For over 60 years, North and South Korea have been on the verge of war. Earlier this month, North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb which triggered talks over fresh sanctions and punitive measures. On both sides of the Peninsula, governments are so concerned with national defense that resources which could otherwise be used to improve social welfare are allocated to military purposes.

The above is the view of so many people and in this instance comes from the voice of the South Korea based organisation, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

The message continues: “As the only divided nation in the world [Cyprus?], unification of the Korean Peninsula is fundamental in achieving peace. Our people believe this is only possible when former and current heads of state co-operate to establish an international convention to cease wars and achieve peace. Because law itself acts as a watchman, no one can easily perpetuate violence and cause conflicts once the international convention is set in stone. If the current law fails to protect people from wars, it should be amended to achieve its purpose.”

Regardless of country or generation, the law that protects and promises to end all wars must be prioritized at an international level, the organisation says.

HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee addressed the importance of international collaboration in this endeavour at the 2015 UN Peace Resolution, the 15th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World (ICCJW) and the Inauguration ceremony of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). He has also traveled around the world 23 times to gain support from political, female, youth and religious leaders.

On September 19th 2015, HWPL presented the first draft of the International Convention on the Cessation of War and International Armed Conflicts. It proclaims the earnest belief that war and all armed conflicts must end, peace must prevail among nations, weapons of war must no longer by made and weapons and facilities that produce weapons must be destroyed.

Over 300 people including international law experts, secular and non-secular leaders participated in the event. Among the attendees were Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front who had signed a peace agreement with the Government of the Philippines; Dr. Fathi Kemicha, former member of the UN International Law Commission; and Dr. Kamal Hossain, Vice-chairman of the International Law Association. 13 international law experts were appointed as members of the HWPL International Law Peace Committee. It is hoped that their discussions and modifications will improve the draft into a complete and applicable international convention.

From November 12th to 14th 2015, the HWPL International Law Peace Committee held discussions over 3 intensive days of meetings in London to present the second draft of the convention and generate a post-action plan for the finalization and implementation of the convention.

As a peace activist who has played an integral role in drafting the constitution of Bangladesh, Dr. Kamal Hossain acknowledged the imperative nature of the convention because it was initiated by the marginalized voices – voices of women and youth. He stressed that war would not benefit anyone but take everything away. By supplementing the gaps, this innovative convention would strengthen our global society and international law framework.

“True democracy comes when a government exists for the people. When all citizens desire a peaceful world, the highest feat that democracy can possibly achieve is to cease all wars and leave peace as a legacy for future generations,” states their spokesperson.

In March 2016, the HWPL International Law Peace Committee will propose a Declaration which will be sent to heads of state to urge for their support in this initiative.

In an open letter the organisation HWPL says: “We would like to take this opportunity to call for your concern in this endeavor so that the power of a united people will move the hearts of our leaders. The viscous circle of military race and manufacture of arsenals will only end if we stand together. When we raise active awareness on how crucial the implementation of the convention is, this initiative will be unstoppable by any form of authority or wealth. We are one family, one in peace. Let us all become messengers of peace and achieve our purpose.”

Event in South Korea: HWPL with Cheonji Ibo will be hosting the “2016 Forum for War Cessation and World Peace” on 19th February 2016 in Seoul, Korea.

Additional note: If there are ways in which we could collaborate for this cause, please do not hesitate to contact us at:

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, 

Tel +82-2-514-1963 Fax +82-2-514-1961
Email –  info@hwpl.kr
Webpage: http://hwpl.kr
Address :2F, 17, Nonhyeon-ro 16-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-964 Rep. of KOREA