Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), together with CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), which has accredited ECOSOC status at the United Nations, FOREF, CESNUR and Bitter Winter, held a press conference on August 7, 2206 at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Freedom of Expression in South Korea.

CaribPR Wire, SEOUL, South Korea, August 9, 2026: Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), together with CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), which has accredited ECOSOC status at the United Nations, FOREF, CESNUR and Bitter Winter, held a press conference on August 7th at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Freedom of Expression in South Korea. The issues addressed included concerns about the treatment of elderly religious leaders in pretrial detention, including questions of proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and due process. The organizations called on South Korean authorities to review the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and to ensure that the legal and administrative response to religious minorities remains neutral, proportionate, and consistent with South Korea’s international human-rights obligations, including with respect to 83-year-old Mrs. Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation.

The issues discussed form part of a broader pattern of Freedom of Religion or Belief concerns in South Korea. Concerns have also persisted regarding Segero Church in Busan, which has reportedly continued to face harassment and official scrutiny even after Pastor Son Hyun-bo was released from detention.

Reporting has also raised questions about conscientious objection, public hostility toward a mosque project in Daegu, and religious accommodation in educational settings. Over the past decades, HRWF has documented the imprisonment of hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Korea as conscientious objectors, and although alternative civilian service was later introduced, critics maintain that it has been implemented in a punitive manner rather than as a genuine rights-respecting alternative, notably because it requires 36 months of service in correctional facilities, twice the length of regular military service. Recent court decisions have also upheld key features of that system against constitutional challenge.

Opening the conference, Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, said the issues at stake “lie at the heart of democratic society,” warning that when religious communities are stigmatized, peaceful gatherings are restricted, and dissent is treated as a problem to be contained, the consequences “extend far beyond any single group or case.” He said the conference was not about defending any one theology or movement, but about “defending a principle: that fundamental rights apply equally to all.”

Thierry Valle, President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, addressed the legality of Chairman Lee’s detention under international law. Referring to South Korea’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1990 and the Convention against Torture in 1995, he questioned whether placing a 95-year-old in pretrial detention is consistent with those obligations. He stressed that the presumption of innocence must prevail over any presumption of guilt.

There are alternative more proportionate and more humane measures respecting the presumption of innocence and human dignity in democratic countries. And he cited  precedents including Cardinal Joseph Zen’s 2022 release on bail in Hong Kong and Vietnam’s decision to place Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do under house arrest rather than in prison.

Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, presented a legal analysis questioning whether pretrial detention for Chairman Lee of the Shincheonji Church was necessary given evidence already sufficient for an indictment, and whether that evidence was gathered neutrally rather than through a narrative framing the defendant’s community as a “sect” or “cult.” He argued that the case raises a broader question for lawmakers: whether measures meant to protect fair elections can be applied without nullifying the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to freedom of religion.

Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, shared his thoughts on the effects of ongoing persecution and its possible ramifications for minority faiths. He noted three recent scholarly investigations conducted in selected Shincheonji congregations in Europe, Argentina, and Australia, each finding worrisome increase in hostility toward the otherwise peaceful and cooperative religious movement. He stressed that Shincheonji is not simply a South Korean minority church but a global religious movement with congregations worldwide. The disproportionate persecution in South Korea affects the lives of those congregants abroad, whose freedoms for expressing and practicing faith, enshrined in ICCPR Articles 18 and 19, are inalienable rights and must be considered during this current process.

Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR and Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter, said South Korea “has crossed a worrying line” by arresting Chairman Lee, arguing that international standards such as the Mandela Rules would call for house arrest rather than imprisonment for a 95-year-old accused of a non-violent offence. He said the charges, tied to ordinary political participation by members of a religious minority, “appear legally and conceptually overstretched,” and warned that the case fits a broader pattern of pressure against minority faiths in the country.

The organizations called on South Korean authorities, the media, and the international community to examine these developments with close attention to due process, proportionality, and the equal protection of fundamental rights, and made further documentation available to support continued reporting.

