MdN-Madrid

At the origin of most armed conflicts lie objectives related to the exploitation of natural resources. It is impossible to ignore the conquest of water in the case of the occupation of Palestine; or the invasion of Iraq, in which the pollution of rivers was used as a combat weapon; or the strategic control of water resources in Syria, where war has annihilated agriculture.

The armies are excessive consumers of fossil fuels. The main objective of most military interventions in recent decades has been to secure the supply and transport of these fuels. It is no coincidence that one of the worst hit regions is the Middle East.

The effects of weapons also include deforestation, the disappearance of animal species and genetic deformations. Between 50 and 100 million animals are used each year in scientific experiments for war purposes. Weapons radiation and nuclear tests show their consequences in the increase of carcinogenic diseases and genetic changes. All this leads to the reduction of biodiversity and the alteration of ecosystems. Likewise, the pollution of air, land and water by chemical, biological and nuclear weapons has serious consequences on the health and equilibrium of the Planet.

Women in Black against the war Madrid we consider ourselves to be eco-feminist and we support all civil society groups in the world that defend the environment against the deadly action of armies and wars, for example:

♀ Latin American and indigenous women who face deforestation and pollution as much as bullets.

♀ The organizations of Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria that have defended the rivers Tigris and Euphrates all these last years of wars in the Middle East.

Women in Black against the war Madrid we demand that our government:

♀ Look for solutions for the reconversion of the Spanish armament factories in other industries beneficial for the population and the environment.

♀ Gradually reduce defence budgets and reduce Spanish military personnel until their complete disappearance and invest in sustainable industry.

♀ Protect, cooperate and empower all the collectives that defend the environment, reject armies and wars and defend peace.

♀ To all governments that they guarantee the safety and health of people and of the Planet.

We invite civil society to join the alternatives of responsible consumption that promote fairer and more ecological relationships (consumer groups, ethical banks, electric cooperatives, etc.).

We defend life against economic and militaristic interests.

Collaboration with the manufacture, exhibiting and commercialization of weapons has no place in a city committed to peace. Commerce in weapons has been branded for its lack of transparency and its contribution to the intensification and chronic repetition of armed conflicts that cause humanitarian crises, including violations of human rights, in various parts of the world (*).

The increase of Spanish exports of materials for war is very much related to the internationalization of commerce favored by the international weapons fairs, some of them organized in Madrid. The people of Madrid, committed to peace and respect for human rights, have already demonstrated in March of 2017 their rejection of these death-related fairs on the occasion of the sixth edition of the HOMSEC (Homeland Security and Defense) weapons fair.

Nevertheless, far from disappearing from our city, in 2019 one of these events is going to be held in the installations of IFEMA (Madrid Trade Fair Institution). On this occasion, the International Defense and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) will take place this coming 29, 30 and 31 May.

Women in Black of Madrid request:

♀ That in the city of Madrid there be a responsible commitment to promote dialog and negotiation in conflicts, reflecting these priorities in the selection of activities that would receive some sort of municipal financing.

♀ That there be no collaboration with events related to commerce in arms. Public spaces should be destined for activities that promote a Culture of Co-existence and Peace and not to encourage armed conflicts. We urge IFEMA to not host weapons fairs, starting this May 2019 (FEINDEF).

♀ That Madrid already a Peace Capital, be declared City Free from Commerce in Weapons.

♀ We reject any activity geared to prepare for or maintain wars, including the exhibitions of materials for war, as this contributes to legitimizing violence as a way to resolve conflicts.

We call on collectives and people to join the campaign of the Disarm Madrid platform against these weapons fairs,

Translation: Trisha Novak, USA – Yolanda Rouiller, WiB Spain

(*) About commerce in weapons:
Centre Delàs 2015 report
Armas Bajo Control Campain 2018 report

Pictures here

They are people who flee from wars fed by weapons manufactured in Europe, from abject poverty caused by commercial and neo-colonist policies, by the plundering of mining and energy resources, by land grabbing and environmental destruction.

Those responsible for the economic crisis are the elites who govern Europe and not the persons who are migrants and refugees. It is the European policies that generate unemployment and instability, eliminate public services and cause cuts in monies for social programs. However, the presence of migrants and refugees in Europe is positive, enriches our societies, strengthens the development of co-existence and boosts processes of solidarity and the search for equality.

Women in Black against War from several cities participate in the European Campaign Embrace of the Peoples:

We denounce the manipulation and falseness of the narrative that blames migration for the social and economic crisis in Europe and hides the responsibility of the elite.
We repudiate the policies of hate and discrimination and the institutional racism of exclusion and rejection.
We remember that we have all been migrants.
We commit to maintaining active solidarity with the persons who are now suffering in that situation and to consider them an integral part of our societies.

We demand:

♀ Compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially the freedom of movement and the same rights and opportunities as those of us who live in Europe.

♀ End to the externalization of frontiers, the manufacture and sale of arms, plundering of resources and land grabbing.

♀ The cessation of expulsions and establishment of safe passage for migrants.

♀ That solidarity with migrants and refugees not be judged a crime.

We invite you to sign the declaration of El Abrazo de los Pueblos: https://5m5.eu/en/manifest/

We invite you to the demonstration in Madrid on 5 May at noon in the Plaza del Callao Square.

Translation: Trisha Novak, USA – Yolanda Rouiller, WiB Spain