Peace Walk Archives - A STEP TOWARDS PEACE

From Germany to Cameroon: HWPL Peace Walks Unite the World in One Step

📝 Summary:
From Germany to Japan and Cameroon, people are taking steps toward peace together with HWPL, showing that the hope for harmony transcends borders, cultures, and generations.

🔑 Key Highlights:

HWPL hosted peace walks in Germany, Japan, and Cameroon to mark the 12th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace.
Over 204 participants in Essen, Germany, joined to create a symbolic “Peace Tree.”
In Osaka, Japan, 400 young people spread peace culture through art and walking events.
In Cameroon, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) led both a peace walk and an environmental cleanup.
Participants worldwide echoed HWPL’s call: “We Are One.”

1️⃣ Germany’s Essen Turns into a “City of Peace” 🌱

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE From Germany to Cameroon: HWPL Peace Walks Unite the World in One Step 이만희 평화실화 YouthForPeace WeAreOne peacewalk2025 man hee lee true story of peace Man Hee Lee JapanPeaceWalk HWPL GlobalPeaceMovement GermanyPeaceWalk DPCWInitiative

In the heart of Germany, the city of Essen once symbolized industry and war. Known for its steel and weapons production during the 19th century, it suffered massive destruction in World War II. Today, it is writing a new story — one of peace and unity.

On May 24, 2025, HWPL’s Essen branch held a grand Peace Walk at Essen City Hall Square to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace. Youth and citizens from various backgrounds joined, singing songs of peace as they walked through the streets.

The event began with a heartfelt letter from HWPL’s Chairman, urging everyone to become witnesses of peace. His message reminded participants that achieving peace is the mission of our generation — a duty to ensure future generations live without war.

After the walk, participants left colorful handprints on a “Peace Tree,” symbolizing hope and unity. A student from Ruhr University shared, “The Chairman’s message gave me courage. It made me realize peace starts with our actions.”

Essen, once a city tied to conflict, is now striving to become a symbol of reconciliation and coexistence — and HWPL continues to help it grow in that direction through youth workshops and DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) campaigns.

2️⃣ Japan’s Youth Walk Together for Peace 🌟

Across the sea, the same day in Osaka, Japan, more than 400 youth members of HWPL’s Kobe branch gathered for a vibrant peace walk under the theme, “We Are Peace Workers – Let’s Walk Together.”

Despite unexpected rain, participants handmade “Peace Fans” at Utsubo Park, expressing their wish to cool the world with harmony, not conflict. They then walked a 3-kilometer route through Midosuji Avenue — one of Osaka’s most iconic streets — carrying smiles, banners, and messages of unity.

Local leaders also joined in. A city council member from Osaka noted that he was touched by the young people’s sincerity, saying, “Even in the rain, their hearts were shining with peace.”

Through such activities, HWPL youth in Japan are becoming the messengers of peace culture, spreading awareness in their communities through action rather than words.

3️⃣ Cameroon’s Peace Walk and Environmental Campaign 💡

In Africa, the call for peace echoed strongly in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where HWPL and its youth division, IPYG, held a peace walk alongside an environmental cleanup.

Coinciding with World Environment Day, this event united local citizens to walk through the city while cleaning streets — turning peace into action. The timing was symbolic, as it followed Cameroon’s National Unity Day, reinforcing the message that peace begins with unity and responsibility.

Participants shared stories of hope. One attendee said, “Seeing everyone walk and smile under the hot sun, I felt that true peace is possible when we walk together.”

The peace walk in Cameroon beautifully linked peacebuilding and sustainability, showing that protecting the earth and building harmony go hand in hand.

4️⃣ “We Are One” – A Global Step Toward Lasting Peace ❤️

HWPL’s 12th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace wasn’t just a commemoration — it was a movement of hearts. From Essen to Osaka, from Yaoundé to the rest of the world, people are taking real steps to embody peace in daily life.

Through the DPCW initiative, peace walks, and education programs, HWPL continues to connect nations and generations. Each footprint from these events becomes a message — that no matter our language, culture, or background, we all share one dream: a world free of war.