At the conclusion of the press conference, the scholars in attendance signed an official letter calling on the Government of the Republic of Korea to immediately release Chairman Lee from custody.

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CARIBPR WIRE, Washington, D.C., Sat. July 25, 2026: European scholars of religion are making strong appeals to the South Korean government to release Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church, who remains in detention.

Religious scholars signing an appeal requesting an end to Chairman Lee’s detention.

Chairman Lee was detained on 24 June on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act and was indicted on 29 June. The Joint Police–Prosecution Investigation Headquarters alleges that, between July 2021 and January 2024, he directed the mass registration of approximately 50,000 church members into a particular political party.

In response, Shincheonji Church stated that individual members freely participated in political activities and that both Chairman Lee and the church have faithfully cooperated throughout the entire investigation process, including the searches and seizures. The church also expressed deep regret, stating that detaining Chairman Lee, an elderly man aged 95, amounts in effect to a form of physical punishment.

Scholars of Religion State that Detaining an Elderly Person Over Non-violent Allegations Violates International Law

Dr. Introvigne as a speaker at the European Academy of Religion’s international conference held on 3 July

The European Academy of Religion (EuARe), a non-profit academic network connecting scholars and institutions of religious studies across Europe, held its Ninth Annual Conference in Rome, Italy, on 3 July, where the circumstances surrounding Shincheonji Church were addressed. During the session titled “Shincheonji, a Korean New Religion in Global Context,” European scholars of religion presented their respective academic papers on Shincheonji Church. The recent situation in South Korea, including the detention of Chairman Lee, was also shared with participants.

At the conference, Dr. Massimo Introvigne, a sociologist of religion and the Founder and Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), commented on the detention of Chairman Lee as follows:

Dr. Massimo Introvigne, the Founder and Managing Director of CESNUR

“In all European Union countries, legislation mandates that, those older than 80, only exceptionally, should be put in jail; they should be under house arrest if needed, and only for violent crimes, if there is a risk of actual violence connected with blood crimes. Here, of course, there are no blood crimes, and the accusations are violations of electoral law.”

“And what Korea is doing to this elderly religious leader is in violation of international law, including the United Nations’ so-called Mandela Rules, which mandate that preliminary detention should be, in general, not the rule, and only in an extremely limited number of exceptional cases may be applied to elderly prisoners. So what is happening is an unmitigated scandal, which hides a political and religious vendetta.”

Eric Roux, an interfaith advocate and President of the European Interreligious Forum for Religious Freedom (EIFRF), who also participated in the session, reiterated the injustice of detaining an elderly person.

Eric Roux, President of EIFRF

“A man of 95 years old being put in jail is not something that you can reconcile with the objective of respecting human dignity. Even if what you pretend he has done is true, you would not put a man of this age in prison as is the case now. So I would suggest that this be reviewed very fast to avoid something that would be very detrimental to the reputation of South Korea, which is please, get that man out of jail and do it now.”

Human Rights Expert Describes the Detention as Unthinkable in a Democratic Country

Human rights lawyer Alessandro Amicarelli expressed concern, citing South Korea’s democratic tradition. He is a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, a barrister in Italy, and Chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief (FOB).

Alessandro Amicarelli, Chairman of FOB

“As a human rights lawyer, I always considered South Korea a true democracy where human rights are upheld like a foundation of the democracy. Unfortunately, what’s happening now is truly shocking. … We cannot accept that a religious leader in a democratic country, at the age of 95, has to be under this kind of pressure.”

“What we’re seeing right now, … it looks like South Korea is departing from its own Constitution, its own human rights foundation. For this reason, I’m very happy to support Shincheonji in your fight against abuse and persecution in South Korea and anywhere in the world.”

Shincheonji Church emphasized that the detention of Chairman Lee has gone beyond academic interest and is now being raised as an international human rights issue.

