By Cherrill Spencer and Ellen Thomas, DISARM/End Wars Committee co-chairs
WILPF US Says “No Funding for Trump’s Illegal War on Iran”
On Feb. 28 and March 18, devastating US strikes targeted a school in Minab, Iran. In response to these events, members of Congress and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill in front of a memorial display—organized by our allies and led by Win Without War—featuring backpacks and children’s shoes. Senator Chris Van Hollen and eight House Representatives joined to speak out against the war. You can watch the event and hear their remarks here.
The desire for regime change in Iran is not recognized under international law as a legitimate justification for war.
As reported to Congress by the Pentagon, the war had cost the US over $11.3 billion in just the first six days. Now, the president and Secretary of War are requesting an additional $200 billion from Congress to continue this illegal conflict—funds that could otherwise provide Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands of children.
On March 12, WILPF US sent a letter to all members of Congress, denouncing the massive taxpayer spending on this war. The DISARM/End Wars Committee encourages you to read the letter and use it as a template to demand that your Congressional representatives refuse funding for this illegal war.
We hope you joined your local No Kings rallies on March 28 and encourage you to continue demonstrating against this unjust war. Please send your event photos to disarmchair@wilpfus.org.
WILPF Members to Attend the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
Every five years, the United Nations reviews major treaties. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) will be reviewed from April 27 to May 22 in New York City. WILPF International is sending a delegation of 13 members to this important meeting, including five members from WILPF US.
With the enthusiastic support of the international Young WILPF group, which is organizing a working group on disarmament, we are drafting a statement that highlights the perspectives of the Global South and youth worldwide on the importance of fully honoring all articles of the NPT. Delegates will distribute this statement in person to diplomats at the review conference.
Follow daily updates on the review conference at the Reaching Critical Will website.
ICAN Launches Interactive Map to Advance the Nuclear Ban Treaty
As both the US and Israel—the countries currently attacking Iran—possess nuclear weapons, it is vital to continue supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) has launched an interactive map on its website, showing how support for the TPNW is growing globally and mobilizing people, parliamentarians, cities, and governments to eliminate nuclear weapons. The DISARM Committee urges you to visit the map and contact your senators, asking them to insist that the “de-nuclearization” president sign the TPNW.
Calling All WILPF Members: Take Action for Peace Today!
WILPF’s strength lies in our sisterhood and solidarity; our courageous truth-telling and calls for peace are stronger together! Below is a summary of the actions you take for disarmament today:
- Demand Congress halt the war in Iran: call your representatives and urge them to act. Use WILPF US’s letter to Congress as a template for your communications.
- Follow daily updates on the NPT Conference from April 27 to May 22.
- Visit the ICAN map to see global support for the TPNW. Contact your senators today and urge them to demand a US signature on the TPNW.
Join the DISARM/End Wars Issue Committee
We welcome new members to the DISARM/End Wars Issue Committee! We meet by Zoom on the second and last Sundays of each month at 4:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. ET. To receive the Zoom link and request to join the DISARM listserv, write to disarmchair@wilpfus.org.
