UPF Europe and Middle East Newsletter No. 3 - January 2019 — Katsumi Otsuka

No. 3 | January 2019 Visit www.europe.upf.org/nl3 for the complete reports.

WORLD NEWS two panels of eminent scholars and experience as refugees in their war- UPF HOLDS human rights activists to consider torn homeland of Korea. the theme “Europe and the Future of HUMAN RIGHTS Human Rights.” The first panel, on the theme “Europe CONFERENCE IN Hosted by Hon. Patricia Lalonde, and Fundamental Freedoms,” was moderated by Dr. Ali Rastbeen, EUROPEAN a member of the European president of the Paris Academy of

PARLIAMENT Parliament, the event was attended by several members of the European Geopolitics. Panelists included Mr. Willy Fautré, director and co-founder By Jacques Marion, Regional Vice Parliament and their assistants and of the Brussels-based Human Rights President of UPF for Europe & the by representatives from Strasbourg- without Frontiers; Hon. Tomáš Middle East based consulates. Zdechovský, MEP for the Czech To commemorate the 70th Republic; Ms. Diana Constantinide, a anniversary of the historic Universal The event began with a minute of London-based barrister specializing Declaration of Human Rights, the silence for those who had died or in human rights; Dr. Farida Valiullina, Universal Peace Federation (UPF), been injured in the terrorist attack a Berlin-based lawyer specializing in together with the Paris Academy of on Strasbourg’s Christmas Market public international law and human Geopolitics, Human Rights without the day before. In his welcoming rights law; and Mr. Jacques Marion, Frontiers, Women’s Federation remarks, Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, the the UPF vice president for Europe for World Peace International and UPF chairman for Europe and the and the Middle East. the International Association of Middle East, introduced about the Parliamentarians for Peace, convened vision and life of the UPF founders, Topics ranged from the current in the European Parliament in noting that their regard for human threat of Islamism in Europe, the Strasbourg, on December 12, 2018, rights was rooted in their suffering need for a stronger legal system to

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Chairman, UPF Europe & Middle East Dear Readers, of our peacebuilding mission, notably The series of World Summits organized in 2018, At the dawn of 2019, concerning the dialogue among religions. beginning in Senegal and Brazil, continued in let me express my South Af rica, where UPF honored the legacy UPF’s focus on interreligious dialogue and sincerest wishes of Nelson Mandela on his centennial year, cooperation began in 2018 with inaugural for good health, and in Nepal, where the Asia Pacif ic Summit meetings of the Interreligious Association for prosperity and gathered six current heads of state and many Peace and Development (IAPD) in Vienna and success in all your other dignitaries. Geneva. It continued with inaugural meetings endeavors. in Kiev, Jerusalem, Moscow and Paris, as A culminating event will be the World Summit We closed the reported in this edition. 2019, to be held in February in Korea, with a year on December large delegation of world leaders - a prelude In the Middle East and North Af rica other 12 in Strasbourg with a conference at the for many high-level activities this year. signif icant events were the inauguration European Parliament on “Europe and the of the International Association of Dear readers, I wish that you enjoy this edition Future of Human Rights”. The act of terror Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) at the of our newsletter and that you will have a safe that preceded it, shaking the whole nation, Moroccan Parliament and the participation of and successful new year. was a tragic reminder of the seriousness UPF in the World Tolerance Summit in Dubai.

implement the UDHR, to the need for a renewed balance between rights and responsibilities. Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský, expressing his commitment to human rights, recalled the words from his grandfather who suffered under the Nazi and communist regimes: “If you fall asleep in a democracy, you will wake up in a totalitarian regime”.

The second panel examined the theme “Philosophical Basis of Human Rights and Future Perspectives”. The 2 speakers were Dr. Aaron Rhodes, the former executive director of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights; Dr. Antonio Stango, president of the Italian Federation for Human Rights; Dr. Adrian Holderegger, professor emeritus at the Department of Ethics and Theology of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland; and Carolyn Handschin, director of the UN Offices of the Women’s Federation for World Peace International. 3 They raised thoughtful discussions on the current “debasement of human rights”; the challenge raised by regional approaches to human rights centering on “traditional values”; and the new concept of Citizen Rights recently promoted by religious leaders at the UN in Geneva.

