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The AWC Calls for UN Action on Lebanon Conflict

In Being a World Citizen, Conflict Resolution, Current Events, Middle East & North Africa, NGOs, Nonviolence, Peacebuilding, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, Track II, United Nations, World Law on April 13, 2026 at 6:00 AM

By René Wadlow

The armed conflict in Lebanon is multidimensional and growing more violent as the conflict spreads to more areas of the country. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in Consultative Status with the United Nations (UN), such as the Association of World Citizens (AWC), are calling for speedy UN action to bring the fighting to a halt.

Israel’s current attacks in Lebanon against the armed militia Hezbollah are related to the United States (U.S.)-Israeli attacks against Iran, but they are separate from the U.S.-Iran negotiations that just took place in Pakistan. Hezbollah had fired rockets at Israel in support of Hamas. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas is also backed by the Iranian government.

(C) Time

Now in Lebanon, more than 1,000 persons have been killed and a million people displaced in a country of six million inhabitants. The Israeli attacks may be the beginning of an Israeli invasion and subsequent occupation of southern Lebanon.

The political-strategic situation in the wider Middle East is complex. In light of the dangers and uncertainties, NGOs are calling for action by the UN. There are some possibilities of UN mediation and good offices. We support these NGO calls for UN action.

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

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Iran War: Peace Action Needed

In Being a World Citizen, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Bridges, Current Events, Humanitarian Law, International Justice, Middle East & North Africa, NGOs, Nonviolence, Peacebuilding, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, Track II, United Nations, United States, World Law on April 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM

By René Wadlow

Since the month-old United States (U.S.) and Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran began, the Association of World Citizens (AWC) has called for negotiations in good faith to bring the war to a halt. The war is destructive of life and property. From the very start, it has been in danger of spreading to other countries. There are real dangers of miscalculations by the military that will lead to deeper military escalation.

The AWC has stressed that the war is a violation of international law as structured in the Charter of the United Nations. The war has also led to violations of international humanitarian law as structured in the Geneva Conventions. There have been attacks on schools, health facilities, and essential economic infrastructure. The war has led to a large number of persons being displaced.

(C) The Independent

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently warned the Iranian authorities that the USA could bomb Iran “back to the Stone Age” if the Iranian authorities did not meet U.S. demands for an agreement. In reality, Iran and Persia before it had long left the Stone Age and made important contributions to world culture.

Thus, strong efforts must be made through both the United Nations and Nongovernmental Organizations such as AWC for an end to the armed conflict and the start of a harmonious regional society. Your help in these vital efforts is much appreciated.

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

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Pakistan-Afghanistan Armed Conflict: Humanitarian Law Needs to be Upheld

In Being a World Citizen, Conflict Resolution, Current Events, Humanitarian Law, International Justice, Middle East & North Africa, NGOs, Peacebuilding, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, World Law on March 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM

By René Wadlow

The Association of World Citizens (AWC) calls upon the military authorities of Pakistan and Afghanistan to uphold international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of medical and health installations.

More than 400 people were killed and at least 265 others were injured in a Pakistani airstrike on a drug rehabilitation center, Camp Phoenix, in Kabul, Afghanistan on March 15, 2026. Camp Phoenix, known locally as Omid Camp – Camp of Hope – has been for over a decade a drug treatment center. Afghanistan has a good number of people who have become dependent on the use of drugs. Thus, the drug treatment center meets a real need.

(C) BBC

Pakistan declared war on Afghanistan in late February 2026 for harboring Pakistani Taliban, a militant group which has repeatedly attacked Pakistani security forces. Over the past three weeks, Pakistani forces have hit Afghan military installations, residential areas, and civilian infrastructures, including more than 20 health care facilities. Afghan troops have responded with drone strikes and border raids. For the moment, a negotiated end to the armed conflict seems unlikely. Violence may expand.

Thus, there is a need to uphold international humanitarian law, of which the protection of medical centers and medical workers is a core element. The AWC welcomes others who also facilitate international humanitarian law in these critical times.

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

Of related interest:

February 10, 2025: Strengthening Respect for International Humanitarian Law

October 11, 2024: World Citizen Appeal to Uphold International Humanitarian Law

March 2, 2022: Upholding International Humanitarian Law in Times of Armed Conflict: A World Citizen Appeal

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