Pressenza IPA

The results of Swiss federal Referendums are, for the humanists of Switzerland, a black Sunday. It is not only a victory for the Swiss Peoples Party that promoted the prohibition of minarets, also fear
and ignorance have won. This is no positive credit, neither for
democracy nor for the Swiss population. Humanists are outraged and surprised.

Having obtained 63% of the votes among the 5.1 million eligible voters in Bolivia and 168,000 voters living outside Boliva, Morales becomes the most popular and most re-elected President. With this mandate, the first Assembly will allow Morales to draft an indigenous Constitution and reform institutions to reflect the will of the people as demonstrated by the election results.

Ban Ki-Moon, U.N. secretary-general, designated American singer, Stevie Wonder, a U.N. Messenger of Peace. At a press conference also attended by the artist, Ban praised Wonder saying he was a “musical genius” and a “man dedicated to humanitarian causes who has campaigned against Apartheid (in South Africa), for children in need, and for people with disabilities”.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon received a delegation of the World March in New York and gave his enthusiastic support to this “noble” effort. Both parties offered to find ways to work together in the task of abolishing nuclear weapons. The March organizers agreed to adopt the Secretary General’s 5-Point Plan as one of its official documents.

During November 156 new members joined the movement of local authorities
demanding the elimination of all nuclear weapons by 2020. As of December
1st Mayors for Peace counts 3,396 member cities and municipalities in
134 countries and regions. This latest sharp increase of members is an
encouragement for Mayors for Peace.

A huge stage, right in the centre of Santiago, interrupted the usual routine of the street sellers and passers by, who every Friday fill the main pedestrian island of the capital. All got the chance to sing for peace and nonviolence, including lots of young people but also officials, passers by and ladies with shopping bags.

The Region of the Casamance has activated itself for peace and nonviolence: on November the 14th, 15th and 16th different humanists associations have realized a lot of initiatives in the towns of Oussouye and Bignona, involving the local institutions and the population, and the 22nd the World March for the Peace and Nonviolence has reached Ziguinchor, chief town of the Region

The whereabouts of Iranian journalist Mazdak Ali Nazari continue to be unknown. He disappeared on November the 8th, after security forces entered his house and arrested him. Authorities did not explain the reasons for his detention and the family is worried about the fate he may face. This pacifist was working with the World March for Peace and Nonviolence in Iran.

The International Base Team of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence arrived today in New York and marched with over 1000 people from Brooklyn to Manhattan to celebrate the start of the North American leg of the March. Later, in the evening Dr Bernard Lafayette, civil rights activist and nonviolence educator inspired the audience at the Riverside Church.

Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace. *Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan*