“True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.”
Kia ora and welcome to Peace Action Wellington!
Peace Action Wellington is a group based in Wellington, New Zealand that works for peace and justice throughout the world, with a special focus on the New Zealand government's involvement in international affairs. We stand for peace with justice and self-determination. Peace cannot be achieved by the subjugation of peoples by foreign powers. We are opposed to the endless and counterproductive "War on Terror" - instead, the conditions that drive people to resort to terrorism must be addressed. Although PAW is an independent organisation with individual membership, it also functions as a united front for groups opposed to unjust war. Members of various left wing political parties, socialist organisations, unions, other groups and anarchists, participate in running PAW. As a broad coalition of diverse people, PAW acknowlegdes and respects the ideological differences of its members, while working towards shared goals.STATEMENT: Hands off Afghanistan! Say no to SAS return to Afghanistan
We are encouraging organisations, grassroots community groups and individuals to sign on to our anti-war statement below. If you would like to add your name, simply email us at peacewellington@hotmail.com
The redeployment of Special Air Service (SAS) troops to Afghanistan is shameful. We are opposed to New Zealand's political and military intervention in Afghanistan. Along with the spybases at Waihopai and Tangimoana, the soldiers in Afghanistan are the New Zealand government's main contribution to the so-called 'War on Terror'.
In three previous deployments to Afghanistan, the SAS participated in 'direct action missions'; this translates to combat involving the death of civilians. Only a few days ago, it was revealed that the SAS handed over 50-70 prisoners to the US military in Afghanistan. The torture of prisoners by US forces in Afghanistan is well documented. In handing over these prisoners, New Zealand may in breach of the Geneva Convention and the UN Convention against Torture which prohibit signatories such as New Zealand from transferring them to countries that torture, humiliate or degrade prisoners.
The occupation of Afghanistan is a stunning disaster for the people. After eight years of war, the country is in ruins, the people of Afghanistan are being murdered on a daily basis, and political stability is as far away as ever.
We demand the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan and support the right to self-determination for the people of Afghanistan and their right to live in peace and a decent standard of living.
Signed,
Peace Action Wellington
Anti-Bases Campaign
Global Peace and Justice Auckland
John Lee, Porirua
Sally Walkern and Dave Simmons, Wellington
The Alliance
James Stuteley, Wellington
Jim Hick
Walter Logeman, Christchurch
Richard Keller
Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement
Anarchist Black Cross