The European Parliament was a fitting setting for the commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The terrorist attack that preceded it on December 11, however, was a clear reminder of the efforts yet to be 4 made to uphold the European Union motto of “Unity in Diversity”. 1 The speakers, moderators and audience at the end of the conference 2 View of the speakers in the f irst session Visit www.europe.upf.org/nl3 for the complete report. 3 Hon. Tomáš Zdechovský, MEP for Czech Republic 4 View of the European Parliament in Strasbourg

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EXCERPTS FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT IN STRASBOURG Dr. Aaron Rhodes Former Executive Director of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

As a human rights advocate, I am Both the meaning of human rights, and the way we seek concerned about two main problems to protect human rights, are clearly in trouble. Meanwhile, in the way we approach international freedom is in retreat around the world. For example, human rights today. recent studies by the Pew Foundation have shown that 83% of the world’s population now lives under conditions First is the problem of politicization. By this I don’t mean where there are “high or very high levels of overall the way authoritarian states exploit the human rights restrictions on religion”—either through government system in order to pursue a political agenda. I mean that policies or the failure of governments to protect members the very idea of human rights upheld in international of threatened groups. The most targeted groups were institutions is politicized. When you listen in on debates Christians (in 144 countries), Muslims (142 countries), and in human rights institutions today you hear mainly about Jews (in 87). What is more, and despite the enlarging social policy questions, about how public resources should human rights bureaucracy, and the expanding human be redistributed to change societies for the better. We rights agenda, we are failing to address major human need those discussions, but they are not discussions about rights and humanitarian problems, like in Yemen, where 14 human rights, that is, about protecting individual freedom million people are beginning to starve, and in Syria, where from coercion. The core challenge of ensuring political half a million civilians have been killed. freedom occupies only a small, and shrinking part of today’s human rights discourse, which is thoroughly saturated with Our approach to human rights needs to be reformed, and partisan ideology. in this situation, and at junctures like this anniversary, it is appropriate to reflect about the founding documents The second, and clearly related main problem of of the international human rights system, what they say international human rights is the sad and embarrassing about the nature of human rights, and to take guidance state of international human rights institutions, especially from those principles as we look ahead. the UN Human Rights Council, but also other forums. […]

Dr. Adrian Holderegger Professor Emeritus of theological ethics, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

On June 25, 2018, representatives of include economic, social and cultural rights as well as the six major world religions gathered civil and political rights”. Third, the assembly makes the at the UN headquarters in Geneva and commitment to hold an audit under the auspices of the adopted a declaration. The gathering United Nations every five years. […] was under the patronage of Prince El Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite kings of Jordan. I was The World Conference of Religions (2018) presents a invited as well. The event is of great importance not only multi-layered document. Not only are different legal because, for the first time, high-ranking representatives traditions - eastern and western - linked, but different of the respective religions gathered together in the traditions of commitment are interwoven: on the one UN Forum, but especially because they signed a joint hand, the discourse on citizens’ rights; they should be declaration to the attention of the UN General Assembly. rooted in human rights; on the other hand, religiously It states that religions are committed to a “recognition founded values (such as dignity, equality, freedom, love) and understanding of the universal values of the concept are mentioned, for which there is great convergence in of equal citizens’ rights, which are rooted in human religions; they should exert a strong regulatory power on rights”. Secondly, it wants to reinforce “the promotion the practice and organization of the national community. and the strengthening of equal citizens’ rights, which […]

Visit www.europe.upf.org/nl3 for the complete speeches.

