Call for peace and disarmament

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Peace and Disarmament: Ending the War in Ukraine

In the 21st century, war should no longer be the means of resolving conflicts between states or nations.

The war in Ukraine, with its toll of death, destruction, and suffering, poses a serious threat to the peoples of Europe and the world as a whole. The repercussions are already significant, benefiting some (notably military-industrial complexes) while being detrimental to the majority and devastating for the poorest countries.

While many non-aligned countries seek diplomatic solutions to the conflict, many others have decided to spend monumental sums on dangerous overarmament, without any democratic debate in most affected countries.

Indeed, according to SIPRI, the annual total of arms sales worldwide increased by 20% from 2015 to 2021. The number of nuclear warheads stockpiled in 2023 stands at 9,576, which is 86 more than the previous year. This is indecent and entirely unnecessary in a world where too much poverty and inequality still persist.

This becomes even more outrageous when we consider the degradation of the Earth’s system, the damage to the biosphere, climate change, and ocean-related crises that are inexorably unfolding or already occurring. Our efforts should be directed towards collectively combating these threats to our survival, yet we waste precious time and energy in endless wars where all humans are losers.

In light of this, the WFSW, faithful to its long-standing commitment to a world of justice and peace, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of diplomatic discussions to resolve the conflict, including that of Ukraine (the only viable solution to any war, especially this one). These discussions should be conducted in accordance with international law, respecting the integrity of the nations involved and ensuring their security under the supervision of the United Nations.

The WFSW condemns arms deliveries that can only fuel and prolong the conflict and its consequences, ultimately dragging the world into the abyss. Furthermore, condemning war does not preclude examining the root causes of the conflict, all conflicts, to prevent such cataclysms from recurring. To achieve this, the dissolution of military blocs is essential, as is the drastic reduction of excessive military spending, with a reallocation of those resources to life-affirming endeavors, development, cooperation, and the benefit of all nations, particularly the most disadvantaged.

Paris, June 16, 2023 / Évora, July 6, 2023 / Rabat, July 19, 2023

Pdf document (English – French – Spanish – Portuguese): Appel-Paix-et-desarmement-FrEnSpPt.pdf