IFOR raises concern at the UN over forced conscription in Eritrea

Comment

IFOR raises concern at the UN over forced conscription in Eritrea

IFOR participated in the General Debate which took place at the UN during the 49th session of the Human Rights Council, concerning item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention.

IFOR has delivered a statement concerning forced conscription in Eritrea and related issues such as the violation of the right to conscientious objection, the armed conflict in Ethiopia and the refugees rights for the Eritrean fleeing from the indefinite National Service and looking for protection abroad.


Human Rights Council, 49th session 

Geneva, 21st March 2022 

Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR is extremely concerned about the ongoing conflict  in Ethiopia which is exacerbating conditions for those who have been forcibly conscripted and those  who evade conscription in Eritrea, as reported by the Special Rapporteur.1 

IFOR is concerned about the use of forced conscription in Eritrea, as well as the abuse inflicted on  draft evaders and conscripts alike. 

We restate the concern regarding Eritrean migrants and refugees who often flee from the system of an  indefinite National Service which presents practices that in many cases amount to forced labour.  We call on the international community to protect refugees and to withdraw from practices which  reinforce such a system. 

As we refer to Eritrean conscientious objectors, we cannot forget about the many others who are  refusing to kill in other war contexts, such as in the armed conflict in Ukraine, and are looking for  protection abroad. 

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right and, as is freedom of expression,  it continues to apply in situations of armed conflict. 

We call on this Council to promptly address its attention and take action on this serious human rights  situation. 

Thank you. 


Comment

IFOR speaks at the UN about the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó on its 25th anniversary

Comment

IFOR speaks at the UN about the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó on its 25th anniversary

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation participated in the UN Human Rights Council General Debate on item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

IFOR took the floor to address the members of the plenary concerning the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and the several human rights violations the community members are facing.


Human Rights Council, 49th Session 

16th March 2022 

Item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights,  

civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President, 

Despite some progress, implementation of the Peace Agreement in Colombia is slower than expected.1 This has made the human rights situation increasingly dramatic. 

IFOR is especially concerned about the safety of the members of the Peace Community of San José de  Apartadó. 

The establishment of the Peace Community, 25 years ago this month, is based on principles of  International Humanitarian Law that protect civilians from being involved in armed conflicts.  

The recent murder of Huber Velásquez, a social leader of San José de Apartadó reveals the freedom of  operation of paramilitary groups in the region [that manifests itself in extortions, forced meetings,  sanctions, threats and recruitments].  

The Peace Community also reported violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. In 2018, the Peace Community publicly denounced several human rights violations committed against its  members by paramilitaries and the tacit and passive attitude of the army concerning these violations. The 17th Brigade of the Colombian Army denounced the Peace Community for slander and defamation and  the Constitutional Court eventually urged the Peace Community to refrain from denouncing such issues.  This decision raises strong concerns regarding the respect of international obligations, increases the  vulnerability of human rights defenders and promotes a climate favorable to the persistence of human  rights violations and their impunity.  

IFOR calls upon the Member States and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor  the violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and to support an urgent action by the Colombian government to ensure the safety of the Peace Community and the dismantlement of  paramilitary successor groups, [as agreed in point 3 of the Final Peace Agreement]. 

Thank you. 


Click here to watch the delivery of the statement in the plenary.

Click here to download the complete statement.

IFOR has submitted a written thematic statement to the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council. This document, titled "Colombia: New Threats Against The Peace Community Of San Jose De Apartado On Its 25th Anniversary", has been received by the Secretary-General and has been circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31. It is registered officially on the UN website as A/HRC/49/NGO/239 and is available here.


25th anniversary of the Peace Community

The Peace Community represents a longstanding effort of nonviolent resistance in a highly violent context in Colombia.

The Community was created in 1997 and March 23rd marks its 25th anniversary.

IFOR, together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria is organizing a webinar series on the occasion of this anniversary. Learn more about the series here. And about the webinar on the Peace Community here.

Read more about the anniversary on site celebration, here.

Comment

IFOR takes the floor at the UN Human Rights Council on war resisters and nuclear threat

Comment

IFOR takes the floor at the UN Human Rights Council on war resisters and nuclear threat

IFOR is participating in the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council which started on February 28th and will conclude on April 1st.

On March 8th the High Commissioner addressed the plenary on current human rights situations and IFOR took the floor during the General Debate, after the members states, and delivered an oral statement with direct references to the current situation in Ukraine and highlighting other concerning situation such as the illegal practice of "batidas" to illegally recruit young people in Colombia.


Human Rights Council, 49th Session 

Geneva, 8th March 2022 

Item 2: General Debate with the High Commissioner on Human Rights 

Madame High Commissioner,  

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR is extremely concerned about the deterioration of  human rights as a result of warfare including in Ukraine.  

We express our solidarity to all those who are suffering because of war. 

We plead to promote peace without increasing ongoing violence.  

The answer cannot be reduced to the alternative of suffering or waging war. 

The way forward is through international law, cooperation, disarmament and the establishment of civilian  peace corps, for instance.  

We support the right to refuse to kill and non-violent resistance to war, in Ukraine, in Russia and in all  countries, including the «No Means No» campaign in Belarus to support war resisters.  Violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service continue, including in Colombia,  where irregular recruitment practices -“batidas”- persist, [ignoring rulings from the Constitutional Court1,  recruitment regulations and compliance with the peace agreement].2 

We are concerned about violations of the right to Freedom of Expression and Assembly also for those  protesting against war. Over 13,000 protesters3have been detained in 147 Russian cities since February  24th.4 

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right and, as is freedom of expression, it  continues to apply in situations of armed conflict. 

We would also like to draw the attention of this Council to the nuclear threat. 

Nuclear deterrence does not maintain peace and security, it only brings terror and threat to humanity. The Right to Life is “the supreme right from which no derogation is permitted”5; [the UN Human Rights  Committee6stated that the threat or use of nuclear weapons is incompatible with the Right to Life and  may amount to a crime under international law].  

IFOR urgently calls on all Member States to ratify and implement the UN nuclear ban treaty [Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons]7. 


1 Sentence C-879/11 - Measures to compel those who have not complied with the obligation to register in order to define their military situation - They  cannot consist of arbitrary detentions that violate personal liberty or judicial confidentiality. 

2 Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General,  37th session, 26 February-23 March 2018. National, regional and international human rights law stipulates that military forces are not responsible for citizen  security, the fight against organised crime, coexistence and development. In exceptional situations, the National Police may require military assistance,  which must be provided in accordance with the principle of police primacy and with strict civilian control. The tasks of coexistence and development are the  exclusive responsibility of the civilian authorities". 

