IEC Munich, 19-23 August 1985

SOUTH AFRICA
IRAN IRAQ WAR
DRUG DUMPING
PHILIPPINES
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON CARRYING ARMS
EAST TIMOR

SOUTH AFRICA

1.  In carrying out WILPF’s program in support of the liberation struggle in South Africa, the aims and principles of WILPF for change by non-violent means should be kept in mind. The Executive Committee reiterated the statement adopted bythe18th International Congress held in New Delhi, India, 1970/71.  It reads: 

“A society that is military and exploitative generates movements for rapid change towards social justice.  It is a human right to resist injustice and to be neither silent witness nor passive victim of repression.  Although we reaffirm our belief that violence creates more problems than it solves, we recognize the inevitability of violent resistance by the oppressed when other alternatives have failed.

“The WILPF has a duty to study and work towards developing methods for the effective use of non-violent means; to make the public aware of the problems of the oppressed and the exploited; to analyze the structure of power in society and the use made of it; to engage ourselves actively in no-violent moments for change.”

2.  Alarmed by Prime Minister Botha’s speech to the National Congress on15 August 1985, confirming that the South African regime has no intention to dismantle apartheid,

Considering that the situation in South Africa constitutes a great threat to world peace,

The WILPF Executive Committee, meeting at Munich, 19-23 August 1985, urges all governments to take urgent measures to isolate South Africa by an international campaign.

This campaign implies:

- protesting any collaboration in the field of nuclear technology and the representation of South Africa on the International Atomic Energy Agency Committee;
- an effective implementation of the UN embargo on arms sales to South Africa;
- economic sanctions, including divestment by existing industries and banks, while ensuring that other countries do not fill the gaps, e.g. FRG and Japan;
- a complete boycott of trade and transport with South Africa;
- withdrawal of all diplomatic representatives;
-severing of all cultural and sporting contacts;
- the lifting of the State of Emergency and entering into dialogue with the true representatives of the majority of the people
- diplomatic recognition should be accorded to the African National Congress
- pressuring the Reagan Administration to abandon its “constructive engagement” policy immediately;

Recommendation to WILPF Sections

Each section should urge their government to implement measures proposed in the WILPF resolution on South Africa.  They should work with Anti-Apartheid movement in their country, mobilizing public opinion by publicizing and making known widely the Freedom Charter of South Africa and by all other possible measures.  WILPF welcomes the establishment of the United Democratic Front in South Africa.

IRAN IRAQ WAR

Considering the draft resolution received on the Iran-Iraq war, the Executive Committee agreed that further consideration of possible actions should be given to the matter.  It drew attention to its statement issued in 1984, which reads:

“Aware of the disastrous consequence of the war not only to development in Iraq, Iran and other Arab Gulf States, but also of its aggravation of international tensions thus threatening to trigger a global confrontation; the WILPF asks the Secretary-General of the United nations to intensify efforts towards bringing the fighting to an end and that he urge all the Member of the United nations to ban the trade of weapons and war materials to Iran and Iraq.”

DRUG DUMPING

The WILPF deplores the export, testing and sale of pharmaceuticals and other products banned as unsafe in the country of manufacture in other countries where they endanger the health and lives of the users.

The Executive Committee calls on WILPF sections to protest this practice of “dumping”.  Sections should
- consult the UN Directory of Banned or Restricted Products (issued jointly by the UN Environment Programme and the World Health Organisation) and take action against distribution in their country, or other countries, of any products listed as banned.  They should also oppress their government to submit annually to the World Health Organisation a complete list of products banned for sale so that the UN may ensure that their list is complete and up-to-date;
-put pressure on this companies based in their country which sell banned products in other countries.

PHILIPPINES

WILPF protests the increasing militarization of the Philippines and the daily atrocities committed against the Philippines people.

It will assist Philippine groups to present their concerns to the UN Commission on Human Rights and other UN bodies.  WILPF will endeavour to send a fact-finding mission to the Philippines and/or organize speaking tours for Filipina women to educate and inform WILPF members about the situation in their country.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON CARRYING ARMS

WILPF supports the Australian Section’s proposal for an international convention outlawing the carrying and use of weapons by minors.  Until such a convention exists, WILPF calls for the observance of the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and Protocols.

EAST TIMOR

We urge all governments to support the independence of East Timor in the forums of the United Nations in accordance with the resolution on East Timor adopted at the 22nd International Congress and at the Executive Committee in 1984.