The international human rights organizations United for Human Rights and Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP-LC; Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience) submitted a joint written statement on the human rights issues faced by Shincheonji Church to the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on 25 May (Document No. A/HRC/62/NGO/236; circulated on 10 June). In the statement, the two organizations assessed that “the situation has intensified” in South Korea and noted that framing members’ registration with a political party as evidence of “religion–politics collusion” is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every citizen the right to participate in political life.

The two organizations further stated: “In December 2025, the President ordered the creation of a joint police–prosecutor task force explicitly targeting Shincheonji… Senior officials have publicly referred to Shincheonji as a ‘criminal organization,’ statements incompatible with the presumption of innocence.” They also added, “We [urge] the Government of the Republic of Korea to reaffirm its commitment to freedom of religion, non-discrimination, and state neutrality.”

Shincheonji Church noted that “As support and petitions from prominent figures in the international community continue to grow regarding the detention of Chairman Lee Man-hee, pressure on the South Korean government and the judiciary is also mounting.” It further said, “The prompt release of Chairman Lee is a matter of safeguarding freedom of religion and human rights, which are core values of democracy.”

ABOUT SCJ

SCJ is an abbreviation for Shincheonji. SCJ TV is the official broadcasting channel of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. As a global media platform featuring worship, Bible education, teaching, and cultural content, SCJ TV aims to make its Bible-based teachings accessible to audiences worldwide, transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries.

Website: https://www.shincheonji.org/en

https://www.scjtvglobal.com

Contact: press@scjtvglobal.com

First proclaimed in 2016, the DPCW was introduced as a proposal to strengthen international standards designed to prevent armed conflict and promote peaceful dispute resolution. The initiative emerged from the recognition that armed conflicts continue to claim the lives of countless people, particularly young individuals, and that the international community must move beyond responding to violence after it erupts toward building durable structures capable of preventing conflict before it begins.

The declaration was developed through the efforts of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO dedicated to promoting sustainable peace and protecting lives affected by war. HWPL was founded by Chairman Man-hee Lee, whose experience as a student soldier during the Korean War shaped his commitment to advancing a world in which future generations no longer face the devastation of armed conflict.

The origins of the DPCW date back to the September 18 HWPL World Peace Summit in Seoul, 2014, where 1,933 participants from 152 countries gathered, including current and former heads of state, government officials, religious leaders, international law experts, and representatives of civil society. Participants emphasized the need for stronger international frameworks that prioritize preventing conflict rather than responding only after violence has already begun.

In 2015, HWPL established the HWPL International Law Peace Committee (ILPC), composed of international law experts from around the world. Following consultation and legal review, the committee drafted the DPCW, consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses outlining principles aimed at strengthening peace through international law, including standards on the use of force, procedures for peaceful dispute resolution, international cooperation and collective security, protection of religious freedom, and greater participation by civil society in peacebuilding.

Over the past decade, support for the DPCW has expanded among governments and civil society organizations. Regional parliamentary bodies, including the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), have adopted resolutions supporting the initiative. National legislatures, including the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay, the Senate of the Dominican Republic, and the National Legislature of South Sudan, have also endorsed the declaration, while more than 900,000 citizens across 178 countries have expressed support.

Advocates say the DPCW seeks to complement existing international legal frameworks by strengthening mechanisms that prevent disputes from escalating into war. As the declaration enters its second decade, supporters emphasize that growing global instability makes sustained international cooperation and proactive peacebuilding more critical than ever.

First of Its Kind Overseas with Significant Pastor Participation… Expanding Scripture-Centered Fellowship

CARIBPR WIRE, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Thurs. Aug. 28, 2025: On the 18th of August, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Tanzania Church (led by Pastor Yoon Hyun-chul, hereafter referred to as Shincheonji Tanzania Church) conducted an open Revelation Bible exam with local Protestant pastors and Shincheonji members in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

1. On the 18th of August, Shincheonji Peter Tribe Tanzania Church conducted an “Open Revelation Bible Exam” in four major Tanzanian cities with 98 local Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members.

