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.

 

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!

 

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

Network Opposed to War

10 December 2023

Workers demand rights and freedom, end to wars on Bonifacio Day

 

 

Despite the government's decision to move Bonifacio Day to November 27, labor groups, led by the Nagkaisa labor coalition, pressed forward with their march this morning, November 30, alongside organizations in the No to War network.

 

Amidst the intensifying cost of living crisis, the coalition declared at the Mendiola rally that workers would never enjoy the government's holiday economics.

 

Nagkaisa pointed out that, despite adjustments in daily minimum in various regions, wages still lag significantly behind the rising cost of living. Likewise, the erosion of workers' rights, including the freedom to form unions and security of tenure, remains a critical concern.

 

Emphasizing the legacy of Andres Bonifacio, Nagkaisa highlighted that the fight for freedom from colonial rule was intertwined with the pursuit of a dignified life for all Filipinos. However, the coalition lamented that post-colonial republics failed to secure genuine sovereignty, and the freedom from poverty remains elusive.

 

The coalition called for a redirection of government priorities to address these pressing concerns rather than engaging in war preparations or supporting the political agenda of the same colonial powers who were behind many of these conflicts.

 

The coalition red flags the potentially irreversible consequences of forging additional military agreements beyond the existing pacts with the US, particularly with Japan, and the looming possibility of similar arrangements with the UK, France, and Australia - all using China as the boogeyman - for they will only heighten the tensions in the region.

 

Nagkaisa warned against the devastating impact of new wars, citing the peoples suffering, exemplified by the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Expressing solidarity with war victims globally, Nagkaisa urged unity in calling for an end to all conflicts. Specifically addressing the Israel-Palestine situation, the coalition demanded a permanent ceasefire and an end to what they termed as Israel's campaign of genocide in Gaza.

 

While acknowledging the complexity of this age-old conflict, Nagkaisa believes a ceasefire could pave the way for de-escalation and create spaces for diplomatic negotiations.

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

30 November 2023

 

Kapayapaan Hindi Digmaan! – Network Opposed to War (No to War) Bonifacio Day 2023 Statement

 

The Filipino people have a long and storied history of resistance against oppression. From the Spanish, Americans, the Japanese, and current injustices, Filipinos continue to march, protest, and organize. It is in this spirit that we mass movements and people’s organizations mobilize today. Learning from the example of Andres Bonifacio, we aspire for a Philippines built on freedom, peace, and common prosperity.

 

The Network Opposed to War (No to War), as a grouping of people’s organizations, mass movements, and trade unions, is in the streets today as we celebrate the birthday of Andres Bonifacio. Inspired by the life and struggle of the Supremo, we mobilize today for a society free from violence and oppression. Like the Katipuneros before us, we see that the dream of justice and equality is a desire we Filipinos share with peoples all over the world. From Manila to Gaza, Burma and Kiev, the dream of peace built on justice continues to animate millions.

 

We are adamant in our opposition to all forms of war. It is clear that in times of conflict, it is workers and ordinary people that are harmed and sacrificed. History shows us that while working people bleed, the rich and powerful benefit from war. We have no illusions. Wars today are for the benefit of corporations and the elites that profit from bloodshed.

 

For the Network Opposed to War, it is impossible to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in times of conflict. Rather than being the solution to problems of development, wars instead intensify existing inequalities. As is the experience of women globally, militarization leads to lasting scars not only on the body, but on the psyche as well. For the vast majority that struggle with poverty and precariousness, it is obvious that war is not for our interests.

 

We join all progressive organizations and mobilizations today that stand against poverty and militarism. Peace is the foundation of truly just and prosperous societies. We express our desire to build peace, not cultures and industries for war.

End to wars and poverty highlight workers’ Bonifacio Day protest

 

In the wake of the devastating consequences witnessed in conflicts such as the ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, and numerous other smaller conflicts worldwide, the Partido Manggagawa (PM) issues a stern warning: "It is imperative to stop these wars so that focus is redirected to more immediate and pressing concerns faced by the world’s people, particularly the urgent battles against poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis," ," stated Partido Manggagawa Chair Renato Magtubo.

 

Joining the Mendiola rally organized by Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and the Network Opposed to War (No to War) on Bonifacio Day, PM emphasizes the need for secure jobs and increased wages to combat the ripple effects of unemployment and the rising cost of living. In Cebu, a counter march from Plaza Independencia to Colon St., was held by the same groups, including the Cebu chapter of PM.