3 As of March 6th. 

4 According to OVD-Info data. https://ovd.news/news/2022/03/02/russian-protests-against-war-ukraine-chronicle-events  5 Parag. 2 of General Comment n. 36 of the Human Rights Committee. 

6 General Comment No. 36 (2018) on art. 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on the right to life. 7 entered into force last January 22nd 2021.



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WEBINAR #2 “THE PEACE COMMUNITY OF SAN JOSE DE APARTADO: 25 YEARS OF RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE”

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WEBINAR #2 “THE PEACE COMMUNITY OF SAN JOSE DE APARTADO: 25 YEARS OF RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE”

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation is pleased to invite you to

WEBINAR #2 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

“THE PEACE COMMUNITY OF SAN JOSE DE APARTADO: 25 YEARS OF RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE”


March 16th 2022 at 4pm CET (UTC+1) on Zoom


*This webinar is organized on the occasion of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council.


This webinar #2 will focus on the nonviolent experience of the Colombian Peace Community.

The webinar will address the local context, the principles and organization of the peace community and the constant threats of their living because of their choosing to refuse violence and will explore more on human rights issues in the Colombia context.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about nonviolent resistance and will have the opportunity to hear first hand testimonies from the community's members and additionally a contribution from the perspective of international institutions such as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bogotà.


Our main speakers will be:

  • Gildardo Tuberquia and others, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

  • Andrea Garzón, Colombian Commission of Jurists

  • Carlos De La Torre, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Colombia

Throughout the online meeting, participants will have the possibility to ask questions to the speakers.

Register at bit.ly/FORPP20y and participate!
After you registered, you will receive by email the link to connect on Zoom on the 16th.


The webinar will be in English and Spanish.


More info on the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES, organized by International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria - Versöhnungsbund, are available at https://www.ifor.org/.../anniversary-webinar-series-on....

Read more about webinar #1
You are welcome to share on social media here!!


El Movimiento Internacional de Reconciliación se complace en invitarle al

WEBINAR #2 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO


"LA COMUNIDAD DE PAZ DE SAN JOSÉ DE APARTADO: 25 AÑOS DE

RESISTENCIA A LA VIOLENCIA"


16 de marzo de 2022 a las 16 horas CET (UTC+1) en Zoom
*Este webinar se organiza con motivo de la 49ª sesión del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU.


Este webinar #2 se centrará en la experiencia noviolenta de la Comunidad de Paz de Colombia.

El webinar abordará el contexto local, los principios y la organización de la comunidad de paz y las constantes amenazas de su vida debido a su voluntad de rechazar la violencia y explorará más sobre las cuestiones de derechos humanos en el contexto de Colombia.
Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de aprender más sobre la resistencia no violenta y tendrán la oportunidad de escuchar testimonios de primera mano de los miembros de la comunidad y además una contribución desde la perspectiva de instituciones internacionales como la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos en Bogotá.


Nuestros principales ponentes serán:

  • Gildardo Tuberquia y otros, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

  • Andrea Garzón, Comisión Colombiana de Juristas

  • Carlos De La Torre, Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos Colombia


    A lo largo del encuentro online, los participantes tendrán la posibilidad de hacer preguntas a los ponentes.


¡Regístrate en bit.ly/FORPP20y participa!
Después de registrarse, recibirá por correo electrónico el enlace para conectarse en Zoom el día 16.
El webinar será en inglés y español.

Más información sobre la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO, organizada por International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria - Versöhnungsbund, está disponible en https://www.ifor.org/.../anniversary-webinar-series-on....

Más información sobre el seminario web nº 1

Le invitamos a compartirlo en las redes sociales aquí

Comment

IFOR addresses the UN Human Rights Council on the right to refuse to kill

Comment

IFOR addresses the UN Human Rights Council on the right to refuse to kill

On March 10th, on the occasion of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, IFOR participated in the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief, Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, and addressed the issue of the right to conscientious objection to military service in the plenary.

The statement has been co-sponsored by War Resisters' International and referred as well to the concerning situation of armed conflicts.


Human Rights Council, 49th Session 

Geneva, 10th March 2022 

Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief Joint oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President, 

We thank the Special Rapporteur for His report1 and share the same concern for the violation of the right to  conscientious objection to military service of objectors from religious or belief minorities. We are aware of two Jehovah’s Witnesses currently imprisoned as conscientious objectors in South Korea.2 There  are twenty others imprisoned in Eritrea3 where there is a system of indefinite National Service. Last year we had the case of Ukrainian protestant conscientious objectors in the Rivne region whose right has  been violated.4 

Violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service continue in many countries. In Colombia, young people are recruited by the official army through arbitrary detentions [batidas], although the  Constitutional Court has forbidden it in 2011.5 

Conscientious objectors continue to be imprisoned in various countries, such as Turkmenistan6, Singapore7,  Eritrea8, Tajikistan9, Israel10. 

In Turkey, Eritrea and Singapore the right is not recognized. Turkish objectors are facing a situation of “civil  death”.11 

As highlighted by the SR in His report, we are deeply alarmed by the violation of this right in situations of armed  conflicts. 

Ukraine compels all males of age 18-60 to take arms and fight in the current war; on the other side we witness  the arresting of thousands of anti-war Russian citizens, and we hear that not only contract soldiers, but also  ordinary conscripts are employed in the war.12 

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right, like freedom of expression, and it continues  to apply regardless of a situation of armed conflict. 

We urge all member States to release all imprisoned conscientious objectors and respect international standards  [for the exercise of the right to conscientious objection]. 



1 A/HRC/49/44https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session49/Documents/A_HRC_49_44_AdvanceUneditedVersion.docx

2 https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/south-korea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/ 

3 As of March 2022. https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/eritrea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/ 

4 Parag. 79 of the thirty-first report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the human rights situation in  Ukraine (1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021), based on the work of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/31stReportUkraine-en.pdf 

5 Sentence C-879/11 - Measures to compel those who have not complied with the obligation to register in order to define their military situation - They  cannot consist of arbitrary detentions that violate personal liberty or judicial confidentiality. 

6 https://www.ecoi.net/en/document/2025552.html

7 https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/singapore/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/

8 https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=26439&LangID=E

9 https://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2629

10 https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-conscientious-objector-released-from-military-prison/ 

https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCCPR%2fCSS%2fISR%2f47719&Lang=en 11 The situation of conscientious objectors is defined as “civil death” by European Court of Human Rights. (Ulke v. Turkey, application no. 39437/98). 12 https://takiedela.ru/news/2022/02/24/komitet-soldatskikh-materey/ 

https://mobile.twitter.com/KevinRothrock/status/1501567647741358082 

https://www.interfax.ru/world/827191


Comment

 IFOR joins statement at the UN on Western Sahara

Comment

IFOR joins statement at the UN on Western Sahara

On the occasion of the opening debate of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which took place in Geneva on March 8th, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation joined a statement delivered by the American Association of Jurists, on behalf of the NGOs Geneva Support Group for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Western Sahara.


