30 October 2014

Former UN Special Rapporteur speaks in Auckland
World War I – How Shall We Remember Them?

Dr Richard Falk, Emeritus Professor of International Law at Princeton University, and formerly UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, will deliver the 2014 Dorothy Brown Memorial Lecture next Friday, 7 November, 7.30pm at St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland.

Speaking on "Looking Back on World War I a hundred years later", Professor Falk’s message has special significance in the context of present tensions in the Middle East.

The following day, Saturday 8 November 9.00am, there is a study day at the same venue with experts in peace and conflict studies from around New Zealand reflecting on lessons we can learn 100 years on from the commencement of World War I. Registration from 8.30am.

Much of the commemoration of World War I focuses rightly on the heroism and courage and sacrifice of those who fought, but there is an assumption that those responsible for the war did what they thought was right and if necessary would do the same again. It does not look critically at this tragedy as we would at other human tragedies involving much less loss of life. What is the reason for this?

No charge for lecture; Study Day fee: $20; pay at the door. Pre-registration essential for catering purposes. Chris Barfoot Ph (09) 575-6142 (09) 575-6142,barfoots@xtra.co.nz

Arranged by Aotearoa New Zealand Peace and Conflict Centre Trust, NZ Christian Network, Pax Christi, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and Auckland Labour History Group.

See flyer and programme details http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/apf/apf-sd14flyer.pdf

Date and venue: Friday November 7th 7.30pm and Saturday November 8th 9am (registration from 8.30am) at the St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St Ponsonby, Auckland ( the closest weekend to Remembrance Day November 11th)

Purpose: To investigate in depth this unprecedented human tragedy with the object of ensuring that such a tragedy will never happen again. It is believed that in so doing we would appropriately respect the memory of those died.

Speakers:
Dr Richard Falk, Emeritus Professor of International Law at Princeton University, formerly UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories: Looking Back on World War I a hundred years later

Professor Richard Jackson, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Otago University: Does the way we remember war affect our collective morality?

Associate Professor Annabel Cooper, Otago University: Anniversaries of War, Remembering in 2014.

Professor Peter Lineham, Massey University: Did the Church yield to the State and prevailing attitudes in Society? If so, why? What can we learn from this?

Dr Andrew Shepherd, formerly Centre for Theology and Public Issues, Otago University: How do we understand the evil that led to the huge death toll? How can we be empowered to live peacefully together?

Panel: Who Chose to Resist? Nanaia Mahuta MP on Princess Te Puea; historian Megan Hutching, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom: “New Zealand Women who Opposed the War”; Ryan Bodman on the Passive Resisters’ Union. Chairperson: Keith Locke, former Green MP.

Associate Professor Peter Wills, Department of Physics, Auckland University: Enabling a century of warfare – the role of scientists.

Edwina Hughes, Peace Movement Aotearoa: Remembering WW1 in the context of ongoing militarism.

[ENDS]

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