The United States and North Korea will hold further talks next week to prepare for a second summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un later this month, Seoul said Sunday (Feb 10).
“North Korea and the US have agreed to continue negotiations in a third country in Asia during the week of Feb 17,” South Korean presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters.
Mr Trump and Mr Kim are due to meet in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Feb 27 and 28, following their landmark first summit in Singapore last June. The US-North Korea talks is expected to provide an important turning point for economic and security on the Korean peninsula. As the dialogue of inter-Korea continued since 2018, the issue of peace and unification is attracting international attention.
So, peace-loving 1,000 Korean youths gathered for the unification of the two Koreas. The event is held under the theme of “Youth pictures the peaceful future for the Korean peninsula”. In search of the role of civil society to create a unified Korea with peaceful means, “North And South, Let’s Be “Us” Again” was held with 1,000 participants at the Grand Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on February 9th.
At a congratulatory speech, Prof. Chang Ho-Kwon, invited professor at Hanshin University, said, “By showing public support for unification of Korea through collaborative efforts of civil society and subsequent government capabilities, the gate of unification will be closer. There is no chance for a nation without history and culture. We take the lead in unification issues to leave a legacy for future generations, which can be attained by participation in IPYG peace projects.”
Why do 1.6 billion young people support the IPYG?
IPYG PHOTO / North and South, Let’s Be “Us” Again
The host organization, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), is a member organization of HWPL, an international peace NGO under the UN ECOSOC. IPYG initiated its peace activities with the aim of realizing world peace by the voice of youth themselves, the victims of the war, and has been carrying out various peace campaign around the world in cooperation with 851 youth organizations in 111 countries.
Regarding this youth campaign, IPYG explains that the youth of the Korean peninsula will voice to solve the problem of division and unification because the war threats on the Korean peninsula, which has been continuing since the division, can no longer be overlooked.
In particular, the young man is the most persuasive messenger of peace. Because the people who go to war are politicians? Who is it? That’s because they’re themselves. Who in the world will pay for that life? Do you think money can pay for it? Nope. Is the War far from us? You’ll understand by looking at the posting below.
Because there is Mr.Man hee Lee, messenger of peace, who is supported by 1.6 billion Youth and 3.6 billion Women. His biography has impressed many people all over the world, and former and incumbent presidents, chief justice and journalists are working with him for peace. (evidence)
Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL delivered the message encouraging the youth’s willingness on a long-awaited reunion by saying “The desire for unification is the same voice of peace. There should have no more wars in our globe. Rather than pointing each other with guns, youth should be the front to lead the way to peace.”
This is a youth-led campaign where the youth gather to advance ideas into practical action plans, and further nationwide reunification movement by collaborating with the civil societies. Starting with the inauguration ceremony on February 9th, it will be continued for 4 weeks with 2 commemorative events and the reunification campaign across the country.
On February 8th, a grand peace festival entitled “We are one for Peace to attain Sustainable Development” will be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium, Bulacan. Its purpose is to launch nationwide peace movement throughout the country’s State Universities and Colleges.
This Philippine Peacebuilding event is expected to have 30,000 participants including social representatives in the Philippines and international peace activists. The hosts are Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP) by Dr. Ronald Adamat, CHED’s Commissioner and Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL.
The Capital of Philippines is Manila. POPULATION is 104,918,090 (US news) The Republic of the Philippines claimed independence from Japan after World War II in 1946 with assistance from the United States. With more than 100 million people, the Philippines is the 13th-most populous nation in the world. Thousands of islands and land of beautiful beaches are famous place in the Philippines.
But political instability is high. Statistically, the percentage of Filipinos that couldn’t meet the basic food needs stood at 7.5%. The number of poor families remained steady at 1.61 Million. As of 2016, there were a total of 101.57 million Filipinos. 25.2% of the population lived below the national poverty line.
The Philippines is among the lowest-ranked countries in terms of peace. According to the Institute of Economics and Peace’s Global Peace Index (GPI), the Philippines is ranked 138th out of 163 countries, with a score of 2.512. The Philippines, China, Thailand, Myanmar and North Korea are among the least peaceful countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The Philippines suffered particularly badly as President Duterte continued his assault on alleged drug dealers and from the five-month battle between government forces and Islamic militants who took over the city of Marawi, resulting in almost 1,200 militants, government forces and civilians killed,” the report said.
In this difficult situation, it is unusual for 30,000 people to get together for peace. This is possible because of Commission on Higher Education(CHED) of the Philippine government‘s many efforts. On January 23, 2018, The CHED signed a MOA on peace education with an international peace organization, HWPL affiliated with the UN ECOSOC. The CHED is planning to integrate peace education in the curriculum of state universities and colleges (SUCs). As a result, 164 schools in 12 countries have signed MOUs with HWPL.
Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat of the CHED, who proposed MOA to HWPL, expressed hope for HWPL peace education by saying “Children easily imitate war through toys like war weapons, but they don’t know how to play and imitate peace. Promoting peace education through the CHED will affect many Philippine educational institutions and play a crucial role in promoting peace in the Philippines.”