Item 2 – Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights General debate 

I thank you, 

I have the honour to speak on behalf of a group of more than 300 organisations (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org); including the Sahrawi National Commission of Human  Rights. 

We express our deepest concern about the continuing systematic and serious violations of human  rights and International Humanitarian Law norms committed by the Kingdom of Morocco in the  occupied Non-Self-Governing Territory of Western Sahara. 

The illegal plundering of the Saharawi natural resources continues with the support in particular  of the member countries of the European Union, in violation of the decisions of the Court of  Justice of the European Union. 

Sahrawi human rights defenders, journalists and political prisoners are subjected to harassment,  threats, arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence. Peaceful manifestations in the  Occupied Western Sahara are violently repressed. The use of drones has caused the death of civilians of different nationalities. 

The inexplicable silence observed by the Office of the High Commissioner regrettably supports  the persistent impunity enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco for the crimes committed in the  Occupied Western Sahara. 

I thank you for your attention. 

****** 

Point 2 – Rapport annuel du Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme Débat général 

Je vous remercie, 

J'ai l'honneur de parler au nom d'un groupe de plus de 300 organisations  (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org) ; y compris la Commission Nationale Sahraouie des Droits  de l'Homme. 

Nous exprimons notre plus vive préoccupation quant aux violations systématiques et graves des  droits de l'homme et des normes du Droit International Humanitaire commises par le Royaume  du Maroc dans le Territoire Non Autonome occupé du Sahara Occidental. 

Le pillage illégal des ressources naturelles du peuple Sahraoui continue avec le soutien en  particulier des pays membres de l’Union européenne, en violation des décisions de la Cour de  Justice de l’Union européenne. 

Les défenseurs des droits de l'homme, les journalistes et les prisonniers politiques sahraouis sont  soumis au harcèlement, aux menaces, aux arrestations arbitraires, aux mauvais traitements, à la  torture, aux violences sexuelles. Les manifestations pacifiques au Sahara occidental occupé sont  violemment réprimées. L’utilisation de drones a causé la mort de civils de différentes  nationalités. 

L’inexplicable silence observé par le Haut-Commissariat vient malheureusement conforter  l'impunité persistante dont jouit le Royaume du Maroc pour les crimes commis au Sahara  Occidental occupé.

Je vous remercie pour votre attention.  

****** 

Tema 2 – Informe anual del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos  Humanos 

Debate general 

Muchas gracias, 

Tengo el honor de hablar en nombre de un grupo de más de 300 organizaciones  (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org); incluida la Comisión Nacional Saharaui de Derechos  Humanos. 

Expresamos nuestra más profunda preocupación por las sistemáticas y graves violaciones de los  derechos humanos y de las normas del Derecho Internacional Humanitario cometidas por el  Reino de Marruecos en el Territorio No Autónomo ocupado del Sahara Occidental. 

El saqueo ilegal de los recursos naturales del pueblo saharaui continúa con el apoyo en particular  de los países miembros de la Unión Europea, en violación de las decisiones del Tribunal de  Justicia de la Unión Europea. 

Los defensores de los derechos humanos, los periodistas y los presos políticos saharauis son  objeto de acoso, amenazas, detenciones arbitrarias, malos tratos, tortura, violencia sexual. Las  manifestaciones pacíficas en el Sáhara Occidental ocupado son reprimidas con violencia. El uso  de drones ha causado la muerte de civiles de diferentes nacionalidades. 

El inexplicable silencio observado por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado lamentablemente  respalda la persistente impunidad de la que goza el Reino de Marruecos por los crímenes  cometidos en el Sáhara Occidental Ocupado. 

Les agradezco su atención. 

*****



Western Sahara case

1963                 Western Sahara was integrated to the list of Non Self-Governing Territories (NSGT) by the Special Committee on decolonization (C24), the proposal was endorsed by the UN General Assembly (resolution 1956).

1966                 Adoption of resolution 2229 by the UN General Assembly, which invited the Administering Power (Spain) to determine at the earliest possible date the procedures for the holding of a referendum with a view to enabling the indigenous population of the Territory to exercise freely its right to self-determination; Spain failed in its mandate as Administering Power and never organized the referendum.

6 Nov. 1975       the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released its Advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly on the legal status of Western Sahara: the Court asserted that the materials and information presented to it do not establish any tie of territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco. Thus the Court has not found legal ties of such a nature as might affect the application of resolution 1514 (XV) in the decolonization of Western Sahara and, in particular, of the principle of self-determination through the free and genuine expression of the will of the peoples of the Territory.

                        Hassan II launched the military invasion of Western Sahara, followed by thousands of civilians (Green March).

                        Adoption of resolution 380 by the UN Security Council, which called upon Morocco immediately to withdrawn from the Territory of Western Sahara all the participants in the march.

NOTE: From then on, Western Sahara became (and still is today) the only NSGT which is under foreign illegal military occupation.

26 Febr. 1976     Spain informed the UN Secretary General that as of that date it had terminated its presence in Western Sahara and relinquished its responsibility over the Territory.

NOTE: From then on, Western Sahara became (and still is today) the only NSGT which has not an internationally recognised Administering Power: de jure, Spain should still be considered as the Administering Power, de facto, the UN has the primary responsibility over the Territory.

1979                 Mauritania signed a peace agreement with the Polisario Front and withdrew from the Territory.

                        Adoption of resolution 34/37 by the UN General Assembly, which deeply deplored the aggravation of the situation resulting from the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and the extension of that occupation to the territory evacuated by Mauritania. The General Assembly also recognized the Polisario Front as the representative of the people of Western Sahara.

1980                 Adoption of resolution 35/19 by the UN General Assembly, which declared that it was deeply concerned at the aggravation of the situation deriving from the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and reiterated the appeal to Morocco to terminate the occupation of Western Sahara.

. . . continue reading about Western Sahara case, and recent developments, in English, Spanish and French on the website of the Geneva Support Group

Comment

IFOR joins "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine" at the UN

Comment

IFOR joins "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine" at the UN

On February 28th the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council started its working session and on March 3rd and 4th an Urgent debate on the situation of human rights in Ukraine, stemming from the Russian aggression.

You can watch here the plenary meeting of the mentioned urgent debate with the interventions of member states and NGOs.

On March 8th, during the General Debate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Madam Bachelet, IFOR joined 20 other NGOs in an "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine", delivered by the Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII.


