Mindanao Prayer and Candle Lighting for Peace and Human Rights on IHRD 2023

Christ the King Parish grounds, Lala, Lanao del Norte
 
Mindanao counterpart of the Network Opposed to War - Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas together with other Tri-People Peace, Environment and Human Rights simultaneously hold a Prayer and Candle Lighting today as they commemorate the 75th year since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was approved by the league of nations.

Highlighted are the call for permanent ceasefire in Palestine and an end to the genocide; condemnation over USA veto on the resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza as pushed by the UN Secretary General; solidarity with the opposition to the  planned extractive projects and activities in the ancestral domain claim of non-moro Indigenous Peoples in Maguindanao provinces; advancement of the rights of the worker, women, youth, lgbt, peasants, fisherfolks, OFWs, etc; and the call for justice for the victims of the recent MSU Marawi blast and all violence and violations to human rights.

Joined by different stakeholders, the groups contextualized the action on Karapatan (Right), Kapayapaan (Peace), Kalayaan (Freedom or Sovereignty), Kalikasan (Environment) and Katarungan (Justice).

The synchronized activity is participated by Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Sur, North Cotabato, Agusan del Sur and Davao de Oro provinces and Iligan, Cotabato and Bacolod Cities.

In a press statement, NO to War expressed its dismay over the US veto and UK's abstention. "Anti-war network condemns US veto of UN resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza The Network Opposed to War (NO TO WAR) strongly denounces the United States' veto of the UN Security Council resolution, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in response to the UN Secretary General’s call under Article 99 of the Charter," the group said.


what is more regrettable according to the group that the action occurred on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the UN Security Council failed to approve the resolution, responding to the UN Secretary General's call under Article 99 of the UN Charter.


"The veto by the United States and the abstention of the United Kingdom effectively negated the 13 majority vote of the Security Council as well as the more than 90 countries, including the Philippines, which endorsed the resolution," the network added. 


NO TO WAR-Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas also condemns these decisions, "highlighting the blatant disregard for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as warned by the UN Secretary General, posing a threat to international peace and security," the group said further.

Photos are from NO to WAR - PSP Mindanao organizations. Will be updating from time to time.

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READ THE FULL STATEMENT OF NO tp WAR-PSP:

PRESS RELEASE
Network Opposed to War (NO to WAR) - Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas
December 10, 2023

Anti-war network condemns US veto of UN resolution calling for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza The Network Opposed to War (NO TO WAR) strongly denounces the United States' veto of the UN Security Council resolution, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in response to the UN Secretary General’s call under Article 99 of the Charter. 

This regrettable action occurred on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as the UN Security Council failed to approve the resolution, responding to the UN Secretary General's call under Article 99 of the UN Charter.. The veto by the United States and the abstention of the United Kingdom effectively negated the 13 majority vote of the Security Council as well as the more than 90 countries, including the Philippines, which endorsed the resolution. 

NO TO WAR-Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas condemns these decisions, highlighting the blatant disregard for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as warned by the UN Secretary General, posing a threat to international peace and security. 

The ongoing atrocities in Gaza, including daily massacres, displacement, and dehumanization of Palestinians, affect all, including doctors, journalists, and UN staff. The complete destruction of Gaza ensures a bleak future for its residents. It is deeply troubling that the United States and the United Kingdom openly support the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the oppressed Palestinian people, turning a blind eye to the violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Despite global condemnation, Israel continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

 In November of this year, the Philippines, along with 144 nations, condemned Israel's illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan. Unfortunately, this resolution was likewise opposed by seven countries, led by the US, UK, and Israel. 

Given the apparent ineffectiveness of the international body, it is now imperative for the global community to uphold the will of free peoples worldwide. 

NO TO WAR however believes that the increasing diplomatic isolation of the US, UK, and Israel is shaping a new global perspective on democracy and solidarity, particularly among the youth. 

CEASEFIRE NOW! Stop the Genocide! Demand accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity now! ###

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