Also, Philippine Mindanao Peacebuilding Story is an unforgettable historical event in 2014. It also marks the 14th of March as the ‘HWPL Day’. On January 24, 2016, the second HWPL peace monument was established at the heart of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) base camp. From this point of view, HWPL’s contributions to Peacebuilding in the Philippines are enormous.
CHED and HWPL Promote Spreading a Culture of Peace in the Philippines and Globe
Back to a grand peace festival on February 8th. With the Philippines’ referendum, this event will be expected to serve as a stepping stone for solving the remaining challenges.
“The highlight of this peace event is to give inspiration of citizen participation in peacebuilding. Cultural performances will represent harmony under peace beyond differences in ethnicity, religion or nationality. Also, the principles of HWPL Philippine Peacebuilding with civic participation and national support will be introduced – the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),” said Mr. Ian Seo, General Director, Department of Public Relations, HWPL.
One student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines participating in a peace lecture, said “It was very impressive that we, students, could also be a part of the peace movement. Chairman Lee has already shown that many students around the world are working for peace. I want to take part in the peace activities of HWPL.”
I’m really looking forward to the 30th world peace tour. I am even more excited when I consider the great achievements of the 29th world peace tour of HWPL. Everything is up to you! Please become the messengers of peace.
On January 21, 2019, the historic referendum was held. It was expected this BOL plebiscite could see peace come to the island group after 50 years of unrest. This vote asks the residents whether creating a new self-administered region known as Bangsamoro (BARMM) or not. The government thinks it could bring a peaceful resolution to the Mindanao conflict, which has claimed more than 150,000 lives since the 1970s.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who was mayor of the Mindanao city of Davao before he took office, formally signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law in July 2018. That is why a referendum is being held. Now, President Rodrigo R. Duterte considers Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari as someone who can help in resolving the conflict in Mindanao.
Once the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) takes effect, the island of Mindanao will have an autonomous Muslim government with legislation, administrative and fiscal power. However, the power of national defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policies is left to the central government. The Philippines government expects the establishment of a Bangsamoro self-governing region to maintain a peace regime while suppressing the expansion of Islamic extremists.
A total of 2.8 million registered for the Bangsamoro plebiscite, with 2.17 million in the provinces and cities covered by the January 21 polls. If the “yes” vote wins, then a second plebiscite is set on February 6 in six Lanao del Norte towns and in 67 villages in North Cotabato, where more than 600,000 voters registered.
Road to Peacebuilding in Philippine Mindanao : Past 4 years
On January 24, 2014, civilian peace agreement with HWPL
Despite the opposition of one governor of the Sulu Islands, the BOL has been praised by the United Nations, the European Union, the U.S. and Japan as “welcome” and “groundbreaking.”
The BOL’s momentum was created in March 2014 when the government and MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which serves as the basis of the draft BOL.
The MILF officially said “The BOL has been the fruit of peace negotiations for 17 years, and it is the result of efforts by various people and outstanding legal experts in the four-year term.”
It was signed by the President Rodrigo Duterte on 26 July 2018.
“Korean Peace Leader,” the hidden hero of peace in Mindanao
As the news of the end of the civil war spread, the Korean peace leader, Man hee Lee, who visited the scene of a dispute at the age of 84 four years ago, is drawing attention again.
On January 24, 2014, at the request of the Philippines` archbishop, Mr. Man hee Lee was visiting Mindanao to end the civil war. The Chairman Lee found that the cause of the Mindanao conflict was a religious conflict between Catholic and Islamic nations, and led a civilian peace agreement. This scene was reported through the Philippines’ state-run PTV and private media.
On June 25, the day after this peacebuilding news of HWPL was delivered to the Philippine government and the Islamic military. On this day, the Philippine government and the Mori-Slam Liberation Front have signed an annex document to recognize the Islamic autonomy of the Bangsamoro and to disarm up to 10,000 people. Accordingly, the two sides prepared detailed bills and signed an official peace agreement in March that year. In June 2015, the actual arms return of the MILF was carried out.
On 24 January 2016, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held an unveiling ceremony for the Monument to the Declaration of World Peace located in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Province. To commemorate the historical Mindanao Peace Agreement mediated by Chairman Lee of HWPL, Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of MILF also decided to designate January 24th of every year as ‘HWPL Day’.
Over 10,000 people from communities in Sultan Kudarat participated in the ceremony. Hon. Al haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of MILF said “Today, where people are suffering from wars and conflicts, all leaders of diverse sectors including politics and religions, are taking part in the peace movements of HWPL by implementing an international law on cessation of wars and world peace, and establishing the HWPL World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office, as a follow-up on the pledges they made before God and all people.
Peace is not a matter confined to a single person but to every individual. Therefore anyone who is part of this global family must all become messengers of peace. Let us all participate and become the messengers of peace to pass on peace as an eternal legacy for the future generations!”
Also, the 30th World Peace Tour of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light or HWPL, will be held in Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan on February 15, 2019. The 30,000 participants in Region 3 including social representatives in the Philippines and international peace activists will going to attend the peace summit.
To support Peace Building, the 30th World Peace Tour are organized by the Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP) by Dr. Ronald Adamat, CHED’s Commissioner and Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL.
Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, signed the MOA on peace education with 127 schools in 9 countries including the Philippines, etc. The Commissioner Ronald L. Adamat of the CHED, who proposed MOA to HWPL, expressed hope for HWPL peace education by saying “Children easily imitate war through toys like war weapons, but they don’t know how to play and imitate peace. Promoting peace education through the CHED will affect many Philippine educational institutions and play a crucial role in promoting peace in the Philippines.”
Even if the BOL passes the referendum, there are many challenges facing the path toward a peaceful settlement of Mindanao. For example, disarmament of rebels following the end of the civil war is a controversial issue. A representative case of rebels being incorporated into the government at the end of the civil war is found in Nepal. Nepal suffered greatly due to strong opposition from the previous government and political circles in the process.
How does the Philippines cope with this crisis? I don’t know well, but I think this controversial issue will be expected to be discussed at the peace summit of the 30th World Peace Tour. This is because the Article 1, 2 of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) details the disarmament. Also, through Peace Education of HWPL, the wind of peace will blow in all Mindanao, Philippines.
DPCW Article 1 – Prohibition of the threat or use of force
2. States should refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of military force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations Charter or international law in general.
DPCW Article 2 – War potential
3. States should take measures to ensure that existing weapons of mass destruction, weapons capable of causing widespread and unnecessary suffering and weapons incompatible with international humanitarian law are gradually dismantled or destroyed. States should cooperate in disarmament and the reduction of arms stockpiles, ideally under international supervision. Decommissioned weapons manufacturing facilities should be repurposed, so that they may serve purposes that are beneficial to humanity in general.
4. States should strive to reduce excessive standing armies and military bases.
On 14th January, 2019, New York times Human rights advertisement
On 28th November, the ad about ‘coercive conversion’ was put in the New York Times. This is the second time the advertisement was put following last time. As I said last time, it was just something that happened in Korea at first. And why could it be quieter? Because there was a force to shut this case down. As I said before, this power is the Christian Council of Korea (CCK). Pastors? You can think that ‘Why would a pastor do this? Is it real?’
Because their crimes are revealed. If you think about what is already happening (ex Religious Me Too movement), you can feel it.
New York Times ad #StandUp4HumanRights
But her friends told and told her story all over the world. They didn’t give up for anything. Even when the presidential petition with more than 100,000 people suddenly disappeared, even when the government and the Korean press don’t respond, they don’t give up. Because there are 1,000 victims like her and she’ll be watching from the sky. That means there are more than 1,000 people like her who suffocated by coercive conversion.
Human rights activists and foreign media around the world stand up for human rights
Chicago, U.S. / 1st Memorial
From January to March 2018, there were demonstrations in memory of her around the world. However, the government and the Korean media remained silent. Nothing has changed in a year. If she was watching the situation now, she would have shed tears of blood.
Under these sorrowful circumstances, the New York Times started to help her. When the New York Times, one of the most influential media in the United States, put the ad, so many people stand up for human rights. Human rights activists and foreign media around the world have really helped.
Did you know that there is a sad story here? After hearing this unfortunate news, Ms. Jenifer (New York) began a fund-raising campaign through the GoFundMe. The sad news is that Ms. Jennifer, who started the fundraiser, died of cancer and the Jennifer’s family took the money to run an ad in the New York Times. Because it is her wish.
The 1st Memorial Ceremony for the victim of Coercive Conversion Programs, Ji-in Gu
The 1st Memorial Ceremony for the victim of Coercive Conversion Programs, Ji-in Gu, ‘Remember Gu Ji In, Bloom as a flower of peace’ was held on 6th of Jan. 2019. (Sun) Noon. (UTC +9)
Korea / 1st Memorial
Gwangju, Korea / 1st Memorial
Midtown Manhattan, New York City / 1st MemorialBerlin, Germany / 1st Memorial Central Germany / 1st Memorial Frankfurt, Germany / 1st MemorialChicago, U.S. / 1st MemorialWashington D.C, U.S. / 1st MemorialSan Francisco, U.S. / 1st MemorialOsaka, Japan / 1st MemorialMalaysia / 1st MemorialPhilippines / 1st MemorialUganda / 1st MemorialIndonesia / 1st Memorial
Countless people around the world are mourning her and representing her voice. If you want to know more, my other postings will help you. It will continue until the Korean government and the media admit their mistakes and enact the law against coercive conversion programs! This means that the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) will collapse.
Please help the victims like her. We need your help. Share it on your SNS and join the #Remember_Gu campaign.
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held several memorial services across the world in honour of the late Ji-In Gu – a young South Korean woman who passed away while being forced conversion. The memorial service took place 49 days after Gu’s death (December 2017) which is a Korean tradition and was held in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Harare, Zimbabwe, as well as in Windhoek, Namibia. On January 28, 120,000 South Koreans also protested in major cities against coercive conversion program by the Christian Council of Korea. (More info) Not only in South Africa, the memorial service has been held in the LA, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world for a year.
Especially during November and December this year, New York Times and other leading press reported with the headlines “Ban Coercive Conversion,” and shared the events of the late Ji-in Gu.
As we celebrate the first anniversary of memorial, why is it reported by the leading foreign press? Why is the memorial continuing? That’s because nothing has changed in a year and the government hasn’t responded. Why?
