The Movement for the Abolition of War (MAW) is part of an ongoing world-wide uprising, challenging the inevitability of war and guided by the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations signed in 1945; a vision of a world in which conflicts are resolved without resort to violence, to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” which to this day continues to bring untold suffering to humankind as well as deepening the climate crisis.
Read the latest Abolish War newsletter, March 2023, which includes:
‘Soft power’ – not military might – is key to climate pledge
MAW submits key suggestions as UN consults on Agenda for Peace
Celebrating the centenary of a remarkable Welsh peace petition
Join us as MAW joins the peace bloc at XR’s Westminster rally
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Tree for Bruce! More here Poem for Bruce – here.
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Book the date(s)!
From 21 April XR Peace at Westminster ‘Peace, Climate and Life’– four days of activities.
The target is for 100,000 people, from all walks of life – to gather peacefully at the nation’s seat of power, the Houses of Parliament and maintain a continued presence over a number of days.
XR demands:
An immediate end to new fossil fuel investment.
A plan. A plan prepared by a Citizen’s Assembly to take us out of fossil fuels by 2030 in a way that is just for everyone, and all life on our planet.
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On-line talk – “Bikes for Peace”
Tim Devereux, MAW Chair
7 pm, 28th March 2023
Over the years, Tim has taken part in a number of events which combine cycling and peace campaigning. In the talk, he’ll be remembering them, and asking, are they an effective action for peace?
Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87081086464
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MAW Submission to UN
“MAW is indebted to UNFOLD ZERO for alerting us to this call from the UN Secretary General and for contributing to our submission.” See our full text here
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MAW is one of a number of peace organisations to have signed the International Appeal for a Christmastime Peace in Ukraine. Individuals are also welcome to join in this plea for peace.
“We turn to the leaders of the warring parties: let the weapons be silent. Give people a moment of peace and, through this moment, open the way to negotiations.”
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Remembrance Lecture:
Saturday 12th November 2022
Kate Hudson, General Secretary CND UK
“Nuclear Risks in the Light of the Ukraine War”
See here for more information and link to video
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Audio of MAW’s ‘On Peace’ event, held to mark the UN International Day of Peace on 21st September, is now available. MAW Vice-President Martin Bell exchanged ideas with Ben Griffin, a former SAS soldier, with satirist Darren Cullen was in the chair. More information is here. The recording is on MAW’s Mixcloud here.
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Applications are invited from young people aged between 18 and 34 for small grants from the Becky Garnault fund for projects which promote peace, reconciliation and/or environmentalism. The closing date for this year’s applications is 31 October 2022.
More information here.
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It was with great sadness that on 8th June 2022 we heard of the death of Bruce Kent, key founder of MAW and our President Emeritus. His obituary is here.
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View the MAW cartoons “Extinguish War and Save the Earth!” and “Climate Impact of the Arms Industry” on our YouTube channel!
Latest Newsletter
The MAW newsletter Abolish War is produced quarterly.
Nuclear Prohibition
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons marks the beginning of the end of the military hegemony of the nuclear-armed powers as nation after nation asserts its right to live in a world free of the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Remembrance 2021
‘Walls, Fences and Guns’ – How militarised and racialised capitalism is destroying the world
Asad Rehman, Executive Director, War on Want
2 pm, Sunday 14th November
Climate Change
Climate change can increase the risk of violent conflict, so why don’t we redirect some of the funding for military technologies to help tackle climate insecurity?
United Nations
How do we build up recognition of the UN as the one body which can deal with global problems facing humanity?
Rethinking Security
We challenge the narrow definition of “security” used by governments to justify military intervention. Human security means adequate food and water, education and healthcare, and a secure place to live on a planet not threatened by climate change.
War is not inevitable! Our aims are to:
Spread the belief that the abolition of war is both desirable and possible
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Raise awareness of constructive alternatives to war for resolving national and international disputes
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Develop research-based materials and strategies to educate pupils, students, the general public and members of local and national government
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Work with other people and organisations who are already active in the creation of alternatives to war
Inspiration from the Archives!
Dr Bruce Kent!
On 15th November 2021, Coventry University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Bruce Kent - MAW's President Emeritus, and Vice President at CND and Pax Christi EW. Here is his inspiring speech to the students: "Dear Friends, It is an honour, a pleasure and a complete surprise to find myself here…