49th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, 28 February – 1 April 2022 Item 2: General Debate with the High Commissioner on Human Rights  Joint Oral statement delivered by: Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23) Co-signing NGOs1:  

Associazione Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23); Association Points-Cœur; AVSI  Foundation; Baptist World Alliance (BWA); Center for Global Nonkilling; Confédération  Internationale Société de Saint Vincent de Paul; Conscience and Peace Tax International  (CPTI); Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers); Dominican Leadership  Conference; Edmund Rice International; Foundation for the Social Promotion of Culture;  ICMICA-MIIC Pax Romana; International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE); International  fellowship of Reconciliation – IFOR; International Organization for the Right to Education  and freedom of Education (OIDEL); International Volunteerism Organization for Women  Education and Development (VIDES International); Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice  (IIMA); MIAMSI; Mouvement contre le Racism et pour l’Amitiéentre les Peuples (MRAP);  New Humanity. 

“Appeal for Peace in Ukraine” 

Madam High Commissioner,  

I speak on behalf of 20 NGOs to express our extreme dismay at the military action that is currently  unfolding in Ukraine. We would like to echo your appeal2 of February 24 that urges an immediate halt to  hostilities that puts countless civilian lives at risk.  

We bring into this room the voice of the defenceless victims of conflicts, whose human rights are being  violated. 

We would like to recall the 2016 Declaration on the Right to Peace3 that affirms “Everyone has the right  to enjoy peace such that all human rights are promoted and protected and development is fully realized.” 

We believe that a process of disarmament is needed in order to guarantee peace. All countries involved in  the security architecture of Europe must commit to the reduction of strategic and non-strategic nuclear  weapons stored in the continent. Moreover, the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons should be  signed and implemented by all States.  

We appeal to the UN, the international community, all parties to strive for an end to the fighting in Ukraine  by enforcing international law and finding a solution to the conflict based on the principle of peaceful  settlement of disputes. 

“War is a “scourge”… It is an adventure without return that compromises humanity's present and threatens  its future… War is always a defeat for humanity”4 

No one has the right to make a war, yet we all have the duty to build peace. 

Thank You! 


1 NGOs not accredited to ECOSOC supporting this statement: 1. Japan Committee for the Right to Peace 2 https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=28153&LangID=E 

3 A/RES/71/189 

4 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, paragraph 497


Comment

NO TO WAR! IFOR voice for peace

Comment

Conscientious Objector Alert

NO TO WAR! IFOR voice for peace

-scroll down to read several statements from the fellowship worldwide-

NO TO WAR!

IFOR statement on the current situation in Ukraine

February, 28th 2022

You can download the entire statement here.

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation expresses its very strong concerns and deep sadness about the invasion and occupation being conducted by Russia in Ukraine.

These are dark days in history.

War is a crime against humanity and can never be justified. It only leads to human suffering and

tears, and rips apart the societal structures that enable people to live in dignity.

The use, or preparation for use, of nuclear weapons is unconscionable.

Therefore, IFOR:

▪ Stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and supports the efforts of Russians who are

protesting against this war.

▪ Urges an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Ukraine.

▪ Stands up for conscientious objection, the right to refuse to kill, to reject violence and to

repudiate bearing arms in both (and all) countries.

▪ Urges all governments and multilateral organisations to choose diplomatic and political means to address the situation.

▪ Encourages the Ukrainian government and people to choose persistent nonviolent resistance.

▪ Calls on European people and nations to welcome refugees from Ukraine.

▪ Encourages the Russian people to non-violently resist the war policy and actions of their

government.

▪ Calls on Russian religious leaders to disassociate themselves from the aggressive and bellicose

policy of the Russian government, to recover the peaceful intentions of those religions, and to

actively engage with peace initiatives and diplomacy.

▪ Invites people of faith, spirituality and conscience to direct their prayers and actions to stopping the war and sustaining peace in the region.


NON A LA GUERRE !

Déclaration de l'IFOR sur la situation actuelle en Ukraine

Le Mouvement international de la Réconciliation exprime ses très fortes préoccupations et sa

profonde tristesse face à l'invasion et l'occupation menées par la Russie en Ukraine.

Ce sont des jours sombres de l'histoire.

La guerre est un crime contre l'humanité et ne peut jamais être justifiée. Elle ne fait qu'engendrer des souffrances humaines et des larmes, et elle détruit les infrastructures qui permettent aux gens de vivre dans la dignité.

L'utilisation, ou la préparation à l'utilisation, d'armes nucléaires est inadmissible.

Par conséquent, le MIR:

▪ Est solidaire du peuple ukrainien et soutient les efforts des Russes qui protestent contre cette

guerre.

▪ Demande instamment un cessez-le-feu immédiat et le retrait des troupes russes d'Ukraine.

▪ Défend l'objection de conscience, le droit de refuser de tuer, de rejeter la violence et de refuser de porter des armes dans les deux pays (et dans tous les pays).

▪ Exhorte tous les gouvernements et les organisations multilatérales à choisir des moyens

diplomatiques et politiques pour faire face à la situation.

▪ Encourage le gouvernement et le peuple ukrainiens à opter pour une résistance non-violente dans la durée.

▪ Appelle les peuples et nations européens à accueillir les réfugiés d'Ukraine.

▪ Encourage le peuple russe à résister de manière non-violente à la politique et aux actions de guerre de son gouvernement.

▪ Appelle les chefs religieux russes à se dissocier de la politique agressive et belliqueuse du

gouvernement russe, à retrouver les intentions pacifiques de ces religions, et à s'engager

activement dans les initiatives de paix et la diplomatie.

▪ Invite les croyants à orienter leurs prières et leurs actions vers l'arrêt de la guerre et le maintien de la paix dans la région.


¡NO A LA GUERRA!

Declaración de IFOR sobre la situación actual en Ucrania

El Movimiento Internacional de Reconciliación expresa su gran preocupación y profunda tristeza por la invasión y ocupación que está llevando a cabo Rusia en Ucrania.

Estos son días oscuros en la historia.

La guerra es un crimen contra la humanidad y nunca puede justificarse. Sólo conduce al sufrimiento humano y al desgarro, y destroza las estructuras sociales que permiten a las personas vivir con dignidad.

El uso, o la preparación para el uso, de armas nucleares es inconcebible.

Por lo tanto, el MIR:

▪ Se solidariza con el pueblo de Ucrania y apoya los esfuerzos de los rusos que han protestado

contra esta guerra.

▪ Insta a un alto el fuego inmediato y a la retirada de las tropas rusas de Ucrania.

▪ Se posiciona a favor de la objeción de conciencia, el derecho a rechazar a matar, a rechazar la

violencia y a repudiar la portación de armas en ambos (y en todos los) países.

▪ Insta a todos los gobiernos y organizaciones multilaterales a que opten por medios diplomáticos y políticos para abordar la situación.

▪ Anima al gobierno y al pueblo ucraniano a optar por la resistencia no violenta persistente.

▪ Pide a los pueblos y naciones europeas que acojan a los refugiados de Ucrania.

