Once you’ve made your call, which is the most important action you can take today, please also take a moment to send a letter to your Senators and Representative using our online form, demanding that they stop supporting potential war crimes in Yemen!

Please contribute $10 to keep our campaign for peace going!

Thank you for taking this important action, today!

In Solidarity,

UFPJ’s Coordinating Committee

The post [Action Alert] Stop Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia. End the War in Yemen. appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Both the United Nations Charter and the Chemical Weapons Convention provide means for international investigation and sanction of the use of prohibited weapons.  Unilateral use of military force in these circumstances by the United States, which has not been attacked and is not in imminent danger of attack, is unlawful.

Call the White House  202-456-1111 and your Senators and Congressional Representatives 202-224-3121 and tell them that military action only increases the dangers and intensifies the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Activate your community. Protest, vigil or march to Say No to War! Let Trump know that bombing is not the answer.

There should be no further strikes against the Syrian military or government. U.S. forces in Syria should be withdrawn. There must be an independent investigation of the chemical attack through the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and immediate, urgent diplomatic efforts to end the war in Syria.

This attack, dangerous as it is in itself, has broader implications. It underscores how impulsive Donald Trump is, and how willing to make decisions on matters of life and death very quickly, on the basis of sparse evidence. More worrisome still, it shows us that there are no elements, either in the broader government or in the military, that appear willing or able to restrain him. It is urgent that the people of the United States act to prevent a wider war.

Two days ago, major newspapers reported that a chemical attack had occurred in a village in Syria, killing and injuring many civilians. Despite the fact that there has been no investigation by any international agency that might confirm a chemical weapons attack occurred or who is responsible, the U.S. military now has launched a direct attack on Syria’s military.

Since World War I, use of chemical weapons has been viewed almost universally as monstrous, and as a violation of treaty-based and customary standards of international humanitarian law.  If they were used in Syria by any party, that action should be condemned, and all states should cooperate in identifying the perpetrators and in pursuing their apprehension and prosecution by all legal means.  There is no provision of international law, however, that allows countries to determine for themselves who they believe the guilty parties to be, and to punish them by acts of war against the territory of a sovereign state. International treaties outlawing chemical weapons and prohibiting their use provide no special exception for such ad hoc use of military force.  

To the contrary, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the most comprehensive instrument concerning chemical weapons, provides for investigation of alleged violations by specialist bodies constituted by the Convention and recourse to the United Nations to authorize any use of force.

These events are occurring amidst a civil war, with outside forces ranging from neighboring states to nuclear-armed great powers aiding an array of warring groups. Russia and the United States, both nuclear-armed, each have troops on Syrian soil and aircraft flying combat missions against targets inside Syria’s borders. Even if the principle is accepted that the world community has a responsibility to protect people from the violence of their own governments, any such action must be crafted to reduce, rather than increase, the level of violence and chaos. Unilateral military strikes by a country already backing factions in a complex civil war are far more likely to intensify an already grave humanitarian crisis, and also could lead to a cycle of confrontation amongst heavily-armed militaries that easily could spiral out of control. In this dangerous context, it is especially important that transparent, credible procedures be followed for investigation of the allegations of chemical weapons use and a determination of the responsible party or parties, as well as for actions to prevent further use and to punish those culpable.

All U.S. military action against Syria’s government and military should cease immediately. All parties in the region, and especially the United States and Russia, which each hold vetoes in the Security Council, should take all necessary measures to facilitate a speedy and thorough investigation of the alleged attack, and to assure that those responsible are held to account. This incident only underscores the danger of this ongoing war and its terrible human toll. All the warring parties and the states that support them must renew a determined pursuit of the war’s end, and of a wider peace.

Call the White House 202-456-1111 and your Senators and Congressional Representatives 202-224-3121 and tell them that military action only increases the dangers and intensifies the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

The post Stop US Military Action In Syria. Call the White House & Congress appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

The call was held at 8:30pm EDT, 5:30pm PDT on Wednesday, March 15. Over 213 activists from around the country RSVP’d in advance.

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Click here to find the resources discussed on our call.

Featured Panelists:

• Abed Ayoub, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
• Shannon Al-Wakeel, Muslim Jusitice League
• George Friday, Movement to End Racism and Islamophobia
• Donna Nevel, Network Against Islamophobia, JVP
• Mary Zerkel, American Friends Service Committee

On the call we cover Trump’s Muslim ban 2.0, and how designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization will negatively impact Muslim civil society, and why Obama’s Countering Violent Extremism program will be even more problematic under Trump.