First, the Coercive Conversion Program is still underway.
Sometimes religious suppression occurs in war and emerging countries, but no one would think that Murder by coercive conversion occurred in the South Korea, K-pop’s home country. So far, the number of victims is over 1,000. 52 percent of them claimed they were imprisoned. (The AVCCP statistics) In addition, 42 percent of the victims were taken to coercive religious conversion program by kidnapping. After this anti-humanitarian act, one conversion pastor of the CCK even received up to $894,425 USD. How can this illegal thing still happen?
Second, Conversion pastors cowardly evade the law by using the excuse of ‘counseling’.
They claim that these consultations on “cult issues” are carried out voluntarily at the request of the family members of the victims and with the consent of the victims. However, victims report that the “conversion education agreements” are written by force while they are under confinement. So Human rights activists and IWPG members around the world have continued to petition for the Korean government to enact a special law against coercive conversion program.
In a similar case, 1,000 Pakistani girls are kidnapped and forced to change religion every year. Muslims only just said “It was to encourage cults to accept the Islam.”Many human rights activists spoke out, and in the end the government made a anti-conversion law.
In November 2016, the Sindh province passed a law criminalizing forced conversions to, according to the law, ‘provide protection for those who are victims of this abhorrent practice.’ Under the law, those convicted of forcibly converting others receive a punishment from five years’ imprisonment to a life sentence.
Because the Christian Council of Korea (CCK) is trying to hide the truth, not only by neglecting the law and looking the other way, but by supporting its affiliated pastors’ illegal activities. Politics and religion have the cozy relations, which violates Article 20-2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, “Religion and politics are separated.” Who will console the pain that 1,000 victims of coercive conversion in Korea have experienced? Who can compensate for Ji-in’s death?
Furthermore, HWPL has already vehemently protested against the CCK, which has abandoned its function as a religious organization, and its affiliated pastors for conducting anti-nation, anti-society, and anti-peace acts that violate human rights. The CCK must to be disbanded for throwing the Korean people, as well as the international community, into chaos, and the pastors who took part in coercive conversion must receive the proper punishment for their actions.
Reverend Thamsanqa Mvambo, President of the NICSA, said, “This is a terrible outrage that such people who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ would act in this way using the weapons of the devil against fellow Christians. The CCK and Conversion Pastors should repent immediately.”
He added,“I ask the CCK and pastors who practice and profit from the conversion programmes to immediately and permanently cease such activities. We also call on the lawmakers in the Republic of Korea to make a law prohibiting the coercive conversion programmes and holding pastors who profit from this unaccountable action.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. You already know. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which marks the 70th anniversary of this year, still holds great significance for us all over the world. Especially this year, the UDHR is asking us, ‘The UDHR don’t have a separate article on ‘Right to Peace’ yet, what does “The Right to Peace” mean to you? I wrote a posting.
Today, we are going to find out more questions about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and what UDHR and DPCW have in common. I was really curious, too. “Is the UDHR legally binding?” It’s a globally recognized document and a declaration cited everywhere. It’s so natural to see it. What is the correct answer?
The Universal Declaration is not a treaty, so it does not directly create legal obligations for countries. However, it is an expression of the fundamental values which are shared by all members of the international community. And it has had a profound influence on the development of international human rights law. (Thanks, google)
So what is the exact meaning of being legally binding? Legally binding treaty. This means that states which ratify the treaty are legally bound by it, while states that do not are neither bound by the treaty obligations or entitled to invoke those obligations against other state parties. The HWPL’s DPCW is just walking down this road. The international law so far allowed war in part. So HWPL will make the DPCW a legally binding law to bring it to the United Nations to make a world without war.
What do the UDHR and the DPCW have in common?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The DPCW
DPCW Article 1 – Prohibition of the threat or use of force
2. States should refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of military force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations Charter or international law in general.
DPCW Article 3 – Friendly relations and the prohibition of acts of aggression
1. In accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV), States should develop friendly relations based upon respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and should take appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace.
DPCW Article 4 – State boundaries
1. In accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2625 (XXV), every State has the duty to refrain in its international relations from military, political, economic, or any other form of coercion aimed against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. This is without prejudice to instances when such forms of coercion may be lawfully applied, inter alia, to induce states to cease internationally wrongful acts, or when sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.
DPCW Article 7 – Right to self-defence
2. Measures taken by states in the exercise of their right to self-defence should be immediately reported to the Security Council and should not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the United Nations Charter to take, at any time, such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.
DPCW Article 10 – Spreading a culture of peace
1. States should recognize and engage with groups and organizations that seek to further the cause of peace as a global movement. States should facilitate such groups in their awareness-raising activities, including providing tuition in human rights and peace studies, as provided for, inter alia, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1999 UN Declaration on a Culture of Peace.
4. States should promote a culture of peace including ensuring conditions in which- (d) the right to development of peoples, including the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), can be realized; and
We found out more questions about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and what the UDHR and the DPCW have in common. As much as the UDHR, the DPCW is a milestone document in the history of human rights.
