement of the conflict rather than conflict itself. Mr. Bojan Stojkovski from Makfax News Agency is delivering speech at Conference for Global Peace Media Network “Participating in this network will help journalists to be internationally heard as well, and to present the situation in their countries etc. The international cooperation between professional journalists is something that can always contribute to strengthening the media sector,” said Mr. Bojan Stojkovski, the journalist from Makfax News Agency, Macedonia. Chairman Lee of HWPL answering to the question from journalists “Who can play the most important role in making a world of peace without conflicts? It depends on journalists. If journalists dedicate themselves to peacebuilding efforts, thoughts of people especially politicians will change. So we have high expectation in journalism,” said Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL. “One of the biggest achievements in HWPL’s peace activities is that we have built media network through journalists in countries with the low level of media freedom. HWPL has actively engaged in spreading a culture of peace designated in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) drafted by HWPL as its peace initiative, and an online-based news channel will be the centerpiece of advocacy of media freedom and a world of peace,” said Mr. Ian Seo, general director of department of public relations, HWPL HQ. by MAGP, Republic of Korea 2018-03-31 Previous Next

< Back Haitian president calls for essential development aid as UN mission shifts away from peacekeeping President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. UN Photo/Cia Pak NEW YORK, USA — Haitian President Jovenel Moïse on Thursday called on the international community to provide the necessary development aid as the Caribbean island nation prepares for the transition nest year of the United Nations mission to a non-peacekeeping presence in the country. “From this lofty tribune I would like to tell our technical and financial partners that we must together muster the necessary courage to rethink the development aid for Haiti,” he told world leaders on the third day of the General Assembly’s annual general debate. “With Haiti’s meager financial resources, we have begun to put the country on the track to progress. Today more than ever, we need this synergy to build our country’s future.” In the latest iteration of UN missions that over the past two decades have been helping to restore stability following political conflict, a devastating earthquake and frequent hurricanes, the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), is scheduled transition to a non-peace-keeping presence in October 2019. Two years ago, MINUJUSTH was mandated to assist the Haitian government to further develop the Haitian National Police (HNP); to strengthen Haiti’s rule of law institutions, including the justice and prisons; and to promote and protect human rights – all with a view to improving the everyday lives of the Haitian people. Earlier this month, UN assistant secretary-general for peacekeeping operations, Bintou Keita, warned the Security Council that several challenges remain, citing violent protests in July over fuel price increases that led to widespread looting in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as in other cities. Moïse said the violent discontent must not be under-estimated. “It highlights with especial clarity the central question of the risks associated with extreme social-economic precariousness and the lack of economic perspectives.” Turning to health matters in the country, the Haitian president stressed that $20 million is needed for the establishment of 122 health centres to meet the needs of the population at the commune level. “I also take the opportunity to challenge the international community on the obligation to mobilize resources to eliminate cholera introduced by [the previous UN mission, a peacekeeping operation known by the French acronym MINUSTAH] into the country and to compensate the victims,” he added. [In August 2016, then-secretary-general Ban Ki-moon announced the UN’s new approach to cholera in Haiti. Indicating that he deeply regretted the terrible suffering the people of Haiti endured as a result of the cholera epidemic, he said that the United Nations has a moral responsibility to the victims of the cholera epidemic and to support Haiti in overcoming the epidemic and building sound water, sanitation and health systems.] by Youri Aramin Kemp, Caribbean News Now(U.S.A) 2018.09.28 Previous Next

< Back Antigua-Barbuda to host Inter-American ministerial meeting on education ​ WASHINGTON, USA — Antigua and Barbuda will host the tenth Inter-American meeting of education ministers in July 2019. This was confirmed on Monday at a meeting of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development at the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC. The bid to host the meeting was successfully negotiated by the Antigua and Barbuda minister of education, Michael Browne, in February this year, with the formal offer and acceptance taking place on Monday. Speaking at the Council meeting, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, told the other 33 assembled ambassadors and other delegates that “Antigua and Barbuda places immense value on the role of education”. He explained that the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) “strongly believe that the effect of education is multi-dimensional”. Sanders declared: “By creating a better-educated society, we lift people out of poverty; we expand the capacity for entrepreneurial development; and create a more vibrant economy with more employment and less crime. We increase the earnings of our people and improve their standard of living. In doing so, CARICOM countries underscore their social stability and enhance security. In turn, this process re-enforces the attractiveness as a homeland to our people and helps to ensure that they have no need to become political or economic refugees, exposing themselves to the perils of seeking asylum elsewhere.” Addressing democracy and human rights issues which the Council meeting also considered. “Education is vital to upholding democracy and safeguarding human rights. Indeed, neither democracy nor human rights is possible in circumstances of inadequate education, economic decline and, social and political instability,” Sanders said. The ambassador pointed out that “when the Inter-American ministers of education meeting convenes in Antigua in July next year, it will be the tenth such meeting since 1998, and the fourth held in a CARICOM country, underlying the vital importance the sub-region places in education as an instrument of economic growth, social stability and security”. by Youri Aramin Kemp, Caribbean News Now (originally posted on https://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/2018/11/06/antigua-barbuda-to-host-inter-american-ministerial-meeting-on-education/) 2018.11.06 Previous Next