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PARIS SYMPOSIUM By Jean-François Moulinet, Regional President of FFWPU for West Europe

From October 26 to 28, 2018, Paris had the honor of hosting the inauguration of the European branch of the HyoJeong Academy of Arts and Sciences Foundation. The event was organized by UPF Europe. The largest number of participants came from Europe, the second largest group was from Korea, which sponsored and 1 co-hosted the event, and there were also participants from Japan and the Seine. The Ecole Polytechnique Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. United States. (Polytechnic School), founded by Didier Guignard, founder of the Club- Napoleon, was originally a military Science in Paris. This event provided an excellent school that trained generations of opportunity to revive the Professors engineers and has become over time Following the opening session, six World Peace Academy (PWPA) in the most prestigious engineering interesting sessions were held during Europe and promote networking school in France. the day. There was also time during and cooperation between prominent breaks and lunch for the participants professors and researchers from all The opening session was held under to discuss the contents and to get to over the world. the title of “The Vision of the Unity know each other. of the Sciences and HyoJeong World On Friday, October 26, the HyoJeong Peace” with presentations by Dr. On Sunday, October 28, a Unification Academy Europe was launched in the Michael Balcomb, chair of Family Thought Institute seminar was Espace Barrault Center in Paris. Federation for World Peace and organized in Espace Barrault, with Unification (FFWPU) for Europe nine presenters from Sun Moon On the second day, the opening and the Middle East; Dr. Katsumi University in Korea. The participants and main session of the symposium Otsuka, chair of UPF for Europe appreciated the thought-provoking took place at the Maison des and the Middle East; Mr. Masayoshi conferences and went home with a lot Polytechniciens, a beautiful, historic Kajikuri of UPF Japan; Dr. Jinsung of food for thought. building not far from the River Bae, president of the HyoJeong

1 Mr. Jean-François Moulinet, Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Dr. Michael Balcomb, Dr. Jae Young Lee, Dr. Jinsung Bae and Dr. Young Hee Ahn 2 The main part of the symposium was held in the Maison des Polytechniciens in Paris, France. 3 Dr. David Hanna, regional President of FFWPU Northern Europe 4 Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Chairman of UPF Europe and the Middle East, was the main organiser of 2 the symposium.

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AFRICA SUMMIT Mr. Adama Doumbia, UPF Honoring the Legacy of President Africa Secretary General Nelson Mandela introduced 10 projects By Jacques Marion, Regional Vice President of UPF for Europe undertaken by UPF in Africa and the Middle East involving parliamentarians, religious leaders and Cape Town, South Africa—On November 21–24, 2018, traditional rulers, ranging the international conference on “Peace and Human from the promotion of 2 Development in Africa,” hosted by the Universal Peace family values and character Federation and the Royal House of Mandela, took place at education to economic sustainable development. the International Convention Center in Cape Town, South Africa. Attended by 700 dignitaries from throughout the In a session dedicated to “Honoring the Legacy of Nelson continent, the summit provided a platform to honor the Mandela”, Chief Mandela captivated the audience by his legacy of President Nelson Mandela during this centennial personal accounts of his grandfather’s life, and how he celebration year (1918–2018) and to exchange views on came to understand the value of his grandfather breaking current critical issues. racial barriers, amid dangerous social conflicts, to secure a prosperous future for his country. As a co-host of the event, Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, had invited his colleagues The second day featured the IAPP Assembly with Speakers from the Cape Town - based South African Parliament and and Deputy Speakers of Parliaments from various African from the Pan African Parliament, the legislative body of the countries, the IAPD Assembly which brought together African Union. religious leaders and the IATP Assembly featuring traditional rulers.

The summit concluded with an Interfaith and Peace Blessing Ceremony attended by 3,000 interreligious couples. Dr. Prophet Samuel Radebe, founder and leader of one of the largest traditional churches in South Africa, gave a profound testimony to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, who prayed 3 4 for blessings upon the continent and for the future of Africa.