We also review training curriculum and resources that our members groups have created and that you may use to host a workshop, lead a training, and improve solidarity through action in your community.

We hear from activists around the country about what they are doing to confront Islamophobia in their communities.

Click here to find the resources discussed on our call.

Listen to this valuable call and please chip in $5 today to keep UFPJ running in our 15th year.

The post LISTEN: National Briefing Call on Confronting Islamophobia appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

While Neil Gorsuch has remained evasive about his legal rulings and views during his Senate confirmation hearings, peace and justice advocates have one crucial reason to work for his rejection as a Supreme Court justice. Mr. Gorsuch, who was principal deputy to the associate attorney general under former President George W. Bush, from June 2005 to August 2006, devised methods to allow, and then cover-up, waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation practices” that are clearly illegal under international law and were later found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The U.S. must not accept a Supreme Court justice who flouts the law. Let your senators know Gorsuch’s appointment must be rejected.

The post Tell Your Senators: “Reject Neil Gorsuch – Complicit in Torture” appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

There is an extremely important vote in the Senate this afternoon to block the current $1.15 billion weapons sales to Saudi Arabia. Call your Senators NOW at (202) 224-3121 to tell them that you support SJ Resolution 39 blocking this sale.

Based on what we’ve learned from our allies who have been working tirelessly to support and move legislation in Congress, we believe that a vote could reach the Senate floor as early as tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.

**MANY SENATORS ARE STILL “UNDECIDED” OR ARE 50/50 ON THIS ISSUE… THAT’S WHY THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU, NOW!!**

Your Senator has a rare opportunity to stop this inhumane war profiteering which, is soaked in the blood of thousands of innocent Yemenis. Those on Capitol Hill need to know that you are watching, that we are watching, and we will hold them accountable for their position on this uncontroversial issue.

Join others around the country by picking up your phone now to call the US Capitol Switchboard : (202) 224-3121. Their system will assist you in reaching your Senators and Congressperson.

• You can also go to the US Senate website to find out more information on your senator before calling! http://www.senate.gov/senators/
• You can read more about what’s going on in the Senate and House here,“Bid to block U.S. arms sale to Saudis faces tough opposition” (Reuters, 9/20/16).

After you’ve made your call, please help us track the responses you get from each office.

Message us and let us know who you spoke to and if they’re supporting, opposing, are leaning a particular way, or are undecided on the legislation to block arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

This is a special case where every one of our calls can and will make a difference.

I look forward to hearing from you.

And if you can, please donate $5, right now, so we can continue this ongoing campaign to stop war for profit.

The post Senate to Vote on Blocking Weapons to Saudia Arabia this Wednesday! Call (202) 224-3121, NOW!! appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Call your Representative today and tell him/her to vote against efforts to slam the door on Syrian refugees. The number is 844-735-1362.

The House leadership is scheduling a quick vote on Thursday November 19 on HR 4038 which is designed to halt the refugee program until massive changes are implemented. This could set the program back by years.

In the wake of last week’s attacks, United for Peace and Justice remains determined to oppose US militarism in all its manifestations, to support inclusive diplomacy and to urge a massive redirection of resources to aid the millions of men, women and children rendered homeless by the proliferating wars.

HR 4038 is a harsh, unnecessary step in the wrong direction.

Call your Representative today and tell him/her to vote against efforts to slam the door on Syrian refugees. The number is 844-735-1362.

To stay posted on future legislation, email rustiandgael@unitedforpeace.org

Click here to listen to the audio recording of this week’s national briefing call on Syria, featuring Phyllis Bennis. Sponsored by PDAmerica, PDAction, and United for Peace and Justice.

Click here to find out more about Phyllis’s upcoming webinar:  “Understanding ISIS: Paris, Beirut, and U.S. Policy”.

Click here to make a donation to UFPJ

The post URGENT House vote to Dismantle Refugee Program Thurs, Nov. 19 appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Join PDAmerica, PDAction, and United for Peace and Justice(UFPJ) for a fantastic call with special guest Phyllis Bennis.

Phyllis Bennis is a fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies, where she focuses on Middle East and US war issues. She works with the US and global peace and Palestine human rights movements. Her most recent book is UNDERSTANDING ISIS & THE NEW GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR.

Our call, Phyllis will be focused on Syria. The discussion covered the refugee crisis in the context of the escalating war — some background on just how dire the refugee situation is, the 8 separate but overlapping wars currently being fought in Syria, and the role of the US in the crisis. We covered what a US policy should look like, what new diplomatic initiatives are underway, and what we can be doing.

