[WCUSP] WILPF Condemns Ongoing Violence in the Middle East

[C.J. Minster]

Dear sisters,

This is an update from WILPF International via our International listserv
(info on subscribing to the listserv is at the bottom of the message).

in peace with justice,
c.j.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: susi.snyder at wilpf.ch <susi.snyder at wilpf.ch>
Date: Jul 21, 2006 1:53 PM
Subject: wilpf-news WILPF Condemns Ongoing Violence in the Middle East
To: wilpf-news at igc.topica.com

Dear WILPF Members, Friends,

Bombing and shelling continue in the Middle East.  Women, girls, men and
boys are losing their lives because of the indiscriminate nature of even the
"smartest" bombs.  Around the world, demonstrations, protests,
manifestations and more are taking place, calling for an immediate end to
the hostilities- we must all raise our voices to end this illegal campaign
of destruction and death.

We urge you to take the statement below and use it as the basis for a letter
to your heads of state, parliamentarians, elected officials- and to ask them
for a response.  We encourage you to distribute the statement and web
resources amongst your networks, to churches, community groups, and anyone
you can talk to about the issue.  Ask your colleagues to visit the WILPF
website, where daily updates from the region are posted here:
http://www.wilpf.int.ch/updates/leb.htm

It is important that we do everything we can to inform people as to the
urgency of this situation, and the need for an immediate stop to the bombing
and start to the much needed humanitarian assistance.

Susi Snyder,
Secretary-General

*WILPF Condemns Ongoing Violence in the Middle East*

Ongoing bombing and shelling by all parties in the current conflict only
serves to destroy recently rebuilt civilian infrastructure, to maim and
injure innocent bystanders, and to put the future of the region, and the
world at risk.

Civilians are being indiscriminately killed and harmed through this bombing
campaign, women, men, and children who harbor no responsibility in the
current situation are casualties of this use of force.   An international
humanitarian emergency has been created, and will only worsen if these
attacks continue.  Thousands of individuals are now displaced, water is
running out, food and medicines are in short supply.  The current bombing
and shelling campaigns are a clear violation of International Humanitarian
Law, specifically Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and Article 50
of the Hague Convention.

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom calls for an
immediate cease-fire by all parties, and for the United Nations to use all
good offices and peaceful means available to negotiate a just and
sustainable resolution to this conflict.

###

*WILPF* works on issues of peace, human rights and disarmament at the local,
national and international levels, participating in the ongoing
international debates on peace and security issues, conflict prevention and
resolution, on the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and the
promotion and protection of human rights. It contributes to analysis of
these issues, and through its many activities, educates, informs and
mobilizes women for action everywhere.

See previous WILPF Statements and Resolutions on this issue here:
http://www.wilpf.int.ch/statements/me.doc

Read daily updates from inside the region here:
http://www.wilpf.int.ch/updates/leb.htm

-- 
Ms. Susi Snyder
Secretary General
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
1, rue de Varembe
Case Postale 28
1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland
Telephone : +41 22 919 7080
Fax : +41 22 919 7081
email : susi.snyder at wilpf.ch
websites:http://www.wilpf.chhttp://www.peacewomen.orghttp://www.reachingcriticalwill.org

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--^^---------------------------------------------------------------


---------------------
C.J. Minster, Program Chair
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Make Peace a Reality - Join WILPF!
http://wilpf.blogspot.com

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