 

“However, the realization of these aspirations, echoing the Katipunan dreams of ‘kalayaan at kaginhawahan’ remains elusive 160 years after the birth of Gat Andres Bonifacio. This persistence is attributed to anti-worker economic policies, such as cheap labor, endo, and privatization, coupled with the enduring structural flaws of ilustrado governance in the form of trapo politics,” said Magtubo.

 

Addressing the potential outbreak of new conflicts, Magtubo expresses concern over increasing tensions between global superpowers vying for hegemony and expansionism, as highlighted in the analysis of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The labor group emphasizes the devastating impact on working people, drawing parallels with historical events like the two world wars, scores of civil wars, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine due to Israel's campaign of siege and genocide.

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, PM aligns with the Philippines' No to War network, advocating for a permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza. The coalition posits that colonial powers, reminiscent of Bonifacio's era and the Katipunan, persist in maintaining control and exploiting weaker nations through militarism, occupation, and wars.

"The unfinished revolution for complete freedom from colonial powers and the emancipation of the Filipino people from poverty remains the legacy of the Katipunan—a cause we will persistently pursue," concluded Magtubo. 

Partido Manggagawa

30 November 2023

 

PHILIPPINE GROUPS FORM ANTI-WAR NETWORK: Call for Permanent Ceasefire, End to Genocide in Gaza

 

 We, the Philippine groups representing various interests and advocacies, including those on human rights, labor, women, youth, urban poor, Moro and IPs, environment, and political parties, form ourselves today into NO TO WAR network in solidarity with the world’s people who are suffering from the devastating impacts of ongoing conflicts and in preventing the slide of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and possibly in the Philippines.

 

As an anti-war network, we are campaigning for peace with justice and will continue to oppose the ruling establishment's inclination toward war, militarization, colonization, and destruction, both of humanity and the environment.

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, we join the international community in calling for a permanent ceasefire, a stop to genocide in Gaza, and an end to Israeli occupation.  Words cannot adequately convey the horrors of war being experienced by the Palestinians from the endless airstrikes and ground raids carried out by Israel. There must be a stop to this genocide and human suffering!

 

We advocate for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire because we believe this is the critical first step towards de-escalation, facilitating humanitarian aid, and creating a conducive environment for brokering negotiations and dialogues. Without a a permanent ceasefire, sparks of violence will only lead to the escalation of further violence.

 

The international community, especially the free countries within the United Nations, must step up to address the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They should redouble their efforts to find diplomatic and political solutions to the Palestine-Israel conflict and cease support for Israel’s campaign of siege and genocide in Gaza by halting aid from the US and other western powers.

 

As a contribution to the growing peace and anti-war movement across the globe, the Philippines’ NO TO WAR network will be holding a series of activities ranging from teach-ins, physical and online fora, as well as direct actions to amplify our cause.

 

In particular, in addition to its obligation to secure Filipinos on both sides, including the safe release of the remaining Filipino hostages in Gaza, we urge the Philippine government to support the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire and the creation of free corridors for humanitarian aid. In the 1930s, when many other countries refused to take in Holocaust refugees, our nation welcomed 1,200 Jewish individuals from Shanghai, China, ensuring their safety from the genocide perpetrated by

Nazi Germany. In a similar manner, we implore the Philippine government not to abstain and, once again, to stand against genocide—this time, by calling on Israel for a permanent ceasefire.

 

On November 30, the NO TO WAR network will link up with Nagkaisa Labor Coalition in commemorating Andres Bonifacio's day. Bonifacio, alongside fellow Katipuneros and Katipuneras, led the revolutionary resistance against Spanish colonialism. Members of NO TO WAR collectively believe that the historical legacy of colonialism, occupation, and militarism has perpetuated conflicts throughout modern times. Therefore, our opposition remains against militarization and the imposition of unjust policies by foreign powers in our country.

 

NO TO WAR will also be part of the human rights community in celebrating Human Rights Week at the start of December.