In the Opening Plenary, UPF Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon Concluding the Festival, H.E. Mahamane Ousmane, former gave insightful guidance to the gathered assembly: “We president of Niger, said, “When we look back on this must transcend race and religion and know that God, the remarkable ceremony, we will surely see that it will have Heavenly Parent is our parent…The True Family Movement marked an historic upturn in having released all the deepest is the only shortcut to a world of peace”, she said. Together values, ideals and longings in the hearts of our people.” with representatives from 20 nations, she then launched 1 Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, UPF Founder, gave the keynote speech the International Peace Highway, described as “a world 2 Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang, the Cameroonian president of the superhighway starting from Cape of Good Hope in South Pan Af rican Parliament Africa, to Santiago in Chile, and from London to New York, 3 Chief Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and making the world a single community.” a member of the South Af rican Parliament 4 Hon. Baleka Mbete, the president of the South Af rican National Assembly

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UPF AT FIRST WORLD TOLERANCE SUMMIT By David Fraser-Harris, Secretary General, UPF-Middle East

A UPF delegation of six attended the first World Tolerance Summit, which took 1 The panel in the session on the

place from November 16 to 18, 2018 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). responsibility of educational

UPF was an official supporting partner of the two-day conference, whose theme institutions in ingraining qualities of tolerance in today’s youth was “Prospering from Pluralism: Embracing Diversity through Innovation and 2 Mr. Angelucci, UPF Middle East and Collaboration”, and which was held on the centenary of the birth of HRH Sheikh North Af rica chair and Dr. Hamad Al Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE who gathered different Shaikh Ahmad Al Shaibani, managing tribes in the 1960’s to form one united nation. The delegation included the co- director of the International Institute of chair of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) for Tolerance, signed a memorandum of the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Mohamad Habash. understanding. For the full report see www.europe.upf.org/nl3.

IAPD CONVENES RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN NEW YORK By UPF International Staff 1 2 Under the banner of “Overcoming Division, Building Unity,” close to 300 clergy and lawmakers from 28 nations convened at the iconic New Yorker Hotel on November 10 to 12, 2018, to discuss paths to reconciliation. The participants endorsed the proposal to establish and develop the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD). Participants included Cardinal Kelvin Felix from Dominica; Imam Muhammad Elahi of Detroit; Protestant clergy from dozens of denominations, as well as Orthodox priests, Buddhist monks, Shinto priests from Japan and yogi masters from India. Lawmakers included Dan Burton and Todd Tiahrt, both former members of the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as legislators 3 currently serving around the world.

1 The interfaith water ceremony in which representatives of different religions each pour a glass of water into a common bowl. 2 Cardinal Kelvin Felix f rom Dominica was a speaker in Session V. 3 The ballroom of the New Yorker hotel, the site of the IAPD global convocation

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FOUNDER’S MESSAGE

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY OF LOVE The following is an excerpt on the topic of “the Freedom and Responsibility of Love” taken f rom a speech given by Dr. Moon on April 16, 1996.

According to the ideal of love, all love The second is one’s responsibility toward relationships in the animal and plant the object partner of love. By nature, people kingdoms are for reproduction only. Human do not want their spouse’s love to be shared beings are the sole exception. Humankind with others. Horizontal conjugal love, which enjoys freedom in the conjugal relationship of differs from the vertical love between parents love, which is humanity’s special privilege as and children, loses its potential for perfection the lord of all creation. the moment it is divided. This is because the Principle of Creation God gave the blessing and requires husband and wife infinite joy of love to His to become one in absolute sons and daughters. love. Each spouse has the However, the true freedom responsibility given by that God allowed requires love to live absolutely for human responsibility. the sake of the other. When an individual insists upon and practices freedom The third responsibility of love without responsibility, of love is toward children. how much confusion and The love of parents is the basis destruction takes place! Achieving the for children’s pride and happiness. highest ideal of human love is possible only Children want to be born through the total when one takes responsibility for love. and harmonious unity of their parents in true love, and they would want to be raised We can think of this responsibility in three in that kind of love. The most precious ways. The first is for one to become the responsibility of parents is not only to rear master of true love, truly free and thanking their children externally, it is also to offer God for the freedom of love, wherein one them life elements of true love that can bring knows how to cultivate and control oneself. their spirituality to complete fruition. This This responsibility for a love relationship is why the family is so valuable. The daily is not to be taken merely because of law or experience of the heart of true children, true social convention. Instead, a person needs to brothers and sisters, true spouses and true establish responsibility through his own self- parents cannot be acquired in any place other control and self-determination within a life- than the true family. committing, vertical relationship with God.

