Firstly, from the UN news centre:
Sri Lankan judge wins 2006 UNESCO Prize for Peace Education
A 79-year-old Sri Lankan judge, who was Vice President of the United Nations International Court of Justice, has won the 2006 UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Prize for Peace Education.
Judge Christopher Gregory Weeramantry received the $40,000 award in recognition of what UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura today called “his ongoing commitment and concrete undertakings in support of the concept and culture of peace through his long and fruitful career."
Secondly, a press release from CND
CND Celebrates Victory, Calls for an End to Missile Defence Plans in Europe
For immediate release: 24 May 2006
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the announcement by a Pentagon official that interceptor missiles for the US ‘Son of Star Wars’ missile defence system will not be sited in the UK, according to the Scottish Herald newspaper. The official cited the strong domestic opposition to the ongoing occupation of Iraq as a primary reason for this decision.
Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said, “This is a strong indication of the growing power of peace campaigning in the UK, especially as it comes together with the news that RAF Fairford is ruled out of a role in any possible attack on Iran for the same reason. This is a victory for peace and democracy. The majority of the British people want no part in these preparations for further militarisation and war.”
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And finally information about a new Leeds-based initiative
Peace School
Have you ever wondered what peace really looks like? Is peace more than simply the absence of violence? What does it mean to be a genuine peacemaker?... These are some of the questions that the community of participants grapple with on the Peace School programme.
If you are someone who cares about peace and justice; wants to journey with others to a richer understanding of peace; enjoys questioning assumptions and engaging in lively discussion; values taking time out to reflect and learn; likes to hear new perspectives, and share your own; wants to explore how to be a peacemaker in every area life; then Peace School could be for you.