A person at birth can not choose a country by himself, but he has a right to choose a religion. But in some countries, someone has to trade life for one’s belief. The countries that have been under religious persecution are the China, Iran and Myanmar. Some countries have civil wars because of other religions. This led to the loss of many precious lives.
Even in Korea, where religious freedom is believed to be guaranteed, two people have already died of coercive religious conversion program. More than 150 people a year suffer human rights violations during coercive conversion program. What’s worse is that more than 1,000 victims were confirmed. There must be a good reason to keep her religious beliefs under life-threatening coercive conversion program(CCP) and her choice deserves to be respected. Human rights and security of minority religious people are not protected against those who are inclined to kill them.
Because they can’t admit the faith of minority religious people. Moreover, narrow religious discrimination, that believes only his religion and doctrine are right, causes serious religious extremism and drives all the world into terror and violence beyond some regional conflict.
International efforts to promote
religious freedom
As a result of these, 80 percent of the wars that panicked the world in fear are religious wars. If you are a religious person, you should have to work for peace and prevent war. Instead, the fact that religious people are more at the center of the conflict is shameful and it means that they have no qualification as a religious person.
Despite international efforts to promote religious freedom, restrictions on religious freedom and religious discrimination are still on the rise around the world. To solve these problems, a strong international law is needed to eradicate religious discrimination and ensure religious freedom.
The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) presented by HWPL, which has become a key issue in the international community, has a provision for freedom of religion. The solution for sustaining peace is to enact an international law (10 articles and 38 clauses of the DPCW) to end war and implement it to the letter.
DPCW Article 8 – Freedom of religion
States should activate and participate in systems to enforce and protect fundamental human rights, eliminating discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, and should refrain from and prohibit the usage of religion by governments, groups, or individuals in order to justify or to incite acts of violence against others. (omitted below)
DPCW Article 9 – Religion, ethnic identity and peace
Recognising the threat to peaceful coexistence that violent religious extremism may cause, states should implement, in good faith, legal measures against individuals or groups attempting to perpetrate or assist in gross and systematic acts of violence in the name of religion. (omitted below)
If the leaders of every country love their country and their people, they have to sign the International Law for peace. To do this, we must complete peace with the spirit of that moment when the United Nations begins.
“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration,
without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” – Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
A New York Times advertisement space on November 28th dealt with women human rights issue. I will introduce you to New York times Human Rights News!
On November 25, it is the ‘U.N. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women‘. It was the day in 1981 when three sisters of the Dominican Republic protested against the dictatorship of the government. The Day was started to remember that sisters were killed by violence, and many people from all over the world including Spain are participating in demonstrations and holding campaigns. Despite these efforts, a 25-year-old woman died in a pension in Korea on January 18, 2018.
Why did she have to die of suffocation when she had so many dreams? Why did parents keep their adorable daughter in custody? # New York times Human rights
Human Rights is still alive?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings. It’s the right to live like a human being. The Article 1 of UDHR, ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood‘, shows the spirit of human rights. Human rights should not be discriminated against for any reason, including race, skin color, sex, language, religion, etc. UN http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/human-rights/index.html
The United Nations Charter confirmed people’s beliefs about basic human rights and promised to keep this human rights. To make sure that we keep this promise, we have to define ‘what human rights are and what freedom is’ that everyone can understand. It is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is now the most recognized.
Thus, on December 10, 1948, 50 of the 58 member states of the United Nations declared the Declaration of Human Rights in favor of it. This was unprecedented in human history. Therefore, “THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.” http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
A flower falls
But despite these efforts, there are still many incidents of serious human rights violations.
On December 30, 2017, a 25-year-old girl left her friends with a message saying, “I will travel with my family.” Then on January 18, 2018, she returned to us as a ‘cold and blue corpse‘. According to one friend’s testimony, the late Ms. Ji-in Gu was a ‘nice friend who spent time with his family when she was busy and she had many dreams and was so passionate.’ And her friend continued “I’m so sorry and angry. I miss her terribly.” She was imprisoned in a pension in South Korea. After a scuffle with her parents, she was presumed to have choked to death.
There is a message left by Ms. Gu in her lifetime. “Hello. I’m Ji-in Gu. Mr. President, Please listen to my story. Stop the painful kidnapping, detention and endless assaults in 44 days.” Yes, that’s right. It was not the first time that Ms. Gu was kidnapped and detained. She was imprisoned for 44 days in a monastery on June 2016 and she had a really painful time both soul and body. I mentioned it in my posting, but a year later, nothing has changed. Maybe she’s crying in the sky.
#RememberGu
“She petitioned the president for help, but nothing changed and she died. Will you take action after I die?” said Ji-in’s friends.
You can feel the depth of sadness in their memorial songs.
Want to be a warm star to people swaying in the night winds Born as a flower, you always said you would be a star
Want to give them warm warmth, who bear heartaches How lonely you are in the darkness, not open even when you pat.
Even in our dreams, we meet again. Because always we dream the same dream. You’ll pray for us in the sky
To you now being a star, The beloved in tears give you a white flower that has your scent We’ll meet again in the sky
You and I are glittering in longing Even when you close your eyes, you didn’t let your desire go Now we’ll make sure your wishes come true
There are still two questions left in this poignant story. Why did she have to die of suffocation? Why did parents keep their adorable daughter in custody? Let’s look at the next posting. # New York times Human rights
Things not all that rosy in Zimbabwe. On 18 June 2017, in Ward 23, Chitungwiza Zanu PF youths allegedly assaulted MDC-T youths. The MDC-T youths were meeting at the home of Chitungwiza Deputy Organising Secretary of the Women’s Assembly, Anna Mutara when they were attacked. Tension is brewing, as it was in the past.
From 12 December 1979 to 17 April 1980, Zimbabwe Rhodesia was again the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. The Rhodesian Bush War—also known as the Second Chimurenga or the Zimbabwe War of Liberation—was a civil war that took place from July 1964 to December 1979 in the unrecognised country of Rhodesia.
On 18 April 1980, Southern Rhodesia became the independent Republic of Zimbabwe. Conflict today remains rooted in disputes over national power, economic hardship and pre-colonial disputes which have not been resolved. How does Zimbabwe, with its sad memory, maintain its peace?
Zimbabwe Peace Project
They know the value of peace more than anyone else. So, Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) was established in 2000 by a group of non-governmental and church organisations. Since inception, ZPP has produced timely national monthly monitoring reports on violence and human rights violations. The VISION of ZPP is that ‘A Zimbabwe where there is Peace, Justice, Dignity and Development for all.’ Other peace organizations are the ‘African Union‘, ‘Silveria Hourse‘ and ‘Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ).’ However someone is using war for their own benefit, there are many people who are trying to make peace.
MISSION
To work for sustainable peace through monitoring, documentation, advocacy and community peace building interventions with our members and partners
CORE/FOUNDATION VALUES
♦ Respect for Human & Women’s Rights ♦ Respect & Tolerance of Diversity ♦ Justice & Public Accountability ♦ Commitment to the vulnerable and Marginalised
Peace is not only the absence of war; and peace could also be defined as the state of the mind
The Calls of the citizens
UN Photo/Cia Pak
While President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently told the United Nations General Assembly, that he was ready to engage the opposition, for possible working together; on the ground, nothing seems to be happening. Apparently, opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa recently told a media briefing that prioritising nation and peace building is the prime ingredient for national prosperity. But critics say that their speeches were just words and the leaders have no real will. Zimbabweans are stressed, and things are not working out, most citizens have been calling on the national leaders to find the Answer to Peace.
While, the calls are worthwhile, the media has been urged to play key role. A prominent political commentator, Elder Mabhunu agrees, says “The media should play one of its legislative mandate, that is agenda setting, in promoting unity and peace, the key element in nation building and sustainable development.” He says the press should lead the pack in causing a paradigm shift towards national development through reporting on peace initiatives. He continued, “Gone are the days when only conflict reporting was deemed to be real news. Peace news reporting should now take lead.”
“We must always remember the great power that the media has to promote war,
just as it has to promote peace. Today’s wars no longer occur in isolation within a state. Whether it’s terrorism or a refugee crisis it is truly a global problem, and for this reason the solution must also be global.”
Peace Initiative International Peace Media Community
According to the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), HWPL chairpersonMan Hee Lee recently challenged journalists who are the custodians of information as peace messengers. He said the press should use the power of influence it has, to shape leaders’ perceptions. “If journalists dedicate themselves to peace building efforts, the thought of people especially politicians will change.” I think it is the Answer to Peace.
“Peace Initiative” is a global journalist network in efforts of facilitating a culture of peace as contribution to conflict resolution and peace building through press freedom and freedom of information stipulated in the UN resolutions and international agreements. Individual journalists and media agencies affiliated with “Peace Initiative” dedicate to spreading news of peace to enhance human rights and protect democracy.
2nd Conference for Global Peace Media Network / 2018 HWPL PHOTO
Lastly Mr. Ian Seo, Affiliation Chief Manager of the International Press Department of HWPL HQ, emphasized, “The ultimate goal of the DPCW is to create a firm foundation of law that binds every citizen and nation together, which has never existed on this planet until now.”
He then continued, “This kind of use of force makes it more difficult to resolve conflicts and establish peace and security in that region. Therefore, we need a strong legal instrument such as Article 1 of the DPCW. I fully agree with the principles of this declaration, since there is no alternative to peace negotiations. We can approach the resolution of such complex problems step by step through a legal instrument based on the principles of the DPCW.”
He also gave his heartfelt support for the initiative, stating, “In this context, I am glad that HWPL and journalists from different countries considered the need to create a “Global Peace Media Network” in order to not only inform the public about the existence of conflicts, but also to outline ways to resolve them.”
He explained “There has only been one same answer from Chairman Lee regarding all the conflicts around the globe. It is a person with the spirit of peace. The United Nations, the DPCW, international cooperation, and the participation of civil society are all necessary, but it is the people who are at the center of these instruments. We have come to realize that the collective strength of each person’s will creates the era of peace, and that the spirit of peace we want to achieve is the driving force to make our world one under the title of peace. Many journalists came to say that it is their mission to make a world of peace by developing this spirit through spreading the message of peace to the world. The very result after a series of consultations is the “Peace Initiative” as you can see right now.”
