“Our goal is to have the greatest demonstration in history in favor of Peace and Nonviolence”

Today, the humanist organization World Without Wars gave a national presentation of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence at the Madrid Press Agency. Over a hundred people from different environments gathered to show their support for this project, some of whom reported on the most significant initiatives currently underway.

"Our goal is to have the greatest demonstration in history in favour of Peace and Nonviolence. We must mobilize!" said Rafael de la Rubia. "This march," he continued, "will be formed by a huge variety of simultaneous initiatives taking place from October 2^nd, 2009 to January 2^nd, 2010, they will be demanding the dismantling of nuclear weapons, the withdrawal of all troops from invaded territories, the signing of non-aggression treaties between countries, proportional and progressive disarmament, and for all countries to reject war as a method to resolve their conflicts. We want to create a consciousness of the need to condemn all kinds of violence."

So far, close to 2,000 organizations the world over are showing their support. The project initially began in 40 countries, but to date activities are in progress in more than 300 cities, in over 90 countries. Endorsers surpass 400,000 and include 200 universities and educations centers, over 800 different celebrities (Galeano, Chomsky), and more recently, Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodovar from Spain.

The presidents of Argentina, Chile, Croatia and East Timor have also endorsed the proposal, and new heads of state are expected to endorse it in the following weeks. The Spanish Ambassador in Bolivia, Carmen Almendras, spoke during the presentation: "Bolivia is the first state to have a Constitution that rejects war as a way to resolve conflicts."

Nuria del Viso, head researcher at the Research Center for Peace (CIP-Ecosocial), Herman Zin, war journalist and reporter, the cyclist Abraham Olano, singers Julio Castejon (Asfalto) and Teo Cardalada (Complices), and Javier Curruchaga gave their testimonies and encouraged everyone to support and spread the word about this proposal. "Our union defends freedom, and this March is about freedom and rights," said Teo Cardalda. Then, Javier Gurruchaga asked the media to help to create consciousness: "A culture of nonviolence needs to be created. We must support this March," he said.

Pau Segado, spokesperson for the Humanist Movement in Spain, expressed profound words about the meaning and the opportune moment in which this World March is happening. "Not too long ago," said Segado, "these objectives would've been dismissed as utopian or naïve, but today they are being discussed and approved in city hall sessions and by international organizations such as the United Nations. A window of opportunity has opened up pin the midst of the most critical and turbulent situation ever. It is urgent and also necessary to create consciousness in favour of peace and nonviolence."

"Everyone who endorses this March for Peace and Nonviolence has something in common," said the humanist spokesperson, "which is that their support is born from a simple act that creates a consciousness in support of a dignified cause that they wish to share with others. We do not discriminate, nor do we set limits to anyone wanting to express themselves in favour of Peace and Nonviolence.