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REGIONAL NEWS

IAPP INAUGURATED IN MOROCCO By David Fraser Harris, secretary general, UPF-Middle East and North Af rica

general consultative status with the UN, UPF through its flagship program, the IAPP, hopes to encourage an enriching exchange of experience between parliaments and civil society.

Mrs. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, co-chair of the IAPP in Europe and former president of the Parliament of Luxembourg, highlighted the role of parliamentarians as key to the link between the civil population and the legislature. She spoke of the challenges to democracy in Europe, pointing out the great need to address a loss of 1 faith in democracy.

Rabat, Morocco—On November 7, 2018 the president of Following brief comments from others in the UPF the House of Representatives, Hon. Habib El Malki, chaired delegation, including UPF Vice President Taj Hamad, Hon. a special meeting in the Morocco Room of the Parliament El Malki spoke again of the importance of this meeting, of the Kingdom of Morocco to formally inaugurate emphasizing the need to defend representative institutions the Morocco Parliament branch of the International worldwide. “Our role—together—is vital for humankind. Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). In This meeting is a first step to defend peace and stability… I attendance were the vice president of the House of hope this section of the IAPP will be an effective element Councillors, Hon. Abdelhamid Souiri, and the leaders of for the expansion of the culture of peace.” each political group in the parliament, together with other members of parliament. When the speeches had concluded, Dr. Walsh presented Hon. El Malki with an Ambassador for Peace award. “Today’s event is central to the spreading of peace as Morocco plays a key role in Africa and the Middle East,” Moroccan TV included 2.5 minutes of coverage of the said the president. “One hundred years after the end of meeting. The commentary concluded: “The Moroccan the First World War, nations and people all over the world branch definitely will play an important role in cooperation are working hard for peace. Our goal is to spread and and discussion among parliaments in order to support strengthen the culture of peace in all parts of the world.” peace in the world and also to solve the problems of terrorism, fundamentalism and extremism, besides Dr. Thomas Walsh, chair of UPF, expressed great respect spreading the culture, values and principles of peace, for Morocco’s efforts for peace, in particular for the work society and equality between men and women and also of King Mohammed VI in building good relations with human rights.” neighbouring countries. In its capacity as an NGO with

“I am convinced that your movement, as a central component in global diplomacy, will be strengthened through the launch of the Moroccan branch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, which is considered a central pillar in Moroccan diplomacy. Our country’s contribution has always been crucial in building world peace and in calling for moderation and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, 2 3 opposing terrorism and extremism, and bringing victory for the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence. Through 1 The session in the parliament its notable participation in the peacekeeping work of the 2 Hon. Hennicot-Schoepges and Hon. Habib El Malki United Nations in various conflict regions and its embrace of 3 H.E. Habib El Malki speaking to the press conflict resolution initiatives, the Kingdom of Morocco was an important contributor in establishing the initiatives for

Go to www.europe.upf.org/nl3 for the speeches of Hon. alliance amongst civilizations that have been sponsored by the United Nations since 2005.” - Hon. Habib El Malki Habib El Malki and Hon. Hennicot-Schoepges.

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REGIONAL NEWS

INAUGURATING NATIONAL CHAPTERS OF THE INTERRELIGIOUS ASSOCIATION FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

The European IAPD Office Opens in Vienna Vienna, Austria—The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) opened its European off ice in the premises of Peace Museum Vienna in the city center. The opening ceremony took place on October 18, 2018, led by UPF-Austria President Peter Haider. The event was attended by Ambassadors for Peace, supporters of UPF and aff iliated organizations, and UPF core staff.

