WHATEVER HAPPENED TO DECADE OF CULTURE AND PEACE?

Do you think Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders were impressed by the millions that came together throughout the world to say NO! to war on February 15? Do you think that President Bush and Mr. Blair will have a hard time the will of so many people called to action? Are you familiar with Manifesto 2000? This manifesto declares the decade of 2001-2010 to be the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World. This manifesto has been signed by over 75 million people, and has received a letter of support from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and other world leaders.

There is a campaign to call attention to Manifesto 2000 by sending letters to the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the United Nations. The following is a sample letter that to Ambassador Greenstock.

Dear Ambassador Greenstock,

As the UK Ambassador to the UN, I would like to ask you "What happened to Manifesto 2000?". Now signed by over 75 million people, this called for 2001-2010 to be the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the children of the World. I understand that the UK Prime Minister sent a letter of support to the UN in the millenial year,so I take that the British government support this UN initiative.

I would urge you that the Manifesto 2000 contained a true vision for humanity for the 3rd millenium. The development of a Culture of Peace is much in line with spiritual and religious teachings of all traditions, and much in line with the basis of objection to War with Iraq on moral and humanitarian grounds which many of us feel. The huge public demonstrations against War last weekend reflect a deep commitment by many people worldwide for Peace, as also demonstrated by 75 millions signatures for Peace and the UN Culture of Peace initiative.

I strongly request that you reflect and remember the British Government's support of Manifesto 2000, and the optimism with which the world began the third millenium. I sincerely believe that War now would shatter that vision and optimism, as it is clear to many of us that not every peaceful means has yet been tried. I urge you to bear this in mind during the coming days, particularly next Wednesday when you may be participating in tabling further Security Council resolutions.

Yours sincerely

Further information:
United Kingdom and Manifesto 2000
UNESCO and a look at Maifesto 2000 in the UK
Manifesto 2000