Dear Friends,
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and later this year there will be plenty of media coverage of this event. I have just returned from the Falkland Islands after visiting my son and his wife, who now live there. It’s a remote, windswept place, stunning coastal scenery — half the size of Wales — and with only about 3500 people. In the Falklands the ‘82 conflict is commemorated with many memorials; but the most chilling reminders of that time are the many minefields that still exist, particularly around the tiny capital of Stanley. These minefields are now carefully fenced off and their danger noted, but they do remind us that the end of conflict is not the end of danger and loss of life.
Most countries that have suffered armed conflict in recent years have a legacy of cluster munitions — landmines, cluster bombs and other explosive devices. They are extremely unstable and civilians lose lives and limbs somewhere every day.
Handicap International is doing something about it — particularly lobbying governments to ban the use of these indiscriminate weapons. In recognition of its work in this field the organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997. This is a very appropriate time for our Unitarian Peace Fellowship (UPF) to give its support to Handicap International. I hope that you, and/or your church, and/or your district will give generously to the UPF Lent Appeal and so underline in a very practical way our commitment to peace.
David Dawson
GA President 2006-2007
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Cluster munitions are made up of a single canister containing between a dozen and a few hundred bomblets the size ala drink can. Their impact cannot be contained to specific targets as they spread their contents over a perimeter ranging from the equivalent of several football pitches to several hundred hectares, indiscriminately killing or maiming civilians.
Key facts (based on Fatal Footprint: the first comprehensive study examining
the impact of
cluster munitions on civilians, published by
Handicap International in November 2006)
The UK currently stockpiles and exports cluster bombs and used them during the war in Iraq.
Some of the consequences of cluster bombs
People lose lives and limbs through cluster bombs every day. If a victim survives the accident, they may suffer from a variety of injuries including loss of limbs, burns, puncture wounds, ruptured eardrums and blindness.
A weapon more likely to kill than maim the victim.
Injured and disabled, the victim cannot play an active role in society and may be rejected from hislher community
The victim may not be able to get married, have children or find a job.
Handicap International’s work
Handicap International is the largest international organisation specialised in disability. We work alongside disabled people to provide long term support and emergency relief. Our activities include rehabilitation, support for inclusion in all aspects of daily life, and the elimination of preventable causes of disability, such as Iandmines and cluster munitions.
Since Handicap International’s creation in 1982, our work has benefited several million people across 60 countries affected by poverty and conflict. Our vision is of a world where all disabled people can fully access and exercise their human rights.
Our work worldwide
Campaigning
Handicap International actively campaigns for an international ban on the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions. Our organisation is also co-founder of the Cluster Munition Coalition. Handicap International was co-winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work on landmines which helped lead to the Ottawa Landmine Treaty. So we know the impact campaigning and lobbying can have.
Founded in 1916 the Unitarian Peace Fellowship is for all those within our denomination who witness to the belief that war and preparation for war are sins against God and failures of humanity. We believe that right relationships can only be established through understanding and love. We therefore pledge ourselves to the promotion of goodwill, justice and peace between peoples and nations.
Membership is available to all who are in sympathy with our aims.
Annual Subscriptions: Individual £6.00
Small Group £12.00
Large Group £18.00
All cheques should be made payable to The Unitarian Peace Fellowship please.
Printable Application Form here