HWPL’s 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)

HWPL’s 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of

Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) 

HWPL’s 7th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was held on Mar. 14, 2023. This event was held to seek ways to establish peace as an institution for the purpose of preventing, mediating, and resolving global conflicts. This is also the reason why the enactment of the DPCW is necessary. Currently, the world is experiencing the most conflicts since World War II. A typical example is the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, even before the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was announced, there were places where the contents of the DPCW were already realized. It is Mindanao, Philippines.

Prior to the announcement of the DPCW, Mindanao, Philippines was a conflict area with more than 120,000 deaths for over 40 years. This conflict was caused by a military clash between the Philippine government and the Moro people (Muslims), but now the conflict is over and they are now walking the path of peace. After the DPCW was announced, Mindanao took the lead in practicing the DPCW. HWPL started a popular peace movement. This peace movement is centered on civil society, including education, religion, youth, and women. In addition, HWPL also worked hard to strengthen public awareness of peace through peace education and interreligious communication.

HWPL was convinced that conflict could be turned into peace through the International Law of Peace. The proof is that HWPL has contributed to building long-term peace in Mindanao, Philippines. Mindanao, Philippines declared January 24, the date of the civil peace agreement, as 'HWPL Peace Day'. In addition, monuments commemorating the peace agreement have been erected throughout the Philippines. The DPCW proposes 10 articles and 38 clauses as measures to prevent and resolve conflicts between and within countries. I hope that the DPCW will be enacted as an international law as soon as possible so that the war between Russia and Ukraine will end.