As the Chairman’s message emphasized, peace isn’t a distant ideal. It’s something we must build now, together. Because when “We Are One,” peace is not only possible — it’s inevitable. ✨

Source :
[한국인 이만희 평화실화 FOCUS│HWPL 뉴스레터(122)] 독일·일본·카메룬 시민·청년들, HWPL과 평화의 한걸음 < 특별기획 < 기획 < 기사본문 – 천지일보

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Road to Peace #2 : Why 525? Why do they walk?

HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk

Why did people start walking on 25 May? Millions of people around the world walk on that day. It started in 2013.

The Declaration of World Peace, first proclaimed by HWPL Chairman Lee on May 25, 2013, called upon people to acknowledge the dire need for world peace. And Man Hee Lee defined the roles of heads of state, women, youth and the press in achieving peace.

Over 20,000 people from 130 countries gathered to march for peace at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park, South Korea. 525 peace walk has become a symbol of peace for both youth and women around the world.

That’s how we got to our 11th anniversary this year. People have been walking for over a decade now. On the HWPL homepage, there are pictures and descriptions of the event every year, and it’s touching to see them.

The Declaration of World Peace

In keeping with the spirit of the Declaration of World Peace, that HWPL aims to achieve world peace through the heavenly culture and restore the global community with light, we are carrying out peace activities all across the world.

In 2013, HWPL’s work was defined, and the 2014 HWPL World Peace Summit brought political and religious leaders together in Seoul.

And they discussed the need for a new international law for peace. In 2015, an International Law Commission was created to further the discussion, and on 14 March 2016, Article 10, paragraph 38 of the DPCW was promulgated.

I would love the opportunity to explain DPCW in more detail.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Road to Peace #1 : HWPL’s 11th 525 Peace Walk

Today is the 25th of May. I can’t believe it’s been 11 years since HWPL was founded, and I’ve been a supporter for 8 years now.

I’m grateful, because in this way, little by little, I’ve come to think about peace every day. I guess peace is a habit!

Thoughts have a quality called inertia. If you think in a certain direction, you will eventually move in that direction, and eventually I, my friends, my neighbours, my city, and society will move in that direction.

I think it’s a force for good, and I think it’s a culture of peace. Article 10 of the DPCW is ‘Spreading a culture of peace’. Before I knew it, I was upholding DPCW international law! Suddenly I’m happy.

HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk

The ‘HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk’ event is held in global today.

The event, which is held under the theme of “Remembering the Peace Heroes of Nearby War.” Any citizen interested in peace can experience the horrors of war and participate in the peace movement through booth.

HWPL is said to hold a meaningful event every year to remember the sacrifices of the Korean War veterans without forgetting Peace Heroes.

The event embodies the citizens’ active will to establish an era of peace. Through the event, HWPL will tell the world that the remarkable journey of building a world of peace begins with the citizens, the true leaders of the global community.

HWPL’s Legislate Peace (LP) project has led activities to reach a world of peace built by citizens since 2013. The project hosts citizen-led global campaigns aiming to realize sustainable peace, long yearned by every member of the global community.

25 May has become a day to celebrate peace, where citizens take the initiative in planning and organizing peace events. That resonance of peace will stimulate collective civic action and help a culture of peace take root in the global society.

This is the first part of the Road to Peace! I will continue to post about my trip to Seoul in the future, so stay tuned. Let’s be messengers of peace together.

#HWPL #Declaration_of_WorldPeace #11th_Anniversary #525Peacewalk #HWPL_Peacewalk #ManHeeLee #Reconciliation_and_Hugging #Solution_of_Peace #International_law #Peace #DPCW #Peacehero

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

My First Pad Drawing with 525 Peace Walk

It’s my first time drawing it, and I’m so proud.

I’ve often thought about wanting to draw with a pad, but I put it into practice in 5 months!

I copied this! Actually, anyone can do it. Because you can just draw it on top of it!

I started drawing because I didn’t want to forget this moment of peace. People forget too easily. I don’t remember who I met a month ago and what I had for lunch a week ago.

I think I am now participating in the process of achieving great peace. Something seems to be taking part in a huge flow.

Do you know what Alfred Adler calls a sense of community? It’s like I feel it.

And thank you HWPL for making me feel it. If I do the smallest things I can do, there will be enormous peace.

I also drew a dpcw key ring. It was a little difficult but fun.

I really want you to feel the peace scene, too!

HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk

Subtitle: New Decade, Making Institutional Peace Take Root
Date :May, 25, 2023, 10:00AM (GMT+9)
URL: https://youtube.com/live/2HV2v9j6p5g

Or why don’t you have a hobby?

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

There are still people walking for peace. What is their motive?

Is your hobby walking? A person who walks more than 30 minutes a day is definitely more likely to be healthy.
It can absorb vitamin D, makes you feel much better, and helps with blood circulation.

I think each person has a different reason to walk.
Someone walks for health, someone for enlightenment, and someone to shake off negative emotions.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE There are still people walking for peace. What is their motive? manheelee peace leader Man Hee Lee biography hwpl peace walk #525_peacewalk

There are people walking for peace right here.
As one of the peace lovers, I’m also walking, pondering why they walk.

On May 25 this year, people started walking offline again. I’ve been interested in the people of hwpl for a long time, they proceeded online during the COVID-19.

I’ve seen countless people in Santiago walking for their own enlightenment, someone for sightseeing.
But many of the people walking for peace seem to be hwpl people.

HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of
the Declaration of World Peace and
the Peace Walk

There are so many pictures of them on the blog so far. Sometimes when I look back at the gallery, it’s even touching.

Why on earth do they walk? What drives them?

Why do people in HWPL get together especially more often?
I think it is because there is a centripetal force that strongly gathers them.

I think it is because there is the chairman Lee Man-hee, a soldier who experienced the Korean War and shouted for peace while touring around the world more than 30 times, and he tries to achieve peace without a break even at the age of 90.

If someone like the chairman lee man-hee takes the lead, can you stay still? How passionate he is!

If you have a chance someday, I hope you listen to him. There is a powerful force in what he says.

HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk

Subtitle: New Decade, Making Institutional Peace Take Root
Date: May, 25, 2023, 10:00AM (GMT+9)

You can hear it here. I think it is best to experience peace in person. If you don’t experience it in a small moment in your daily life, I think you can never achieve the peace that is ideally expressed.

On the same day, various areas in the Philippines held simultaneous events in partner schools and communities particularly in Cavite, Laguna, Lucban, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Cotabato City.

reference: https://bulacantribune.net/2023/05/27/global-peace-movement-marks-a-decade-of-the-citizen-led-peacebuilding-efforts/

My hobby is taking a walk, so I walk again today. It feels good to walk while thinking about whether it is a walk for peace.

I’ll try today so that it’s not just self-satisfied. Please cheer for us.
I want you to be a messenger of peace, too.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

525 Peace Walk : The Power of Restarted Offline Walking

What do you think is a peace walk?
“HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk” is organized in 89 locations across 59 countries in May.

When do we think of peace in our daily lives? I get up in the morning, do morning routines, and have a simple breakfast. When I go to work and take care of my backlog, lunch time is approaching.

After saying anything with my colleagues, I work again in the afternoon. I have a dinner appointment, so I enjoy my meal, go to the gym, or run in the park. I come back home, read, do night routine, and then go to sleep.

There is no room for peace here. Isn’t this our daily life?
Shouldn’t we need a way to make peace even a little bit once a year, once every six months, even once a month?

In that way, peace events and peace walking are really great ways!

525 Peace Walk has begun!

On May 25, 5,000 participants were gathered at the Peace Gate of Seoul Olympic Park in South Korea, and other thousands of individuals around the world, including France, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and Germany, are expected to join the events until the end of this month.

What is peace? I don’t think it’s a bad idea to take a descriptive test. Like Baccalaureate in France!

Baccalaureate can describe his thoughts on important human problems for hours. The whole nation is interested in this year’s problems and there is a culture of expressing their opinions.

In the event, the “Joint Statement of the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace” was unveiled.

The statement said that the Declaration developed into the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War” (DPCW) to pursue “a transition from the rule of power to the rule of law” based on principles of “democracy, justice, civil liberties and equality, religious freedom and responsibility.”

Through the joint statement, HWPL and participating organizations affirmed their commitment to institutionalizing peace through international cooperation, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, justice and strong institutions.”