▪ Anima al pueblo ruso a resistir de forma no violenta la política de guerra y las acciones de su

gobierno.

▪ Pide a los líderes religiosos rusos que se desvinculen de la política agresiva y belicosa del gobierno ruso, que recuperen las intenciones pacíficas de esas religiones y que se comprometan activamente con las iniciativas de paz y la diplomacia.

▪ Invita a las personas de fe, espiritualidad y conciencia a dirigir sus oraciones y acciones para

detener la guerra y mantener la paz en la región.


НЕТ ВОЙНЕ!

Заявление IFOR о текущей ситуации в Украине

Международное братство примирения выражает свою сильную озабоченность и глубокую печаль

по поводу вторжения и оккупации, осуществляемой Россией в Украине.

Это мрачные дни в истории.

Война является преступлением против человечества и никогда не может быть оправдана. Она

ведет только к человеческим страданиям и слезам и разрушает общественные структуры, которые

позволяют людям жить достойно.

Применение или подготовка к применению ядерного оружия недобросовестны.

Поэтому IFOR:

▪ Солидарна с народом Украины и поддерживает усилия россиян, протестующих против этой

войны.

▪ Призывает к немедленному прекращению огня и выводу российских войск из Украины.

▪ Выступает в защиту отказа от военной службы по соображениям совести и защищает право

не убивать, не отвергать насилие и не носить оружие в обеих (и во всех) странах.

▪ Призывает все правительства и многосторонние организации выбрать дипломатические и

политические средства для разрешения ситуации.

▪ Призывает украинское правительство и народ выбрать упорное ненасильственное

сопротивление.

▪ Призывает европейские народы и страны принять беженцев из Украины.

▪ Призывает российский народ к ненасильственному сопротивлению военной политике и

действиям своего правительства.

▪ Призывает российских религиозных лидеров отмежеваться от агрессивной и воинственной

политики российского правительства, восстановить мирные намерения этих религий и

активно участвовать в мирных инициативах и дипломатии.

▪ Призывает людей веры, духовности и совести направить свои молитвы и действия на

прекращение войны и поддержание мира в регионе.

В переводе с оригинала на английском языке.


НІ ВІЙНІ!

Заява IFOR щодо поточної ситуації в Україні

Міжнародне товариство примирення висловлює свою сильну стурбованість і глибокий сум з

приводу вторгнення та окупації, які Росія проводить в Україні.

Це темні дні в історії.

Війна є злочином проти людства і ніколи не може бути виправдана. Це призводить лише до

людських страждань і сліз і розриває соціальні структури, які дозволяють людям жити гідно.

Використання або підготовка до застосування ядерної зброї є нерозумним.

Тому IFOR:

▪ Солідарний з народом України та підтримує зусилля росіян, які протестували проти цієї

війни.

▪ Закликає до негайного припинення вогню та виведення російських військ з України.

▪ Відстоює відмову від совісті та захищає право відмовлятися вбивати, відмовлятися від

насильства та відмовлятися від носіння зброї в обох (і в усіх) країнах.

▪ Закликає всі уряди та багатосторонні організації обрати дипломатичні та політичні засоби

для вирішення ситуації.

▪ Заохочує український уряд і народ обирати наполегливий ненасильницький опір.

▪ Закликає європейських людей і народи вітати біженців з України.

▪ Заохочує російський народ до ненасильницького опору політиці війни та діям свого уряду.

▪ Закликає російських релігійних лідерів відмежуватися від агресивної та войовничої

політики російського уряду, відновити мирні наміри цих релігій та активно брати участь у

мирних ініціативах та дипломатії.

▪ Запрошує людей віри, духовності та совісті направити свої молитви та дії на припинення

війни та підтримання миру в регіоні.

Переклад з оригіналу англійською.


IFOR’S AFRICAN BGAs CALL FOR NON-VIOLENCE, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Brazzaville and Harare, March 20th 2022

 

We, African Branches, Groups and Affiliates (BGAs) of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR):

Are deeply concerned about the current war situation between Russia and Ukraine, and greatly saddened by so much unnecessary suffering and destruction of infrastructure and the environment necessary for the well-being of the people;

Reaffirm our commitment to participate in the promotion of justice and peace through active non-violence, to denounce and resist any recourse to war, armed conflict and other forms of violence as a means of resolving conflicts between individuals, groups, international, national or social conflicts;

Let us say that this denunciation and resistance also concern everything that tends to make possible, or to justify war, armed conflict and all other forms of violence ;

Therefore, we:

1- Condemn firmly the war between Russia and Ukraine, but also all the wars and armed conflicts in progress in the world and in particular in Africa, where some of them have been taking place in the eyes of the world for several years ;

2- Tribute to all the victims of this current war on European soil, as well as to the victims of wars and armed conflicts in other regions of the world;

3- Consider that the root causes of the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as those of other wars or armed conflicts in the world, are multifaceted, complex and interdependent, that no conflict can be definitively resolved by violence, and that security and peace in Europe are necessary, but can only be sustainable within the global framework of security and peace among all the peoples and nations of our "common home" the Earth;

4- Recall that the life of each person is a unique and priceless gift of God, and call on all parties involved in armed confrontations around the world, and especially in the war between Russia and Ukraine:

-to observe immediate cease-fires in order to preserve human lives and the environment from the madness of destruction, and to promote the peaceful or non-violent resolution of conflicts through the process of negotiation and dialogue, the only credible way to silence the weapons definitively in the zones in conflict and to achieve the necessary and possible mutual reconciliation;

- to urgently create and respect humanitarian corridors in order to alleviate the suffering of populations trapped in combat zones, to allow people who want to leave combat zones or countries at war to do so, so that they can be received with humanity in other countries, and particularly in the current circumstances of the situation in Ukraine that the countries of Europe put in place policies and plans that provide adequate and equal protection to all such persons fleeing war, regardless of nationality, citizenship, affinity, race, religion, in accordance with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and good practice;

- to respect and fully implement the right to conscientious objection, including the right to refuse to kill, to reject violence and to refuse to bear arms in both Russia and Ukraine, and in all countries, as guaranteed by international human rights treaties;

5- Exhort all leaders of states, multinational organizations and all citizens of the world:

-to refrain from any declaration, measure, training, supply of weapons, ammunition or fighters, as they are likely to "add fuel to the fire" by escalating and expanding the war between Russia and Ukraine over the entire world threatened by nuclear or biological weapons, as well as these activities in support of the war promote the regionalization and aggravation of other armed conflicts in many countries around the world;

- to work resolutely together for the implementation of disarmament and demilitarization policies on an international scale, so that the funds from military and arms spending are directed towards the improvement of living conditions and the integral development of a greater number of people and communities in the world

-to redefine the foundations of a new world order based on structures that are capable of preventing and resolving conflicts between states or groups more effectively and of putting an end to wars, and that promote more justice and peace in international relations and among peoples;

6- Local and international media, users of social networks and instant messaging services should be encouraged to freely and responsibly cover the various crises around the world, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, and to share information, photos, and videos, with the ethic of refraining from being instruments of propaganda contributing to violence, division, hatred, and vengeance, and instead be vehicles for the promotion of dialogue, the search for and the consolidation of peace, and reconciliation

7- Call upon all believers, women and men of good will, to their responsibilities, and invite them to direct their prayers and actions towards stopping the war between Russia and Ukraine, and in other conflict zones, so that peace and justice may be restored everywhere in the world and that no creature of God may lose hope.

