MAP Position Statement
with
Guiding Principles
Introduction: Founded in 1995, the Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers
(MAP) is a coalition now comprising over sixty organizations with a collective
membership of many thousands of concerned citizens. Nearly half of its
institutional members are faith-based. Since its inception, MAP organizations
have focused on issues relating to peace, justice and the environment.
Periodically, MAP issues position statements on numerous issues of current
and long-term concern that are of importance to its members. Here we
update our positions in light of salient issues at the national and global
level. The arrangement is in conformity with the ten major planks of
MAP’s Guiding Principles (printed in bold italics below
the accompanying Position Statement). These Guiding Principles are part
of MAP’s Bylaws.
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The Primacy of Justice
At all levels, greatly enhanced efforts are required to narrow unconscionable
gaps in living standards between the rich and poor, to provide decent
conditions of health and education for all people. Proactively addressing
the causes of legitimate grievances in the world will be
the most effective deterrent to terrorism.
“Enduring Peace requires social and economic justice at all levels
of human interaction, including global, national, state, local, neighborhood,
workplace, and family or household.”
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A World Based on Law Rather than Force
The United States should desist from unilateral armed intervention
and meddling in the affairs of other nations, and from playing the
role of the world’s policeman. It should promptly ratify the
statute of the International Criminal Court and promote greater
use of the International Court of Justice.
“Social organization and governance at any level must
be based on the force of law, not on the law of force.”
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Disarmament and Conflict Resolution
MAP calls for massive reductions in US military spending, eliminating
stockpiles of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in our own and other
countries, a universal ban on anti-personnel land mines, and drastic
reduction in international shipments of small arms. We are deeply
concerned that the research and development of ever-more-dangerous
WMDs will make an already critical problem much worse. We
endorse establishing a cabinet-level US Department of Peace, advocate
shutting down the School of the Americas (renamed the Western Hemisphere
Institute for Security Cooperation), and support the work of such
organizations as the Minnesota-based Nonviolent Peace Force.
“The enormous waste of the world’s resources on weapons and
militarization must cease. All forms of peaceful conflict
resolution are to be supported.”
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Support for the U.N. System
The world requires a strengthened, better-funded United Nations with
a more just and realistic system of decision making in the General
Assembly and Security Council, and a standing, rapidly deployable
UN police force. The UN must assume a greater, more proactive role
in assisting failed and failing states, mediating international
conflict, prevention of war, peace-building and, where necessary,
peacekeeping.
“The United Nations system provides a necessary institutional framework
for nations to work together to avoid conflict and seek peace and justice for
all people. Substantial strengthening of the U.N Charter to
fit this changing world is needed to make the U.S. system more democratic
and effective.”
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A Healthy Ecosystem
MAP endorses the Earth Charter. We call for tighter environmental
standards in regard to emissions of toxic wastes and use of carcinogenic
substances and urge speedy US ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
on Global Warming and, at minimum, adherence to its provisions.
We support bio-diversity and special protection for endangered species.
“The well-being of the earth that provides
all of the necessities of life is crucial for the well-being of people
everywhere. The needs of plants and animals with which we share this
earth must be recognized and their well-being must be protected.”
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Unity in Diversity
The cultures and rights of indigenous peoples must be respected and
protected.
Programs that promote intercultural and international exchange and
understanding deserve public support and should be expanded. Budgets
for the Peace Corps and Americorps, the Fulbright program and other
such exchanges should be increased.
“All human being are equal in dignity and worthy of respect. Diversity
among us, as among all life on earth, is to be sustained, and celebrated. Cultural
diversity is a precious heritage and should be promoted.”
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Providing for Future Generations
MAP supports more responsible parenting; urges greater use of alternative
energy sources; advocates voluntary curbs on material consumption,
especially of luxury goods; and calls for policies of sustainable
development, cancellation of crippling international debt for the
world’s poorest nations, and speedy achievement of the UN’s
Millennium Development Goals. We support initiatives such
as the Apollo-Alliance Project that promote energy self-sufficiency
with major reliance on benign, renewable energy sources.
“For future generations to inherit a livable world, the twin threats
of overpopulation and overconsumption must be addressed. The developed
world must reduce consumption substantially and help less affluent countries
achieve economic sufficiency, in turn helping to reduce population growth. Participatory
democracy and civic responsibility need to be promoted.”
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Fundamental Human Rights
MAP opposes all forms of intolerance, including, but not limited to,
racism, ethnic profiling, religious discrimination, sexism, and
ageism. We call for reform of the Patriot Act to end needless curbs
on civil liberties. We demand an end to genocide, ethnic cleansing,
all forms of torture, international rendition of political
prisoners and abuses of the rights of populations in occupied areas
such as Iraq and Palestine. We urge speedy US ratification of the
Conventions on the Rights of Women (CEDAW) and the Rights of the
Child.
“All human beings are entitled to fundamental civil, political, economic,
social, and cultural rights. These are set forth in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and in other covenants that have become a part of customary
international law. Persons who have been denied fundamental
rights no matter what the circumstances, require special concern.”
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Responsibility and Accountability
All actors on the global and domestic stage should behave responsibly.
Because of the immense power now wielded, both domestically and
internationally, by large corporations, there is particular need
for them to act responsibly. Failure to do so should result in sanctions,
even – in extreme cases – revocation of corporate charters.
The World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary
Fund and regional economic blocs must be democratized and their
actions should be made more transparent and accountable.
“The enjoyment of rights implies the
acceptance of responsibilities and accountability, whether by individuals,
governments, religious groups, corporations, the media, academia,
or any other human institution.”
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The Education of Children
Curricula should be implemented to train young people to see themselves
as world citizens as well as Americans, to promote civic education
and to teach non-violent living and acting. Military recruitment
should not be allowed in junior or senior high schools. Schools
should celebrate September 21 as an International Day of Peace.
“All children need a peaceful, nonviolent
home environment; opportunity for spiritual growth; and an education
that not only provides basic learning but emphasizes ethics and a
global perspective.”
While collectively committed to advancing activities
consistent with the foregoing set of principles, we recognize
the necessity to work simultaneously at all levels of human
interaction and encourage organizations and individuals
within, as well as outside, our Alliance to address peace
and justice concerns in whatever ways they deem most appropriate.
----Adopted
on September 25, 1995,
----Revised September 9, 2003
----Revised Summer 2005
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