I’m also very interested in SDGs! Isn’t it so cool? The sight of humanity working together to achieve their goals!

Actually, there are many shortcomings in reality, but I think it would be good if we put our hearts together and work together! How can we do that? It’s definitely possible if we all make up our minds.

This time, design props came out! I got it when I participated in the SNS event.

The Power of Restarted Offline Walking

This time, design props came out! I got it when I participated in the SNS event.

Recalling HWPL’s peace activities for the past 10 years, Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “Since we pledged to work together for world peace 10 years ago, we have been calling for peace all over the world. We have advocated that peace should be taught at home and at school, and that everyone should become messengers of peace. I went to the battlefield in Mindanao, Philippines to raise the voice of peace and we were promised not to begin war again.”

He also emphasized, “Everyone should be one under the title of peace and work together to create a good world and make it a legacy for future generations. This is what we need to do in this era in which we live.”

Since then, numerous speakers have attended and various events have been held, so I’ll post a YouTube link! I hope you can see it.

Since the pandemic, the peace walk, which has been conducted only online to comply with each country’s quarantine guidelines, will be held offline again.

HWPL’s 10th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and the Peace Walk

Subtitle : New Decade, Making Institutional Peace Take Root
Date : May, 25, 2023, 10:00AM (GMT+9)

#HWPL #ManHeeLee #10th_WorldPeace_Declaration #525Peacewalk #DPCW #International_Law #PeaceLetter #Peace #PeaceAnswer #Together #WeAreOne

On May 25, you will be able to see a march of peaceful walking in major cities around the world, shouting “Legislate Peace (LP).”

In order to achieve the goal of “establishing a peace system,” the HWPL will continue to promote DPCW’s resolution to the UN General Assembly, implement peace education through governments and official institutions, regular communication channels to promote understanding and resolve conflicts between religions.

Let’s be interested in peace, too!

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

[9th HWPL] 525 Peace Walk is a huge, unstoppable flow

Is peace close to us? Isn’t it just words?

I think peace is the highest thing a man can do. Why do people start a war? I think it’s because of selfishness. It’s about falling into a sweet swamp. The swamp people don’t care about others at all.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [9th HWPL] 525 Peace Walk is a huge, unstoppable flow Peacewalk Man Hee Lee IWPG IPYG Peace Walk hwpl peacewalk HWPL Declaration of World Peace #525_peacewalk

Isn’t it hard for us to make ends meet? Why should we care about people who don’t even know their faces? Here is the answer.

HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace will be held online on 25 May 2022.

On 25 May 2013, not only was HWPL established, but Chairman Man Hee Lee drafted and proclaimed the Declaration of World Peace. The declaration embodies basic principles to build a peaceful world, and seeks to guarantee peace through legal instruments such as international law.

A tremendous online roar of peace! We are one!

The annual commemoration was planned to remember the spirit instilled in the Declaration of World Peace proclaimed before the World Peace Gate in Seoul, South Korea, on 25 May 2013, and the meaning behind the civil society-led Peace Walks held worldwide.

The world today is seeking ways to promote the institutionalization of peace to safeguard lives and ensure safety from the threats of daily conflicts and war.

International organizations such as the UN, the AU, and the EU are widening research on normative guidelines to peacefully address current conflicts.

HWPL’s 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace

Institutionalizing Peace: Realizing the Collective Will for Peace

Date: May, 25th, 2022, 20:00pm(KST)(GMT+9)
Youtube: https://bit.ly/3MCBsZT
Homepage: http://525dowp.org/

This year, HWPL has proposed the institutionalization of peace as a process to establish stable and sustainable peace through the collective will for peace. The collective will to create a world free of war comes from the individuals and groups who engage in the concerted efforts for peace that transcends national borders.

The 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace will provide the proof that having citizens continue to march on is the engine for us to get closer to peace even amid the crisis of illnesses and wars.

To this end, various peace projects HWPL is carrying out together with diverse partners will be explained as cases of realizing the collective will and institutionalizing peace.

Why Do We Need DPCW and Peace Walk?