8- Let's offer the availability and the centennial experience of IFOR to mediation and to accompany reconciliation processes in societies and communities crossed by wars or violent conflicts.



Jean Pierre MASSAMBA                                                   Apostle PHIRI

(Congo)                                                                      (Zimbabwe)

                                                                                      *Members of the IFOR Representative Consultative Committee, appointed for the Africa region 


APPEL DES BGAs AFRICAINES DE L’IFOR

A LA NON-VIOLENCE, LA PAIX ET LA RECONCILIATION

Brazzaville et Harare, 20 mars 2022

 

Nous, Branches, Groupes et Affiliés (BGAs) Africaines du Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (MIR) :

Sommes fortement préoccupés par la situation de guerre actuelle entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, et grandement attristés par tant de souffrances inutiles et de destructions d’infrastructures et de l’environnement nécessaires au bien-être des populations;

Réaffirmons notre engagement à participer à la promotion de la justice et de la paix par la non-violence active, à dénoncer et à résister à tout recours à la guerre, aux conflits armés et aux autres formes de violence comme moyen de résolution des conflits entre les personnes, les groupes, les conflits internationaux, nationaux ou sociaux ;

Disons que cette dénonciation et résistance concernent également tout ce qui tend à rendre possible, ou à justifier la guerre, le conflit armé et toutes les autres formes de violence ;

Par conséquent, nous:

1- Condamnons fermement la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, mais également  toutes les guerres et conflits armés en cours dans le monde et notamment en Afrique, où certains se déroulent aux yeux du monde depuis plusieurs années ;

2- Rendons hommages à toutes les victimes de cette guerre actuelle sur le sol européen, tout comme aux victimes des guerres et conflits armés dans d’autres régions du monde ;

3- Considérons que les causes profondes de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, ainsi que celles d’autres guerres ou conflits armés dans le monde, sont multiformes, complexes et interdépendantes, qu’aucun conflit ne peut être réglé définitivement par la violence, et que la sécurité et la paix en Europe sont nécessaires, mais ne peuvent être durables que dans le cadre global de la sécurité et la paix entre tous les peuples et nations de notre « maison commune » la terre;

 

4- Rappelons  que la vie de chaque personne est un don unique et inestimable de Dieu, et demandons à toutes les parties impliquées dans des affrontements armés partout dans le monde, et notamment dans la guerre Russie et Ukraine :

-d’observer des cessez-le-feu immédiats afin de préserver les vies humaines et l’environnement de la folie des destructions, et favoriser la résolution pacifique ou non-violente des conflits par le processus de négociation et de dialogue, seul chemin crédible pour faire taire les armes définitivement dans les zones en conflit et parvenir à des nécessaires et possibles réconciliations mutuelles;

- de créer en urgence et de respecter les couloirs humanitaires afin de soulager les souffrances des populations coincées dans les zones de combat, permettre aux personnes qui veulent quitter les zones de combats ou les pays en guerre, de le faire, afin qu’elles soient accueillies avec humanité dans d’autres pays, et particulièrement dans les circonstances actuelles de la situation en Ukraine, que les pays d’Europe  mettent en place des politiques et plans qui font bénéficier une protection adéquate et égale à toutes ces personnes fuyant la guerre, sans distinction de leur nationalité, citoyenneté, affinité, race, religion, conformément au droit international humanitaire, au droit international des droits de l’homme et aux bonnes pratiques ;

- de respecter et de mettre pleinement en œuvre le droit à l'objection de conscience, notamment le droit de refuser de tuer, de rejeter la violence et de refuser de porter des armes dans ces deux pays, la Russie et l’Ukraine, et dans tous les pays, tels que garantis par les traités internationaux relatifs aux droits de l'Homme ;

 

5- Exhortons tous les dirigeants des États, des organisations multinationales et tous les citoyens du monde :

-à s’abstenir de toute déclaration, mesure, formation, fourniture d’armes, de munitions ou de combattants, car de nature à « mettre l’huile au feu» en entraînant l’escalade et l’élargissement de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine sur le monde entier menacé par l’arme nucléaire ou biologique, de même que ces activités de soutien à la guerre favorisent la régionalisation et l’aggravation d’autres conflits armés dans de nombreux pays à travers le monde ;

- à œuvrer résolument ensemble pour la mise en place à l’échelle internationale, des politiques de désarmement et de démilitarisation, de telle manière que les fonds des dépenses militaires et en armement soient orientés vers l’amélioration des conditions de vie et le développement intégral d’un plus grand nombre de personnes et de communautés dans le monde;

-à redéfinir les bases d’un nouvel ordre mondial fondé sur des structures capables de prévenir et résoudre plus efficacement les conflits entre les États ou des groupes et de mettre fin aux guerres, et qui favorisent plus de justice et de paix dans les relations internationales et entre les peuples ;

6- Encourageons les médias locaux et internationaux, les utilisateurs des réseaux sociaux et services de messageries instantanés, à couvrir en toute liberté et responsabilité les différentes crises à travers le monde, dont la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, à partager des informations, photos, vidéos, dans l’éthique de s’interdire d’être des instruments de propagande contribuant à nourrir la violence, la division, la haine, la vengeance, et au contraire, être des vecteurs de la promotion du dialogue, de la recherche et la consolidation de la paix, de la réconciliation;

7- Interpellons tous les croyants, femmes et hommes de bonne volonté, sur leurs responsabilités, et les invitons à orienter leurs prières et leurs actions vers l'arrêt de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, et dans d’autres zones de conflits, afin que soient restaurées la paix et la justice partout dans le monde et qu’aucune créature de Dieu ne perde espérance.

8- Offrons la disponibilité et l’expérience centenaire de IFOR à des médiations et pour accompagner les processus de réconciliation dans des sociétés et communautés traversées par des guerres ou conflits violents.

"Click here to download the official statement"


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NO WAR! Voices for peace from civil society worldwide

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NO WAR! Voices for peace from civil society worldwide

Here you can see a compilation of different statements and voices from peace organizations around the world.

