14 June 2018
We are delighted and encouraged by basic agreements reached during the historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018, between the heads of state of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States, Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. This brings closer to reality the
dream of countless Korean people for peace after 70 years of division and conflict. The possibility of peace on the Korean peninsula will also mean greater peace in Asia-Pacific and the wider world.
The four agreed-upon elements are:
• The United States and the DPRK commit to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity.
• The United States and the DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula.
• Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
• The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified.
As members of the International Women’s Network against Militarism, we wholeheartedly support these steps forward. Further, we call for the withdrawal of U.S. troops on alert to “protect” the region, from Hawai’i to Guahan (Guam), Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, Diego Garcia, and Australia, as well as those stationed on bases in the Republic of Korea. Moreover, we urge the removal of all U.S. bases from the region.
We also call for full participation of women—both formal leaders and those who represent NGOs and grassroots women—in negotiations going forward. Based on numerous examples from around the world, it is widely accepted that women’s participation in negotiations is essential to a lasting peace and genuine security for all.
We speak in one voice to support the peace process and the right of self-determination for Korean people. As women, we want to see women from South Korea and North Korea gathering together to decide for themselves the priorities for next steps and establishing a process for dialogue.
We recognize that the US militarization of the Asia-Pacific region and the US is exacting a heavy toll in all locations. The financial cost of bases, personnel, and military exercises, for example, is taking much needed resources away from funding education, human services, and environmental restoration and protection.
We dream of a future that ensures genuine security—sustainable livelihood for all; dignity and respect for all peoples of the world; full civil and human rights; and protection and healing of the natural environment that supports humankind. We will continue to work towards this goal.
Signed by representatives of member country groups:
Kim Elli, Republic of Korea
Lisa Natividad, Guam
Takazato Suzuyo, Okinawa
Corazon Fabros, Philippines
Ellen-Rae Cachola, Hawaii
Gwyn Kirk/Rev. Deborah Lee, USA
Dominga Estrella Flores Anaya, Puerto Rico
For more information, contact:
Margo Okazawa-Rey mor@sfsu.edu
+1 415 637 4263