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, September 2024, which includes:
• Alternatives to war in a troubled world – MAW conference
• Star speaker for the Remembrance Lecture 2024 – Prof Mererid Hopwood
• MAW’s new connection with the UN Bonn Climate Conference
• No to greenwash! MAW’s role in global action for climate justice
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MAW conference: “Alternatives to War in a Time of Global Crisis”
Saturday 14th September
Sands Film Studio, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4HZ, or online
Confirmed speakers: Paul Rogers, Diana Francis, John Gittings, Jonathan Cohen,
Gwen Burnyeat and Tanya Hubbard.
View the conference recording here: https://watch.eventive.org/sandsmusic/play/66478c94e7770d0359da16a6
More information at https://abolishwar.net/Alternatives-to-war
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MAW opposes the installation of new nuclear weapons at Lakenheath.
Read the full statement at https://abolishwar.net/Lakenheath
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MAW Zoom event Friday 10 May 2024, 7pm
From COP28 to COP29
Deborah Burton spoke about TPNS’s COP28 Military Emissions events,
and looked forward to COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Learn more about the event here
View it here: https://youtu.be/ahDuuiav-fQ
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Palestine/Israel: MAW calls for an end to violence, steps towards peace
Movement for the Abolition of War is appalled by the escalation of violence caused by the Hamas atrocities of last Saturday. The mass murder of civilians, particularly children, and the taking of hostages is an outrage against humanity and a flagrant breach of international law.
One war crime, however, does not justify another… (more here)
Acclaimed actor Michael Mears delivered MAW Remembrance Lecture 2023
We are delighted that actor Michael Mears gave this year’s Remembrance Lecture.
It was entitled “The role of the arts and culture in promoting peace and opposing war”
To find out more and see the video, visit abolishwar.net/michael-mears/
Remembering Bruce
To remember our dear friend and inspiration, Bruce Kent, 1929 – 2022, MAW has produced two commemorative mugs: Hare and Tortoise and UN Charter
You can order from the MAW shop or download the order form
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
Sign the International Appeal for a Christmastime Peace in Ukraine
MAW is one of a number of peace organisations to have signed this plea for peace
Individuals are also welcome to join in
“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.”
Tree for Bruce!
Poem for Bruce
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 2023
MAW Remembrance Lecture for 2023.
The role of the arts and culture in promoting peace and opposing war
Fifty people were privileged to hear Michael Mears, when he gave the 2023 MAW Remembrance Lecture in the lovely auditorium at the Oasis Hub in Waterloo.
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!
“From War to Peace”
MAW has published a new booklet, “From War to Peace - Thoughts on the end of Warfare”, a collection of quotations and illustrations which updates and builds on an earlier publication. "Wise and powerful words". Order it now, or download a pdf version