Click here to make a donation to UFPJ.

The post AUDIO: National Peace Conference Call on Syria with Phyllis Bennis appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Recorded Live on Wednesday, August 12, 9PM EST

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Finally, there is a diplomatic achievement we can support. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated by the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and Iran is a vital first step in avoiding the risk of a new war, advancing towards a nuclear-free Middle East, relieving the economic suffering of the Iranian people and opening the prospect of a more peaceful approach to the grave conflicts in the region.

Congressional Republicans are determined to kill this deal. It is no secret that they are being vigorously supported by AIPAC and other well-funded lobbying groups aligned with the Netanyahu government. With so much money being spent by opponents of the agreement, there is a clear danger that without a strong grass-roots mobilization, Congress will vote against the deal and could have the votes to override a Presidential veto. This battle is happening now.

As President Obama rightly observed, “Many of the same people who argued for the war in Iraq are now making the case against the Iran nuclear deal.”

Click here to download the MP3 audio of the call.

Hear Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies, Tyler Cullis, National Iranian American Council, and Lara Friedman, Americans for Peace Now, give an update on the nuclear agreement and steps we can take to defeat Congressional hawks, who would lead us into another war.

Other steps:

• Sign this petition in support of the nuclear agreement, which now has more than 400,000 signatures: https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2015/07/18/petition-act-now-to-save-iran-deal/
• Check out our resources. Our legislative action team has worked to provide a list of articles to help others understand the rest of the process and why urgent action is needed: https://www.unitedforpeace.org/iran-deal-resources-articles-links/
• Call or write your Congressional Representatives and Senators letting them know that you strongly support this agreement with Iran and believe that it is in the security interest of the United States and the entire Middle East. For Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121.
• Plan an event at the local office of your Congressional Representative or Senator. They are back home this month. Set up appointments at local offices, deliver letters or petitions, or conduct a vigil with a few friends.

Wednesday August 26 will be a National Day of Action at Congressional offices, sponsored by a coalition of national groups. We will forward the relevant details and links to you as they become available.

If you have not already done so please send us the State and names of your Senators and Congressional Representative: rustiandgael@unitedforpeace.org

All we are saying is give peace a chance! If you appreciate receiving timely action alerts like this, please make a donation to UFPJ so that we can continue to keep our member groups and dedicated activists linked together for effective action and impact.

The post [Listen] National Briefing Call: Iran Nuclear Agreement appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Join a Nat’l Conference Call on Syria w/ Phyllis Bennis – Mon., 11/16

Although it has evaded the issue for almost a year, Congress recently voted on H Res Con.55, introduced by Congressional Reps Jim McGovern, Barbara Lee and Walter Jones. This resolution was designed to force a Congressional decision on the war against ISIS. And most importantly it would bring all US troops home in the absence of a decision.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/55/text

On Wednesday June 17. Congress voted against H. Res. Con. 55. The resolution Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 139 – 288, 1 Present (Roll no. 370).

United for Peace and Justice supported this resolution because we believe that Congress has the responsibility to make decisions on issues of war and peace. We asked activists like yourself to call Congress and tell them to support the resolution.

We believe members of Congress should vote against US military intervention against ISIS — whether this involves ground troops or the use of air power.

Please Call your Representative and say, “Do your job; vote against endless war.” You can reach your Representative via the Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121 (to confirm who your Representative is, click here). Ask the operator to put you through to your Representative, and then tell the person who takes your call that you want your member to know that you do not believe that accelerated air-strikes, increased weapons deliveries or expanded “boots on the ground” are a practical or moral answer to the danger of international terrorist plots or solving the ground situation or humanitarian crisis in Syria.

All we are saying, is give peace a chance! If you appreciate receiving timely action alerts like this, please make a donation to UFPJ so that we can continue to keep our member groups and dedicated activists linked together for effective action and impact!!

The post War on ISIS? Oppose US Military Intervention in Syria appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.

Speakers included WSLF executive director Jackie Cabasso, who also spoke on behalf of United for Peace and Justice, Emily Yates, Iraq War veteran, Cat Brooks of ONYX/Black Power Network, Paul Cox of Veterans for Peace, Stephen McNeil of American Friends Services Committee, Janet Weil, CODEPINK staffer and military family member, and a member of Congress member Barbara Lee’s staff, whow read a statement from Congress member Lee.

Video of the press conference

Jackie Cabasso’s statement 

The post UFPJ Opposes New Request for Authorization for Use of Military Force appeared first on United For Peace and Justice.