03/09/2024 | Writer: Kaos GL
On 1 September, World Peace Day, the Forces of Labour and Democracy gathered in Cumhuriyet Square in Konak district, Izmir, to issue a press statement. Colors of Resistance participated in the event, proudly displaying rainbow flags.
During the press statement, which was delivered by Sefa Yılmaz, President of the Izmir Bar Association, attention was brought to the genocide being committed by Israel in Palestinian territories and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, with a strong call for peace. Colors of Resistance, who attended the event with their rainbow flags, also shared on social media: “We took to the streets on September 1, World Peace Day. We will continue to stand for peace over war and life over hatred. We demand peace!”
It was underlined in the press statement that we are currently witnessing a third world war unfold in various regions around the globe, with conflicts occurring both directly between states and through proxy armed forces. Highlighting that, since 7 October, attacks by the Hamas organization have led to one of the most severe civilian massacres in modern times, with the State of Israel allegedly ignoring international laws regarding conflict, war, and the protection of civilians’ rights to life, the press statement emphasized that over 40,000 civilians have lost their lives, and thousands have been injured in the assaults on Gaza, holding Israel and silent international organizations responsible for the ongoing suffering in Palestine.
Additionally, it was pointed out the widespread devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began under the pretext of ethnic reasons within the scope of the press statement. It was noted that this conflict has led to the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of infrastructure due to bombings involving other imperialist states. The statement further stressed the heightened risk of a nuclear explosion due to fighting near nuclear power plants in both Ukraine and Russia, which poses a significant threat not only to the countries involved but also to a vast region, including Turkey.
The press statement also highlights the long-standing conflict in Turkey:
“For over 40 years, a state of conflict has persisted in our country, now extending to the Turkish State’s deployment of troops in Syria and Iraq under the justification of ‘Preventive Measures’ to protect its borders and maintain control over certain foreign territories. The ongoing conflict has been used as a pretext to restrict rights and freedoms in the name of security, thereby undermining social peace. Amidst this, militarism is being promoted, racism and nationalism are on the rise, and social relations are shaped by discrimination and marginalization, which impose hierarchy and obedience. These dynamics severely hinder the hope of different communities to coexist peacefully in unity and harmony. As the Izmir Labour and Democracy Forces, we are committed to continuing our struggle until peace is achieved both in our country and worldwide.”
Tags: human rights