The IAPD is Inaugurated in Ukraine Kiev, Ukraine—The Ukrainian chapter of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) was inaugurated during a conference titled “Toward Interdependence and Mutual Prosperity: The Role of Public, Youth and Spiritual Leaders.” More than 300 people attended the conference, which was held on October 19, 2018, in the assembly hall of the National Pedagogical Drahomanov University. The event was organized jointly by UPF-Ukraine and the Ukrainian Peace Council.

The IAPD is inaugurated in Israel Around 50 people gathered for the national inauguration of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) in the coastal city of Acre in northwest Israel on December 20, 2018. Attending the event were senior religious leaders f rom the four main faiths in Israel—Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Druze—political and educational leaders, and peace and social activists. The program began with former member of the Knesset (MK) Zouheir Bahaloul, who was the emcee of the event, inviting the religious leaders to offer their messages of peace. Representing Islam was Sheik Samir Aasi; Christianity, Father Masoud Abu-Hatoum; Judaism, Rabbi Yaakov Luft; and the Druze faith, Sheik Samich Natur.

The IAPD is inaugurated in Moscow Moscow, Russia—In the historic Hotel National, not far f rom Red Square decorated with New Year’s lights, UPF held a conference titled “Peacekeeping in the Context of Interethnic and Interfaith Separation.” The December 22, 2018, conference, which was attended by 70 people, was the occasion for the inauguration in Russia of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), an initiative of UPF.

The IAPD is inaugurated in Paris On January 19, 2019, IAPD was inaugurated in Paris. Monseigneur Jacques Gaillot, the Catholic Bishop of Partenia, opened the conference on the theme “Addressing the challenges of our time: the contribution of religion”, with a poignant speech on current social issues and human dignity. Religious leaders and scholars discussed the decline of family values, the ensuing f ragility of family bonds, and the challenges raised by Church – State separation, particularly in rapport with the growing Islamic community. In a solemn Peace Ceremony, 14 participants enacted symbolically, with f ire and water, the sharing of religions f rom their common root in heaven to their common home on earth.

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REGIONAL NEWS

FAMILY EXPERTS WARN ABOUT FATHERLESS PROCREATION By UPF-France 1 Paris, France—Family advocates One of the guest speakers was discussed the consequences for the Mrs. Agnès Ferrandon, a lawyer family and society of a controversial specializing in health law, who law on bioethics that would facilitate explained the juridical implications of medically assisted procreation. The the projected adoption of medically program was organized on October assisted procreation for all women. 20, 2018 by UPF, together with Mr. Philippe Oswald, a Christian 2 affiliated organizations Women’s journalist and author, spoke on 1 Jenny Lambert of WFWP (left) Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the topic of a fatherless society. moderates the event. At right is Agnès Family Federation for World Peace The crises of fatherhood are the Ferrandon, a lawyer specializing in and Unification (FFWPU), and Families consequence of the crises of manhood health law. 2 Hanna Lotterie, the president of and Values Orsay-Les Ulis (FAVORLU). and of masculinity in general, he said. FAVORLU (standing), introduces journalist Philippe Oswald, one of the guest speakers.

REGIONAL NEWS

PEACE COUNCILS ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT ALBANIA By Gani Rroshi and Bilbil Zharri, UPF-Albania

1 Tirana, Albania—Starting in 2017, with After a local Peace Council was the help of the city administrations, created, and local dignitaries were the personal support of the mayors named as Ambassadors for Peace, the and local Ambassadors for Peace, council’s chair and vice chairs were Peace Councils have been founded in invited to a seminar on the UPF Peace 58 of the nation’s 61 municipalities. In Principles. Three seminars were held 2018, 45 inaugural events were held. in 2018. 1 Creation of Mallakastra Peace Council 2 2 The Mayor of Vora receiving the title of Ambasador for Peace

REGIONAL NEWS

UPF-DENMARK HOLDS COLLABORATIVE PEACE ROAD EVENT 1 By UPF-Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark—UPF- poor people. He continues to be a Denmark’s Peace Road 2018 event peace activist and collaborates with started with a peace march that was several peace organizations. followed by a symposium with the theme “How to Promote Dialogue.” The event was organized together The symposium was hosted by Jacob with Minhaj Youth Denmark and 2 Holdt in his Ubuntu House: Mr. Holdt took place on Sunday afternoon, 1 The symposium was hosted by became internationally known in November 18th. This event marked photographer Jacob Holdt in his the 1970s by creating the book of the first time that UPF-Denmark Ubuntu House. photography American Pictures, held a symposium in conjunction 2 Participants in the Peace Road march

showing the hardships of America’s with the Peace Road project. held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 18, 2018.