Say NO TO WAR!

-page constantly updated with new statements-


Photo from Russia: NO WAR

  • Statement by the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement:

The Ukrainian Pacifist Movement condemns all military actions by the sides of Russia and Ukraine in the context of the current conflict.
We call the leadership of both states and military forces to step back and sit at the negotiation table. Peace in Ukraine and around the world can be achieved only in a non-violent way. War is a crime against humanity. Therefore, we are determined not to support any kind of war and to strive for the removal of all causes of war.


Photo from Ukraine: PEACE!

  • Statement by the Movement of Conscientious Objectors to Military Service in Russia:

What is happening in Ukraine is a war unleashed by Russia.
The Conscientious Objectors Movement condemns the Russian military aggression. And calls on Russia to stop the war.
The Conscientious Objectors Movement calls on the Russian soldiers not to participate in hostilities. Do not become war criminals. The Conscientious Objectors Movement calls on all recruits to refuse military service: apply for alternative civilian service, be exempted on medical grounds.




Team members of Napoli and Barcelona hold a banner that reads, "Stop War" during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg Two match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 24, 2022 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)

Farmers in the German town of Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia, created this XXL peace sign (120 meters) with their tractors. instagram.com/westfalenblatt / Moritz Winde

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WEBINAR #1 "20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA"

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WEBINAR #1 "20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA"

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria, is pleased to invite you to the

WEBINAR #1 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

“20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA”

February 26th 2022 at 5pm CET (UTC+1) on Zoom

This webinar #1 will focus on international accompaniment and will present the 20 years’ experience of FOR Peace Presence.

The webinar will address the local context, the need for international accompaniment, the perspective of accompanied person, the experience of past and present accompaniers and will explore more on challenges and their development through two decades; participants will have the opportunity to hear about different contexts of action and learn about the new approach FORPP is implementing and opportunities for interested people.

Our main speakers will be:

  • Peter Cousins, IFOR vice-president and former FORPP accompanier

  • Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

  • Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach and Chris Moore-Backman, former FORPP accompaniers

  • María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, accompanied person and current FORPP accompanier

  • Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FORPP accompanier

  • Manuel Müller, FORPP program director

Throughout the online meeting, participants will have the possibility to ask questions to the speakers and in the last part of the webinar, during the open forum, all interested people will be welcomed to contribute on the topic of international accompaniment and share their own -and their organizations- experience.

Register here and participate!  

After you registered, you will receive by email the link to connect on Zoom on the 26th and further details on WEBINAR #1. 


Webinar #1 - "20 years of international accompaniment in Colombia" 

Program

Welcoming

1st part

PRESENTATION #1 : Historical insight into the international accompaniment by FOR Peace Presence

  Peter Cousins, IFOR vice-president and former FOR Peace Presence accompanier

PRESENTATION #2: International accompaniment in the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó 

  Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

2nd part

TESTIMONIES: interview with former and current FOR Peace Presence accompaniers

   Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach and Chris Moore-BackmanMaría Eugenia Mosquera Riascos Michaela Soellinger

3rd part

PRESENTATION #3: FOR Peace Presence in today Colombian context

  Manuel Müller, FOR Peace Presence program coordinator

  María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, accompanied person and current FOR Peace Presence accompanier

  Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FOR Peace Presence accompanier

OPEN FORUM: exchange on international accompaniment

Closing

 

*Q&As moderated throughout the meeting


The webinar series will be in English and Spanish with 3 languages interpretation, including French as well.

The webinar series celebrates 25 years of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and 20 years of FOR Peace Presence.

The aim of this webinar series is to raise awareness on current Colombian issues, give voice to the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and provide an opportunity to share lessons learned on international accompaniment which can also be applied in other contexts; thus, build stronger connection and solidarity and learn how to best collaborate globally and locally for human rights and peacebuilding.

This webinar #1 will be followed by another in March and one more in April.

More info on the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES are available here

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, a centenary spiritual based peace movement, engages on the field of human rights at the international level within the UN system where it holds a consultative status and partners together with local organizations to support local efforts and report on human rights issues.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (IFOR’s affiliate) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing international accompaniment to communities and individuals at risk in Colombia who embrace active nonviolence working to promote human rights, peace and justice.

The Austrian Fellowship of Reconciliation-FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), as part of the international peace movement, actively works non-violently for a just and sustainable peace. Since 2006 FOR Austria accompanies communities and human rights defenders in Colombia in collaboration with FOR Peace Presence.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER AND PASS ALONG THE WORD!

You are welcome to also share on Fb here

 


IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, 

junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria, se alegra de invitarle al 

WEBINAR #1 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO

"20 AÑOS DE ACOMPAÑAMIENTO INTERNACIONAL EN COLOMBIA"

26 de febrero de 2022 a las 17 horas CET (UTC+1) en Zoom

Este webinar #1 se centrará en el acompañamiento internacional y presentará la experiencia de 20 años de FOR Peace Presence.

El webinar abordará el contexto local, la necesidad del acompañamiento internacional, la perspectiva de la persona acompañada, la experiencia de los acompañantes pasados y presentes y explorará más sobre los desafíos y su desarrollo a través de dos décadas; los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de escuchar sobre diferentes contextos de acción y aprender sobre el nuevo método que FORPP está implementando y las oportunidades para las personas interesadas.

Nuestros principales ponentes serán

- Peter Cousins, vicepresidente de IFOR y antiguo acompañante del FORPP

- Gildardo Tuberquia, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

- Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach y Chris Moore-Backman, antiguos acompañantes del FORPP

- María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, persona acompañada y actual acompañante del FORPP

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria y actual acompañante del FORPP

- Manuel Müller, director del programa FORPP

A lo largo del encuentro online, los participantes tendrán la posibilidad de hacer preguntas a los ponentes y en la última parte del webinar, durante el foro abierto, todas las personas interesadas serán bienvenidas para contribuir sobre el tema del acompañamiento internacional y compartir su propia -y sus organizaciones- experiencia.

¡Inscríbase aquí y participe!  


Webinar #1 -  "20 años de acompañamiento internacional en Colombia" 

Programa

Bienvenido

1ª parte
PRESENTACIÓN #1
Visión histórica del acompañamiento internacional de FOR Peace Presence
  Peter Cousins, vicepresidente de IFOR y antiguo acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
PRESENTACIÓN #2El acompañamiento internacional en la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó
  Gildardo Tuberquia, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

2ª parte
TESTIMONIOS
: entrevista con antiguos y actuales acompañantes de FOR Peace Presence

  Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach y Chris Moore-Backman, María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos y Michaela Soellinger

3ª parte
PRESENTACIÓN #3
La Presencia de Paz de FOR en el contexto colombiano actual
  Manuel Müller, Coordinador del programa FOR Peace Presence
  María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, persona acompañada y actual acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
  Michaela Soellinger, acompañante de FOR Austria y actual acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
FORO ABIERTO: intercambio sobre el acompañamiento internacional

Clausura


*Preguntas y respuestas moderadas a lo largo de la reunión


Después de inscribirse, recibirá por correo electrónico el enlace para conectarse en Zoom el día 26 y más detalles sobre el WEBINAR #1. 

