WOMEN IN BLACK OPPOSE NUCLEAR WEAPONS, POWER, MILITARISM & ARMS SALES
We campaign to prevent armed conflicts and end military-industrial activities that destroy our climate, lives and environment. We work for sustainable peace and security, free of nuclear, military and fossil-fuel dependencies.
We recognise that many wars and violations of the rights and security of women are taking place around the world, from Ukraine to Congo, from Iran to Hong Kong, Yemen and Palestine. Nuclear weapons possession and threats increase the dangers for everyone.
Today Women in Black invite YOU to tell the Government that Britain must take the lead in building peace and getting rid of nuclear weapons – for the sake of all humanity!
If war escalates to nuclear war, firing back would not save us. One UK ‘Trident’ submarine carries 40 nuclear warheads that would cause millions to die from blast, flash and radiation. Billions more would starve to death as radioactive dust clouds cause crops to fail, bringing prolonged ‘nuclear winter’ and global famine.
We call for:
Full implementation of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This Treaty, which was multilaterally negotiated at the United Nations in 2017, became international law on 22 January 2021. It bans the possession, deployment, proliferation and use of nuclear weapons, along with nuclear attacks and threats, and mandates the safe, verifiable and irreversible elimination of all nuclear arsenals.
An end to nuclear threats, deployments, and attacks on nuclear power plants, whether by Russia, NATO or any militaries, mercenaries or governments.
Multilateral legal and political actions to end the targeting of civilians and prevent and prosecute rape, sexual violence and torture as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Greater inclusion of local/regional women with relevant experience, understanding and skills at all levels of peace building & diplomacy.
Recognition of the connected drivers of patriarchal violence, war and climate destruction.
Please send a letter to the PM and Cabinet, 10 Downing Street, London SW1
As the world faces nuclear threats, war, and military, environmental and climate destruction, we urge you to:
– Sign the 2021 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on behalf of the UK, and undertake steps to fully implement this Treaty and all of Britain’s international disarmament and humanitarian law obligations;
– Build peace and prevent the use of any nuclear weapons under any circumstances, anywhere in the world;
– Decarbonise military activities and spending, and cut fossil-fuel dependence and emissions across all sectors;
– Halt further nuclear-armed activities & sea patrols, end production and deployment of nuclear warheads & submarines;
– Use the billions this will save for our real security needs: health, education, poverty reduction, peace-building, sustainable energy policies, preventing further environmental destruction, and tackling climate change.
Signed……………………………………………………………………..Date…………………………….
Name: ……………………………………………………………………..
Address: ………………………………………………………………….Postcode ………………………
Women in Black hold vigils every Wednesday between 6-7 pm at the Edith Cavell Statue, opposite the door of the National Portrait Gallery, St.Martin’s Place, London WC2. Our vigils are silent, women-only and if possible we wear black. We welcome all women who support our call for an end to militarism and war.
Contact us: Twitter @WIB_London FB @womeninblack.london http://london.womeninblack.org/
Jan 2023 Donations for leaflets most welcome