He also explained, “‘Peace Initiative’ is a platform for journalists from different countries to spread the news of peace throughout the world. As a teaching material to understand peace, as a seed to be planted in every part of the world, your will and desire for peace is the very result of what we can and must do for our present and future generations.”
The Nobel Peace Prize 2018 was awarded jointly to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.” Their contribution is focusing attention on, and combating, such war crimes. Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said “If we want people to say ‘no more war’, we have to show how brutal it is” in interview.
She also said, “Denis Mukwege is the helper who has devoted his life to defending these victims. Nadia Murad is the witness who tells of the abuses perpetrated against herself and others.”
“Each of them in their own way has helped to give greater visibility to wartime sexual violence, so that the perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions.”
The physician Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist and surgeon, has spent large parts of his adult life helping the victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since the Panzi Hospital was established in Bukavu in 1999, Dr. Mukwege and his staff have treated thousands of patients who have fallen victim to such assaults. Most of the abuses have been committed in the context of a long-lasting civil war that has cost the lives of more than six million Congolese.
(CNN) Mukwege said he was in the middle of carrying out surgery in his hospital when he heard that he had won the award — and that he dedicated it to all survivors of sexual violence around the world.
UN Photo/Marie Frechon
“For almost 20 years I have witnessed war crimes committed against women, girls and even baby girls not only in my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also in many other countries,” he said. “To the survivors from all over the world, I would like to tell you that through this prize, the world is listening to you and refusing to remain indifferent. The world refuses to sit idly in the face of your suffering.” He added that he was honored to be named alongside Murad, whom he praised for her strength and courage.
“Denis Mukwege is the foremost, most unifying symbol, both nationally and internationally, of the struggle to end sexual violence in war and armed conflicts. His basic principle is that ‘justice is everyone’s business,'” said Reiss-Andersen.
Nadia Murad is herself a victim of war crimes. She refused to accept the social codes that require women to remain silent and ashamed of the abuses to which they have been subjected. She has shown uncommon courage in recounting her own sufferings and speaking up on behalf of other victims. In 2016, at age 23, she was made a UN goodwill ambassador for the dignity of survivors of human trafficking.
(CNN) Murad was in Cambridge, Massachusetts, when she learned she had won the prize. “I hope that it will help bring justice for those women who suffered from sexual violence,” she told a Nobel official.
UN Photo/Cia Pak
In August 2014, the Islamic State (IS) launched a brutal, systematic attack on the villages of the Sinjar district. In Nadia Murad’s village, several hundred people were massacred. The younger women, including underage children, were abducted and held as sex slaves. While a captive of the IS, at her age 21, Nadia Murad was repeatedly subjected to rape and other abuses. Her assaulters threatened to execute her if she did not convert to their hateful, inhuman version of Islam. (The world support to eliminate #CoerciveConversion, another article) After a three-month nightmare, Nadia Murad managed to flee.
If you want to feel more vividly about the brutal situation, it is helpful to read her article. (The Guardian) This article begins with the sentence ‘The slave market opened at night.’ I admire her for her courage to tell the truth. Nadia Murad said “Deciding to be honest was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, and also the most important.”
International law will change the world
Berit Reiss-Andersen said, This year marks a decade since the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1820 (2008), which determined that the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict constitutes both a war crime and a threat to international peace and security. This is also set out in the Rome Statute of 1998, which governs the work of the International Criminal Court. The Statute establishes that sexual violence in war and armed conflict is a grave violation of international law. A more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war.
Alfred Nobel’s will On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament. Nobel’s will said prize should be given to “the person who shall have done the most or the best work forfraternitybetween nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize is firmly embedded in the criteria spelled out in Alfred Nobel’s will. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad have both put their personal security at risk by courageously combating war crimes and seeking justice for the victims. They have thereby promoted the fraternity of nations through the application of principles ofinternational law.
Connection with DPCW
So far, international lawhas not ended the war. So many people had to suffer and be sad because there was no peace. But they have the ‘Right to Peace’. In 2018, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) recognized the Universal Declaration does not include a separate article on “Right to Peace”. Already, HWPL is creating a new order for the world. The purpose of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is to end the war. If so, war crimes can be eliminated. Actually, DPCW has an article to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.
Not at all, Law experts agreed that the DPCW is fully aligned with the UN Charter & the UDHR and this Declaration not only encapsulates and supports all of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
DPCW Article 1 – Prohibition of the threat or use of force
1. States should solemnly reaffirm that they refrain from the use of force in all circumstances, save where permitted by international law, and should condemn aggression as constituting an international crime.
3. States should prohibit any act or threat of violence, whatever its motives or purposes, that occurs for the advancement of an individual or collective criminal agenda.
DPCW Article 3 – Friendly relations and the prohibition of acts of aggression
2. States have the duty to refrain from any forcible action that deprives peoples of their rights to self-determination.
4. States should promote accountability, including by investigating alleged violations of international law, in particular, grave violation of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and should take measures to ensure that states, citizens and corporations do not contribute to the commission of violations of international law.
Onward to a World of Lasting Peace!