La serie de seminarios web se realizará en inglés y español, con interpretación en tres idiomas, incluido el francés.

La serie de webinarios celebra los 25 años de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y los 20 años de FOR Peace Presence.

El objetivo de esta serie de webinarios es sensibilizar sobre temas de actualidad en Colombia, dar voz a la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y proporcionar una oportunidad para compartir las lecciones aprendidas sobre el acompañamiento internacional que también puede aplicarse en otros contextos; así, construir una conexión y solidaridad más fuerte y aprender cómo colaborar mejor a nivel global y local para los derechos humanos y la construcción de la paz.

A este webinar #1 le seguirá otro en marzo y uno más en abril.

Más información sobre la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO está disponible aquí

El International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, un movimiento centenario de paz basado en la espiritualidad, se compromete en el campo de los derechos humanos a nivel internacional dentro del sistema de la ONU, donde tiene un estatus consultivo y se asocia con organizaciones locales para apoyar los esfuerzos locales e informar sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos. 

El Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (afiliado a IFOR) es una organización no gubernamental dedicada a proporcionar acompañamiento internacional a comunidades e individuos en situación de riesgo en Colombia que abrazan la no violencia activa y trabajan para promover los derechos humanos, la paz y la justicia. 

El Movimiento Austriaco de Reconciliación - FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), como parte del movimiento internacional por la paz, trabaja activamente de forma no violenta por una paz justa y sostenible. Desde 2006 FOR Austria ha acompañado a las comunidades y a los defensores de los derechos humanos en Colombia en colaboración con FOR Peace Presence.

 

¡NO OLVIDES REGISTRARTE Y PASAR LA VOZ!

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IFOR - Mouvement International de la Réconciliation, 

en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence et FOR Autriche, a le plaisir de vous inviter à la WEBINAR #1 de la SÉRIE DE WEBINAIRES ANNIVERSAIRE

"20 ANS D'ACCOMPAGNEMENT INTERNATIONAL EN COLOMBIE"

26 février 2022 à 17h00 CET (UTC+1) sur Zoom

Ce webinaire #1 se concentrera sur l'accompagnement international et présentera les 20 ans d'expérience de FOR Peace Presence.

Le webinaire abordera le contexte local, la nécessité de l'accompagnement international, la perspective de la personne accompagnée, l'expérience des accompagnateurs passés et présents et explorera davantage les défis et leur évolution au cours de deux décennies ; les participants auront l'occasion d'entendre parler de différents contextes d'action et d'apprendre la nouvelle approche que FORPP met en œuvre et les opportunités pour les personnes intéressées.

Nos principaux intervenants seront :

- Peter Cousins, vice-président d'IFOR et ancien accompagnateur du FORPP.

- Gildardo Tuberquia, Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó

- Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach et Chris Moore-Backman, anciens accompagnateurs du FORPP

- María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, personne accompagnée et accompagnatrice actuelle du FORPP

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Autriche et accompagnatrice actuelle du FORPP

- Manuel Müller, directeur du programme FORPP

Tout au long de la réunion en ligne, les participants auront la possibilité de poser des questions aux intervenants et dans la dernière partie du webinaire, lors du forum ouvert, toutes les personnes intéressées seront invitées à contribuer sur le thème de l'accompagnement international et à partager leur propre expérience -et celle de leur organisation-.

Inscrivez-vous ici et participez !  

Après votre inscription, vous recevrez par email le lien pour vous connecter sur Zoom le 26 et plus de détails sur le WEBINAR #1. 


Webinar #1 - "20 ans d'accompagnement international en Colombie".

Programme

Accueil

1ère partie

PRESENTATION#1 : Aperçu historique de l'accompagnement international par FOR Peace Presence  

   Peter Cousins, vice-président d'IFOR et ancien accompagnateur de la FOR Peace Presence.

PRESENTATION #2 : Accompagnement international dans la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó   

   Gildardo Tuberquia, Communauté de paix de San José de Apartadó

2ème partie

TESTIMONIES : interview d'anciens et d'actuels accompagnateurs de FOR Peace Presence   

   Jutta Meier-Wiedenbachet Chris Moore-Backman, MaríaEugenia Mosquera Riascos et Michaela Soellinger

3ème partie

PRESENTATION #3 : FOR Peace Presence dans le contexte colombien actuel  

   Manuel Müller, coordinateur du programme FOR Peace Presence  

   María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, personne accompagnée et accompagnatrice actuelle de FOR Peace Presence  

   Michaela Soellinger, FOR Autriche et accompagnatrice actuelle de FOR Peace Presence

FORUM OUVERT : échange sur l'accompagnement international

Clôture 

*Q&Rs animées tout au long de la réunion


La série de webinaires sera en anglais et en espagnol avec une interprétation en 3 langues, y compris le français.

La série de webinaires célèbre les 25 ans de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et les 20 ans de FOR Peace Presence.

L'objectif de cette série de webinaires est de sensibiliser aux problèmes actuels en Colombie, de donner une voix à la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et de fournir une occasion de partager les leçons apprises sur l'accompagnement international qui peut également être appliqué dans d'autres contextes; de renforcer les liens et la solidarité, et d'apprendre comment mieux collaborer au niveau mondial et local pour les droits de l'homme et la consolidation de la paix.

Ce webinaire n°1 sera suivi d'un autre en mars et d'un autre encore en avril.

De plus amples informations sur la SÉRIE DE WEBINAR ANNIVERSAIRE sont disponibles ici (insérer un lien hypertexte https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3)

Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR), un mouvement de paix centenaire fondé sur la spiritualité, s'engage dans le domaine des droits de l'homme au niveau international au sein du système des Nations Unies, où il détient un statut consultatif, et s'associe à des organisations locales pour soutenir les efforts locaux et produire des rapports sur les questions relatives aux droits de l'homme.

Le Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (affilié à l'IFOR) est une organisation non gouvernementale qui se consacre à l'accompagnement international des communautés et des personnes à risque en Colombie qui pratiquent la non-violence active pour promouvoir les droits de l'homme, la paix et la justice.

Le Mouvement autrichien de la Réconciliation - FOR Autriche (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), qui fait partie du mouvement international pour la paix, œuvre activement et de manière non violente pour une paix juste et durable. Depuis 2006, FOR Autriche accompagne les communautés et les défenseurs des droits de l'homme en Colombie en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence.

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