 

Access photos of launching here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xdTDQQmgzbQ-4MmSiXVsy4Vi2vhoLIYy

 

NO TO WAR network is composed of the following organizations:

 

Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao

Amnesty International Philippines

Anak Mindanao-Youth

Bangsa

Coalition Against Human Trafficking of Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)

Dakila

Federation of Free Workers

Focus on the Global South

KAGULONG

IIRE-Manila

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (IDefend)

Laban Kababaihan

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights)

MINDANOW

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

National Federation of Labor

Partido Manggagawa (PM)

Public Services Labor Independent Confederation

Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO)

Tara Kabataan

United Filipino Service Workers

United Muslim Alliance for Development (UMA DEV)

World March of Women - Pilipinas

PRESS STATEMENT

NO TO WAR

28 November 2023

“War is violence against women”—feminist groups in the Philippines

 

On the first day of a 18-day global campaign to end violence against women, feminist groups in the Philippines highlighted the call for a permanent ceasefire as a step towards a permanent solution to the question of Palestine.

 

“War is violence against women. It is as clear as day in the ongoing hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas that women are disproportionately victimized in war. The history of conflicts reveals this ugly truth. Thus, we call for a stop to the war in Palestine and elsewhere. And demand a just peace,” argued Judy Ann Miranda, secretary general of Partido Manggagawa (PM). PM is among the groups that participated in today’s activity.

 

A hundred women leaders from various organizations that comprise the World March of Women-Pilipinas marched to the grounds of the Commission of Human Rights today for a rousing and festive program to launch the violence against women campaign. Community assemblies in several working class areas in Metro Manila followed later in the day.

 

The launch of the campaign served as an opportunity for women to raise the urgent call for solidarity to the people of Palestine. In the statement released for the event, the World March of Women-Pilipinas, stated that “Israeli forces through persistent bombings on Palestinian communities, kill[ed] more than 14,000 Palestinians. Most hurt were women and children, as hospitals were also bombed. World March of Women members in Palestine were [also among those] attacked.”

 

“The so-called humanitarian pause should give way to a sustained ceasefire in both Gaza and the West Back. A permanent ceasefire then enables political negotiations to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine,” Miranda explained. The women’s groups’ call for solidarity with Palestine is part of a sustained advocacy by social movements, trade unions, human rights organizations and grassroots communities in the Philippines.

 

Next week, on November 30, which is a traditional day of mobilization for workers in the Philippines, trade unions along with other civil society groups will also underscore the demand for a permanent ceasefire and a stop to the genocide in Palestine. Today, a rally is being held in Manila by Muslim and Christian organizations together with progressive groups. The mobilization is billed as a march for peace and justice in Palestine.

 

All these solidarity actions build upon earlier activities by numerous organizations in different parts of the country, including in the southern island of Mindanao which has a substantial Muslim population. Among those actions was a rally outside the Catholic Church in Manila last November 4 which was a local response to the call by the International People’s Assembly for a global day of action for Palestine.

 

“The drums of war are beating so hard that they are not only deafening but are inciting harm and violence against women,” according to the World March of Women-Pilipinas. It added  that “Historically, women and children suffer the most during war in the form of hunger, sexual assault, physical violence including unjust imprisonment as hostages of warring parties, loss of home and of family members.”

 

Miranda averred that “Women also do not want to be caught in the middle of the US and China conflict. We call for a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea issue. Through negotiations among the claimants, we want to guarantee the right of fishers, Filipinos and other nationalities, to gainful livelihood in what should be treated as common fishing grounds.”

 

Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating with the United States forming various military alliances such as the Quad and the AUKUS in a bid to contain China and maintain control over the busy shipping lanes in the region. The Quad is an alliance between the US, Japan, Australia and India while AUKUS unites Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

 

Recently the US has avowed that it will respond to an attack on Philippine ships in the disputed sea according to terms of a mutual defense treaty. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing for a visiting forces agreement with Japan.

 

The threats of war in the South China Sea has become a convenient pretext for an influx of the American soldiers and weapons to the Philippines. In 1991, US military bases in the country were kicked out in the culmination of a long struggle led by progressive movements to assert national sovereignty and an independent foreign policy. However, the war on terror opened the door for the return of the American military as so-called “visiting forces.”

 

The feminist groups recalled that prostitution and abuse of women and girls flourished around the sites of the former US military bases in the Philippines. Since the return of US troops in the country, they have been involved in two separate incidents involving the rape of a woman and the murder of a trans. All of the accused soldiers are now back in America after controversial decisions of acquittal or pardon.

November 25, 2023