WUNRN
http://www.icanpeacework.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ICAN-Forum-2014-Statement.pdf
This Statement was issued on November 11, 2014 at ‘Challenging Extremism and Militarism’, ICAN’s 3rd Annual MENA/Asia Forum on Women’s Rights, Peace and Security held in ªile, Turkey.
The World at a Crossroads:
Women Have the Solutions
November 11, 2014 - We, sixty
women representing thirteen countries spanning the Middle East, North Africa
and Asia, together with our colleagues from Europe and North America, gathered
together in Turkey at the Third Annual Forum on Women’s Rights, Peace and
Security, convened by the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN),
have one word to share with the world: Enough.
Enough of the violence; enough
of the importation of extremist ideologies that have no roots in our cultures,
religions or history; and enough of the weapons and bombs that are forcing us
to bury our people, especially our children, at an age when they should be
going to school and building their futures. Across our regions, within the
borders of our nations, our people are suffering at the frontlines of the most
horrendous wars and forms of violence in recent history.
The vast majority of our peace
loving people are being held hostage by a small minority of extremists,
occupation forces and authoritarian powers. We women, as activists for peace,
rights and pluralism, are in the crosshairs of these forces. On one side, we
find ourselves on the kill lists of ISIS/Daesh and other extremist militias for
simply daring to speak out for freedom. On the other, we are being harassed,
threatened and arrested by state and occupation forces for daring to demand
simple services ranging from clean water to decent governance, basic rights,
equality and leadership.
The policies of international
actors are contributing to the suffering of our people including through
sanctions, arms sales, human trafficking and the drug trade. Our girls are
being coerced into militias or kidnapped, raped and sold. Meanwhile, extremist
and regressive forces are directly benefitting from these policies.
We reach across the world for
support and solidarity from the international community, but it is not
forthcoming, except from some sources. You claim to support women and say you
uphold international norms and policies such as United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security that clearly calls for women’s
effective participation in decision making related to the prevention and
resolution of conflict. Yet, you do not heed our advice or our warnings. You
spend millions on bombs and drones, knowing that they, alone, provide no
solution. But when we seek your support for schools, economic development and
humanitarian assistance, you claim that you cannot afford it.
The challenges we face are
profound. They are not of our creation. Yet we are forced to deal with the
consequences. You may think that nothing positive is possible under the
circumstances. But you are wrong. We are powerful and continue to work because
we refuse to give up our values and our hope for a better future. We are
mobilizing young people to challenge ideologies that say we should hate each
other. We reject any understanding of religion that condones or promotes
violence and the oppression of women. We are spreading the message of peace and
pluralism that has, for centuries, allowed this region to live together
peacefully despite differences.
We work with women to build
their knowledge of universal rights and inclusive interpretations of religion,
to strengthen their voices, to respect their dignity and to give them jobs. We
work with men to counter the culture of violence that has permeated our region.
Against the odds, we struggle to hold our governments accountable to their own
commitments.
Today we stand at a crossroads.
The international community can continue its failed policies and strategies
that foment more violent extremism and radicalization. Or they can follow our
lead. One thing is guaranteed: our version of the region, our vision for the
future, is about peace, freedom, dignity, rights, pluralism, and prosperity for
all. Listen to us. Join us.
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