In De Hague 10 thousand people from 100 countries
discuss a new society for the III millennium

Peace Times 12

Kofi Annan: «the ultimate crime is to miss the chance for peace, and so condemn your people to the misery of war»
The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs: «Let us take up the challenge to give hope to those who have suffered human rights abuses»

Nearly ten thousand people from over one hundred countries as well as some one thousand organisations, gathered for the Hague Appeal for Peace conference held in De Hague from the 11th to the 15th of May, to launch new action campaigns and a bold new agenda for peace in the 21st century, in what is to be an on-going civil society campaign for peace and justice.

The conference, introduced by Cora Weiss, President of the Hague Appeal for Peace and Vice-president of the International Peace Bureau, marked the mid-point of this campaign and was a huge success.

Jozias van Aartsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands said «NGOs are crucial to the work of official governments», speaking of the need to formulate an agenda for peace and justice and deal more with civilian violations of human rights, «the Hague Appeal for Peace should meet that challenge» he continued, so that a resolution can become a «document of hope for all victims», before concluding by addressing the young people at the conference, (over 1500), telling them that young people have a say as to the future of this world because «the next century is yours».

Pierre Sané, Secretary General of Amnesty International emphasised «justice and human rights are common to all - they are a universal wish» and they are indeed a solid foundation for peace. Mr Ollaro Otunno, Under UN Secretary General, boldly proclaimed the need for spiritual renewal and said «let us embrace the people of all faiths». David Andrew, Foreign Minister for Ireland very rightly commented that governments should lead but they must also listen, as «people here represent the conscience of mankind».

As Cora Weiss so aptly said during her introduction of a children’s play entitled«Peace child 2000» which was held during the four day event, «you can’t have politics without culture»; the play was about young people expressing their concerns to the adult officials and looking for ways to get their agreements implemented at the United Nations. A truly inspiring evening graced by the presence of Queen Noor of Jordan and Peace Ambassador Judy Collins.

Overall the four working days consisted in debates aimed at nuclear and general disarmament, as well as a strong legal presence among the international organisations participating in the conference. The peace element seen from the spiritual aspect, although not officially included in the programmes, manifested strongly throughout the conference. In his message, Judge C.G. Weeramantry (ICC) said «conferences like the present are important occasions to celebrate what we have achieved and to take note of the obstacles that still lie across our path... occasions to bring back into focus the enormous inspirational influence of the great religions which for millennia have pointed the way through their emphasis on the central values of righteous conduct, human dignity and global peace».

A special interfaith meeting of prayer and meditation, the first of its kind in a Jewish temple in Europe, was held at the historical synogogue of the Hague, built in 1726, and organised by Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, President of the United Nations of Youth Foundation - wishing that this «proud centre of renewed jewish life may send a powerful message of reconciliation peace and hope at the moment of joint prayer from our different spiritual traditions» - and the Interfaith Centre of New York, including the participation of the Brahma Kumaris, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Jain, Jewish and Sufi traditions.

On Friday the 14th, a concert for peace was held in the Plenary with special messages read out by Dr Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the UN University for Peace, Costa Rica, who introduced the important significance of artists coming together for peace, followed by T.Y.S. Lama Gangchen, UN Plenipotenciary Envoy IAEWP and founder of the LGWPF, who brought a deep message of peace dedicated in particular to the Balkan region conflicts and a prayer for world peace.

At the closing session of the Plenary, Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan spoke with deep frustration about the raging conflicts worldwide which continue to go almost unnoticed by the world and which have claimed thousands of lives. He spoke of the need for a deep change in civil society, «the development of a culture in which statesmen and diplomats alike know what is expected of them... the ultimate crime is to miss the chance for peace, and so condemn your people to the unutterable misery of war»; he concluded his address thus: «My friends it is you and people like you all over the world, who are slowly bringing about that deep and essential change. Please keep it up!».

Isthar D.-Adler