PROGRAM TIMETABLE

Opening
Congratulatory Messages
Progress Report, Commemorative Speech by IPYG General Director
Peace Journalist Report
Forming and Putting into Action a Common Spirit for Religious Harmony & Peace
Fostering Citizens of Peace for the Institutionalization of Peace: HWPL Peace Education in India Using Metaverse
Peace can be Realized by Action
Commemorative Address
- Chairwoman of International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG)
- Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)
Closing

If anyone has read this article and watched the HWPL video, I salute you. You are enough to be a messenger of peace. 🙂

9th Peace Walk Homepage

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

[Replay] HWPL’s 8th Peace Walk

HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace

Subtitle: Citizen-Led Peacebuilding Initiative for Global Coexistence and Harmony

Date: May, 25th, 2021

The replay I missed so much came out on YouTube! I think we can turn on the subtitles!

I’m always grateful when I watch videos of HWPL. Because I feel so relieved that there are still people in the world who shout for peace.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE [Replay] HWPL's 8th Peace Walk Peacewalk IWPG IPYG Peace Walk hwpl peacewalk HWPL Declaration of World Peace chairman Lee #525_peacewalk

On May 25, 2021, HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace was held online and attended by 3,000 people from 150 countries around the world.

There have been many peace walking events, and May 25 was a truly meaningful peace festival.

I’ve walked with them before, too. It’s different from Santiago’s pilgrimage, but it’s the same. Why do people walk? I think it’s to find the answer. HWPL peace walking has a clear answer!

This year’s event aimed to discuss a citizen-led peace movement and cooperation to promote coexistence and harmony in the global community, and to overcome global challenges that stem from hatred, conflicts, misunderstanding, and lack of communication in this current pandemic era.

The event commemorated the Declaration of World Peace, proclaimed on May 25th in 2013. From this peace initiative, HWPL says that millions of global citizens for 8 years have participated in promoting peace projects.

These projects are locally fitted to creating a favorable environment of peace, including education, relief, and forums to offer public policies to meet the needs of the community.

Chairperson Pacale Isho Warda of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization(HHRO) in Iraq, who was appointed as Minister of Migration and Displacement by the UN from 2004 to 2005, introduced a legislation project of law that prevents violence against women and children in cooperation with IWPG.

Women and children are too prone to be victims of war. Especially these days, there are a lot of crimes, so I’m worried. What’s wrong with the world?

Ven. Ashin Htavara, General Secretary of All Burmese Monks Representative Committee in Norway, who went through the Saffron Revolution in 2007, stated that 3 HWPL Peace Libraries were established in Payapon, Myanmar and that a fourth library is currently being prepared.

He is a strong leader. He is a 625 veteran and is now approaching 90. But he is busier than anyone else for peace. Out of common sense, he’s really doing his best day by day. I admire him.

That’s all for the photo review. It’s best to see for yourself!

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

A tremendous online roar of peace! We are one!

On May 25, 2021, HWPL’s 8th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace was held online and attended by around 3,000 people from 150 countries around the world.

The event is held annually by an international peace NGO named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in association with its affiliated groups, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG).

It couldn’t be opened last year due to Corona, but I’m so grateful that it’s reopened this time. As expected, COVID-19 cannot stop the flow of peace.

The Declaration of World Peace was proclaimed on May 25th in 2013. From this peace initiative, millions of global citizens for 8 years have participated in promoting peace projects.

There are too many to list, but the HWPL is the most substantial and powerful peace organisation I know. The scariest power is that people serve only peace for nothing. Are there people like this around you? I’m sure he’s a nice guy.

What is at the heart of this event?

the cooperation of each state to establish international law for peace
the role of the media in contribution to sharing information of peace
the active peace movement of youth and women

Why youth and women? They were the biggest victims of the war. But that’s why they’re trying to be the greatest actors for peace.

Chairwoman Pascale Isho Warda of Hammurabi Human Rights Organization(HHRO) in Iraq, who was appointed as Minister of Migration and Displacement by the UN from 2004 to 2005, introduced a legislation project of law that prevents violence against women and children in cooperation with IWPG.

Regarding the importance of peace activities through education, she said, “We need to learn the mechanism of guiding everyone to become a tool of peace, strengthening from daily life, and sometimes throughout the simplest matter of life, starting with personal peace with oneself, in the family, and with others.”

