Proclamation Ceremony of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War
Powerful and Ground-Breaking Tool to Attain Humanity’s Goal, Peace
Seoul, Republic of Korea – A flurry of anticipation filled the room of over 1,000 internationally-renowned figures
including heads of state, legal representatives, and media who convened at the Coex Auditorium on March 14 for the
Proclamation Ceremony of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War.
Since its official inauguration in September 2015, the HWPL International Law Peace Committee has contributed their
expertise to develop the draft of the Declaration through in-depth discussions and conferences. The committee members,
under the clear purpose of prohibiting war and war-like activities, have been tirelessly working to develop the draft of
the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War which was publicly presented only after 6 months the committee was
inaugurated.
Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL who presented the articles of the Declaration said, “In order to accomplish the collective
wishes of all humanity, we have gathered here today. This very moment at this very place will never be forgotten in the
history of mankind for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War will be publicly proclaimed. All citizens of this
globe will have to gather their hearts to acknowledge and urge this Declaration to embrace the new era and new life full
of peace.”
The core elements of the Declaration include prohibition of: the threat or use of force; obtaining war potential; and
dispute settlement; freedom of religion; spreading a culture of peace. The Declaration is a powerful and ground-breaking
tool to dispose of all means that initiate war and armed conflicts, thus further attaining humanity’s fundamental goal,
peace.
In the Preamble, it says, the Declaration aims to ‘maintain international peace and security and (is) determined to pass
on to successive generations an invaluable inheritance of a world free of wars’ and to ‘bear in mind the universal
commitment of the world’s religions to the promotion of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, and the
common spirit that permeates all religious scriptures and holy texts.’
During the ceremony, congratulatory speeches were delivered by H.E. Ali Abu Diak, Minister of Justice of State of
Palestine, H.E. Alice Chaptini, Minister of Justice in Lebanon, H.E. Lex Mpati, South Africa President of Supreme Court
of Appeal etc.
IWPG Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim gave a keynote speech by saying, “Once the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War is
proclaimed today, youth and women all around the world will quickly rise to urge the international community to support
the Declaration…As stated in the Declaration, removing all potentials that cause conflicts is the most valuable work
which will become the eternal legacy for the future generations.”
The Proclamation Ceremony of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War was followed by a press conference where
renowned international media such as Aljazeera, GMA, and Jordan news agency, gathered to cover the events of the day.
The HWPL Advocacy Committee, comprising of youth and women representatives, will be established on March 15th to support
and maximize the potential of the Declaration.
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