DPCW has articles to make a world of lasting peace. Regardless of their nationalities, ethnicities, and religions, DPCW will pave the way for developing peace processes in our world at both national and international levels. The reason of 80% of whold war is Ideology and Religion. DPCW is a fundamental and powerful solution.
DPCW Article 8 – Freedom of religion
2. States should activate and participate in systems to enforce and protect fundamental human rights, eliminating discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, and should refrain from and prohibit the usage of religion by governments, groups, or individuals in order to justify or to incite acts of violence against others. These systems should include, inter alia, judicial mechanisms.
DPCW Article 9 – Religion, ethnic identity and peace
3. Recognising the threat to peaceful coexistence that violent religious extremism may cause, states should implement, in good faith, legal measures against individuals or groups attempting to perpetrate or assist in gross and systematic acts of violence in the name of religion. Such measures should, in extreme cases, include the proscription of faith groups – including sects or cults – that perpetrate acts of violence against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state.
DPCW Article 10 – Spreading a culture of peace
4. States should promote a culture of peace including ensuring conditions in which- (a) citizens are able to participate in the political affairs of the state as equals regardless of religious or ethnic differences; (b) a free media is maintained which allows grievances to be aired and addressed; (c) education is imparted to promote respect and mutual understanding among different religious, belief and ethnic groups; (d) the right to development of peoples, including the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals, can be realized; and (e) the wellbeing of all human kind with the participation of women and men to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst nations, states, and peoples may be guaranteed.
Hon. Emil Constantinescu, Former President of Romania
2018 HWPL World Peace Summit/HWPL PHOTO
“Youth and women can become the most persuasive advisories of peace in the present and in the future. Both avoiding war and establishing peace-building processes require a laborious effort to create a culture of solidarity outlining a pragmatic style in which the statements should followed by effective actions. I believe that the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed in Seoul can get everyone around the world, no matter if they are men, women, youth or children, ready to unite under the mantle of peace and take the responsibility to promote the message of peace to the entire world. We are one.“
H.E. Viktor Yushchhenko, Former President of Ukraine
2018 HWPL World Peace Summit/HWPL PHOTO
“I am deeply grateful to be able to implement the cause of peace in a specific way. This is truly a worthy cause. I was deeply impressed to see the DPCW with its refined and profound wisdom. I think it is worth the support from all leaders of the world. This is because the DPCW is a perfectly balanced document that was drafted through the great effort of international legal experts and is of fundamental value.”
H.E. Ivo Josipović, Former President of Croatia
2018 HWPL World Peace Summit/HWPL PHOTO
“It is necessary for the two leaders(Kim Jong-Un and Moon Jae-In) to meet and discuss face-to-face. I believe that we can understand one another and accept each other’s differences through cultural exchanges, such as music and sports.”
Also, he emphasized “Presenting the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) to the United Nations as a resolution, with our intention to build peace in the world, is novel and important.”
Mr.PravinH.Parekh, President of the Confederation of Indian Bar
2018 HWPL World Peace Summit/HWPL PHOTO
“Today one country saying ‘yes, Chairman Lee I accept your declaration’ is not enough, even 10 countries saying this is not good enough. Therefore, we need the United Nations.
In fact, the United Nations came out in 1948 from the Human Rights Declaration and that is a very good document but things have changed from 1948 until now and, therefore, it is necessary that the United Nations adopts the Declaration made by us…so that when the United Nations accepts it, it becomes binding to all the countries in the world.
That is the effort Chairman Lee had been doing and we should all support Chairman Lee in ensuring that this becomes a United Nations document.”
H.E. Gennady Burbulis Former State Secretary of Russia and President of Baltic-Black Sea Forum
2018 HWPL World Peace Summit/HWPL PHOTO
He declared support for the DPCW on behalf of the Baltic-Black Sea Board of Directors. He stated, “The MOU and MOA express our intention to work together in this important issue. Sometimes we can think that this problem or question of promoting peace is difficult or sometimes we can think that is very utopian, but we shouldn’t forget that there are many international or law organizations that unfortunately today, even the UN, do not function according to the purpose for which it was established.
So that brings the threats to all humanity…. We cannot ignore these facts. So, in our work together we should take into consideration this reality. With all of that, we eagerly support the DPCW and we really believe that it is a very important declaration,” reaffirming support for the adoption of the DPCW at the UN.
Things not all that rosy in Zimbabwe. On 18 June 2017, in Ward 23, Chitungwiza Zanu PF youths allegedly assaulted MDC-T youths. The MDC-T youths were meeting at the home of Chitungwiza Deputy Organising Secretary of the Women’s Assembly, Anna Mutara when they were attacked. Tension is brewing, as it was in the past.
Berit Reiss-Andersen said, This year marks a decade since the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1820 (2008), which determined that the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict constitutes both a war crime and a threat to international peace and security. This is also set out in the Rome Statute of 1998, which governs the work of the International Criminal Court. The Statute establishes that sexual violence in war and armed conflict is a grave violation of international law. A more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war.
So far, international law 
DPCW has articles to make a world of lasting peace. Regardless of their nationalities, ethnicities, and religions, DPCW will pave the way for developing peace processes in our world at both national and international levels. The reason of 