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REGIONAL NEWS

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights, several UPF chapters in Europe organised commemorative events.

1 Conference speakers with UPF supporters at the conference held on the occasion of Human Rights Day and the 70 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Prague, Czech Republic on December 17, 2018 2 Peter Zoehrer, secretary general of the Forum for Religious Freedom (FOREF) Europe, was the guest speaker at the conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, on December 10, 2018 entitled “Are Human Rights in Europe in Peril?”. 3 Journalist Carlotta Morgana speaks at the conference held by UPF-Monza, Italy, on December 10, 2018 to mark the 70 th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

REGIONAL NEWS

U.K. WOMEN UNITE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN By James Claxton and Margaret Ali, UPF-UK

London, United Kingdom—The UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was marked by a conference held in the House of Lords. 1

The U.K. chapters of Universal Peace Federation and Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an affiliated organization, jointly organized the event.

Speakers included Baroness Pola Uddin, Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece, Ms. Caroline Makaka, Ms. Carole Stone OBE, Ms. Jacqueline Onalo, and Ms. Raj Holness.

2 The event was kindly hosted in the House of Lords by Hon. Baroness Sandip Verma. 1 The meeting in the House of Lords commemorates the U.N. International Day for the Elimination of Following the meeting, many of the participants were Violence against Women. moved to start programs to help victims of violence. 2 Several of the speakers with off icials f rom UPF and its aff iliated organization WFWP

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FIRST ASIA PACIFIC SUMMIT CONVENES IN NEPAL By Dr. Robert Kittel, president, Youth and Students for Peace

The first UPF Asia Pacific Summit 2018 – Nepal was held Representatives of various governments, parliaments, in Kathmandu, Nepal from November 30 to December 3, civil society, the private sector as well as the International 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme of the summit Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the was, “Addressing the Critical Challenges of Our Time: International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity and Universal Values.” (IAPP) were also in attendance and contributed to the success of the Summit. Attending the summit were more than 1,500 participants, among whom were 500 international delegates The Asia Pacific Summit concluded with a special representing 45 nations. The prime minister of Nepal, declaration on climate change as well as the Kathmandu H.E. KP Sharma Oli, welcomed six other heads of state Declaration related to peace and development. Also, the and government from Cambodia, Myanmar, Nauru, the International Mayors’ Association for Peace (IMAP) was Philippines, Samoa, and Tuvalu. launched.

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of UPF and sponsor 1 Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of UPF, addresses the summit. of the summit, attended the event. Other high-level 2 H.E. KP Sharma Oli, the prime minister of Nepal, speaking at the summit delegates consisted of five first ladies, ten former heads of 3 H.E. Aung San Suu Kyi, state counsellor of the Republic of the state and government, one deputy prime minister, seven Union of Myanmar government ministers, and five speakers of parliament and 4 The inauguration of the International Association of national assemblies. Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) in Asia Pacif ic

UPCOMING REPORTS

UPF Europe & Middle East Newsletter Europe and Middle East Summit, Albania, Oct. 2019

World Interfaith Harmony Week Events, Feb. 1–7, 2019 Published and printed by Universal Peace Federation Europe including at the UN in Vienna 43 Lancaster Gate, London England, W2 3NA, United Kingdom World Summit 2019, Seoul, Korea, Feb. 7–11, 2019 contact@europe.upf.org · www.europe.upf.org 3 rd Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony, Seoul, Korea, Feb. 9 … and much more! Copyright © 2018, Universal Peace Federation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part See the calendar of events at prohibited except by written permission. www.europe.upf.org/agenda/events