100 Anti-War Protests In 35 States

United for Peace

www.unitedforpeace.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jen Carr, 202-862-9740 x 3038, Dec 9, 2002 Andrea Buffa, 510-325-3653 (cell)

MORE THAN 100 ANTI-WAR PROTESTS IN 35 STATES WILL MARK INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY DECEMBER 10

GROUPS LAUNCH NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO OPPOSE U.S. WAR ON IRAQ

Washington, DC--On Tuesday, December 10, more than 100 communities in at least 35 states across the country will hold rallies, marches, teach-ins and protests to express their strong opposition to the White House's plans to invade Iraq at any cost. The dozens of anti-war events to take place around the United States are timed to coincide with International Human Rights Day. Anti-war organizers say the White House's reckless doctrine of pre-emptive strikes is a clear violation of the values embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Human Rights Day of action was called by more than 70 organizations that are bringing their combined resources and memberships together to launch a nation wide campaign called United for Peace to oppose a U.S. war on Iraq.

The December 10 anti-war events will stretch from Charlotte, North Carolina to Anchorage, Alaska. In New York City, faith leaders will hold a peace rally outside the United Nations. In Spokane, Washington, local residents will parade through downtown carrying anti-war signs and signing carols. Detroit residents will hold an anti-war teach in at the local YWCA, as high school students in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts protest the war. In many cities, anti-war rallies will include readings of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Coming on the heels of massive peace marches in Washington, DC and San Francisco in late October, the anti-war events in towns and small cities across the country show that the burgeoning peace movement is as broad as it is deep. Resistance to the war even extends to places like Hastings, Nebraska, where local residents plan to distribute anti-war leaflets on Main Street.

"The formation of United for Peace will mark a breakthrough for the peace movement-the diversity and breath of groups involved is astounding. We are building a new, unconventional network to oppose a U.S. attack on Iraq," said Bill Fletcher, Jr., President of TransAfrica Forum.

The local days of action will launch the first national collaboration of United for Peace, which includes leaders of the faith, business, peace and justice, and human rights communities. Its members include organizations ranging from the National Organization for Women, National Council of Churches, to Peace Action, the American Friends Service Committee, Black Voices for Peace, Not In Our Name, September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Veterans for Peace, and dozens more.

"The right to live free from the horrors of war is a basic human right. Religious leaders, business leaders, students, and peace and justice activists are organizing creative actions to educate their community, build their local anti-war base, and to demand that their elected officials stand

for peace," said Leslie Cagan, co-chair of United for Peace.

The events will include teach-ins on college campuses, actions to pass local City Council Resolutions against the war, rallies at local federal buildings, interfaith prayer services, and candlelight peace vigils. There will also be numerous events that include a component of nonviolent civil disobedience on December 10, many under the guidance of the Iraq Pledge of Resistance campaign. United for Peace is working on another round of activities during the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, January 18-20, 2003. Picking up on the initiative of Black Voices for Peace, local organizers are being encouraged to build on the legacy of Dr. King's work linking the struggles for social justice and peace.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF DECEMBER 10 ANTI-WAR ACTIONS IN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, VISIT http://WWW.UNITEDFORPEACE.ORG OR CALL THE CONTACTS LISTED ABOVE OR EMAIL ANDREALBUFFA@YAHOO.COM.

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