Ven. Ashin Htavara, General Secretary of All Burmese Monks Representative Committee in Norway, who went through the Saffron Revolution in 2007, stated that 3 HWPL Peace Libraries were established in Payapon, Myanmar and that a fourth library is currently being prepared.

“There are too few libraries for children in Myanmar. I wanted to give hope to these little children. In the future, the library will conduct peace education, peace activities, and peace campaigns, and we will do everything that can help achieve peace,” he said.

Is there a possibility of peace in the future?

No one knows about it. But the only thing I can be sure of is that it goes our way. One might be skeptical of us as naive people. But I believe in the power of words and writings. I believe in the power of thought. We will be just as we thought.

Do you know a miracle in Maowusu(毛鳥素) desert? It is a story about a woman(Yin Yuzhen, 殷玉眞) who has worked for decades to create dozens of kilometers of forest in the desert.

Twenty years old, she did not give in. She woke up at 3 a.m., went to a seedling farm 19 kilometers away, bought seedlings and grass seeds, and when grass grew, the hard labor of planting trees on them. It became her daily routine for 20 years.

Let us all leave peace as a legacy of future generations.

“It is we in this day who have to do all the necessary things to make peace and prevent our globe from being destroyed. War does not end with words, but it comes to an end with our practical actions. I believe that this can be achieved since no one in our global village is not willing to see peace,” highlighted Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

HWPL Peace Walk in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, or East Timor, is a Southeast Asian nation ringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life. It has really beautiful natural scenery. But crime continues to be a problem in Timor-Leste, including gang-related violence, robbery (in some cases armed), and assault. There have been attacks on foreigners in Dili during the hours of daylight and darkness. Also, the citizens who live there have suffered a lot.

East Timor genocide (1975-1999)

East Timor was colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, and was known as Portuguese Timor until 28 November 1975, when the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) declared the territory’s independence. The East Timor genocide refers to the “pacification campaigns” of state terrorism by the Indonesian government during the US-backed.

From the start of the invasion in August 1975 onward, the wholesale massacre of Timorese civilians happened. At the start of the occupation, FRETILIN radio sent the following broadcast: “The Indonesian forces are killing indiscriminately. Women and children are being shot in the streets. We are all going to be killed…. This is an appeal for international help. Please do something to stop this invasion.”

Amnesty International estimated that one third of East Timor’s population, or 200,000 in total, died from military action, starvation and disease from 1975 to 1999. In 1979 the US Agency for International Development estimated that 300,000 East Timorese had been moved into camps controlled by Indonesian armed forces.

Also, Indonesian military abuses against women in East Timor were numerous and well-documented. Amnesty International USA wrote: “Women are reluctant to pass on information to non-governmental organizations about rape and sexual abuse, let alone to report violations to the military or police authorities.” University of Oxford held an academic consensus calling the event genocide and Yale university teaches it as part of their “Genocide Studies” program.

However, a strong wind of peace is blowing again these days.

HWPL Peace Walk In Timor-Leste

On June 8, 2019, Peace Walk event of HWPL was held on May 25 at the Radio Community Atoni Lifau in the Oe-Cusse area together with government officials, the heads of NGOs and school students. Every year in Timor-Leste, HWPL has held the event in Dili, the capital city. This year, it was the first time in Oe-Cusse, not in Dili. Do you know Oe-Cusse? UN troops and the “Sangnoksu Unit” of Korea were dispatched together to fight for the independence of Timor-Leste in the past. After the war, there is a lot of exchange with Korea.

During the Peace Walk, they walked to the memorial stone for the sacrifice of Sangnoksu Unit who sacrificed for the independence of East Timor. Independence… What a heart-wrenching word? The smiling children don’t know anything, but the ancestors who achieved independence must be really happy. It’s hard not to forget that gratitude, but… Youth must do it. And the most important thing we need to do is to stop the war from happening anymore. Let’s leave peace as a legacy for future generations!

They made a promise to work together with HWPL for peace from now on. The event was also broadcasted on the national broadcasting station GMNtv on June 12.

together, peace

Reference:
http://hwpl.kr/en/news/view/190801415/0/TimorLesteThePeaceWalkInTimorLeste