Statement by SCI and CCIVS Movements, 2026
As peace and antimilitarist movements and organizations, we cannot remain silent in the face of the war now unfolding – an escalation that reflects a troubling pattern witnessed in recent years.
History has shown us what world wars entails. After that experience -one that left behind famine, disease, the destruction of cities, families, and lives- we cannot accept that a group of countries with military power, nuclear weapons, and the capacity to dominate and subjugate governments and territories once again justifies war and death in the name of peace.
The violation of human rights and international law committed mainly by the governments of the United States, Israel and Russia urgently calls for action from the United Nations. Mechanisms of destabilization and subjugation imposed on countries through bombing, trade or energy blockades, or the kidnapping of a president, as occurred in Venezuela, are acts intended to impose conditions by force and, as a consequence, to subject peoples to hunger, to social, political, and economic crises, and potentially, death.
We cannot close our eyes to the cruelty of the war crimes performed in the killing of innumerable children, in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon and Ukraine. Our humanity must have limits. This is one of them.
Our organizations believe in the path of dialogue, consensus, and fundamental freedoms reaffirming the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, urging governments and competent bodies to make this treaty of international law effective and real. When no law prevails, insecurity spreads and fear becomes embedded in populations.
The undersigned organizations raise our voices to demand:
- Stop the arms race among nations and halt the massive investments in weapons companies and nuclear weapons programs everywhere.
- Respect the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples and refrain from intervention through force or coercive measures.
- Ensure, through the United Nations, the implementation and effective enforcement of international treaties in accordance with international law.
- Guarantee accountability for those responsible for violations of international law, ensuring independent investigations, transparency, and effective judicial mechanisms so that governments, institutions, and individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, human rights abuses, or unlawful military actions are held accountable without exception.
“Let us take the risks of peace upon ourselves and not impose the risks of war upon the world”.
Pierre Cérésole (Founder, Service Civil International)