The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section, calls on the United States and Israel to immediately cease its war of aggression against Iran.
The desire of the US and Israel for regime change in Iran is NOT recognized under international law as a legitimate reason to start a war. Additionally, both the US and Israel, the two aggressor countries in this new war can hardly claim the ethical high ground in terms of recognizing the rights of Iranians when both Israel and the United States are responsible for the genocide of Palestinians, both countries have participated in recent bombings of Lebanon and Syria, and the United States has been abusing immigrants and citizens in its own country.
This war is already spreading throughout the Middle East, and it threatens the entire planet, as well as the survival of humanity, should it morph into a world war — where nuclear weapons could quite possibly be used.
The internal affairs of Iran, including their approach to women’s rights, also is not a legal justification for starting this war — as much as many may abhor certain policies and practices of the current Iranian regime. Unfortunately, women’s rights are disregarded in many countries, including in the United States, where a woman’s right to control her own body is currently being seriously threatened and where some are now even openly questioning whether women should have the right to vote.
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section, condemns discrimination and any violation of fundamental freedoms of gender, race, religion, and ethnicity. We condemn all violence — against any people and against any nation. We support the right of all people to freedom, to livelihood, and to a future where they can live in peace, with justice and equity.
Now is a moment for unity of all women and men around the world to call for peace in Iran as well as for peace and justice for all those in the world who are abused and attacked when they are simply trying to live peacefully in the world.
Shilpa Pandey
Co-President
WILPF-US