The purpose of this exam was to evaluate whether believers, as the saints who hope for heaven, have kept the words of Revelation (Rev 22:18–19), which all believers must know, and to encourage each person to stand rightly before God. The exam consisted of 10 main questions and 33 sub-questions; all centered on Revelation. Participants reflected not just on knowledge, but on whether they truly believed and practiced according to the Word.

A total of 138 participants took the exam, including 98 local Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members. Unlike last year’s exam in Korea—where only one pastor from a traditional denomination participated—this marked the first time a large number of pastors overseas took part.

2. Local Tanzanian pastors and Shincheonji members who took the “Open Revelation Bible Exam” on August 18th pose for a commemorative photo holding their exam papers.

The results showed a notable difference between groups (Shincheonji members scored an average of 95 points, while Protestant pastors scored an average of 7 points). However, the primary goal was not to rank participants, but to create an opportunity for self-reflection through Revelation and to draw closer to God.

One participating pastor said: “Seeing Shincheonji members write their answers so confidently today made me reflect on my faith and calling as a pastor. I will study Revelation through the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center, lead my congregation on God’s path, and teach them correctly so they can enter heaven.”

3. A Tanzanian Protestant pastor answering questions during the “Open Revelation Bible Exam” on August 18th.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus has consistently emphasized Revelation 22:18–19, saying, “To enter heaven, one must not add to or subtract from the words of Revelation, but fully understand and keep them.”

He has also stated, “The standard for discerning truth and falsehood, orthodoxy and heresy, is not human tradition or doctrine, but the Word of the Bible alone,” highlighting the necessity of testing faith by the Bible.

Previously, Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a similar Bible exam in Korea with pastors from traditional churches, drawing attention at the time. Among 313 participants, only one pastor from an established denomination joined. This Tanzanian event, therefore, is significant as the first instance of large-scale pastor participation overseas.

A Shincheonji Church representative commented: “The Bible exam is not just a test of knowledge, but a way to confirm whether one’s standard of faith is truly the Word of the Bible. We are grateful that more pastors are gradually joining both domestically and internationally. We hope more churches and believers will unite and interact based on Scripture.”

Meanwhile, since its establishment in 2018, Shincheonji Tanzania Church has grown steadily, with about 2,440 members as of August this year. The church continues to work toward spreading Scripture-centered faith through active exchanges with local pastors.

CARIBPR WIRE, SEOUL, South Korea, Tues. April 15, 2025: On April 9, the French branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus strongly refuted an article published by Le Parisien on April 7, criticizing it as a biased and sensational portrayal of the church. The article, titled “They Treated Us Like Animals,” labeled Shincheonji a “problematic evangelical group” and was largely based on the testimony of an anonymous former member. The church stated that it severely misrepresented their faith community.

The church explained it had submitted detailed responses to 12 questions from the journalist, totaling thousands of characters, but only two sentences were included in the article. A church spokesperson said this selective reporting deprived readers of a fair view and suggested the article was a pre-planned smear.

“If more information was needed, the journalist could have visited us directly,” the church noted, emphasizing its openness to transparent communication.

To share genuine experiences, the church released member testimonies. Teresa, a member for six years, said faith was a personal choice, while Axel shared that the church gave him meaning and fulfillment, including meeting his wife through church activities.

The church condemned the article’s title as sensational and misleading, insisting that no one has ever been treated in the way described. It also denied influencing a couple’s breakup, explaining that the relationship ended due to personal differences, not church pressure.

A photo cited in the article as evidence of corporal punishment was also refuted. The individual in the photo, still a member, claimed it was taken in jest before he joined and plans legal action for misrepresentation.

The article’s mention of a “training camp” was clarified as a voluntary short-term program for spiritual growth, which has since been discontinued to prevent misunderstanding. The church also rejected claims of data collection, internet restrictions, or encouraging family disconnection.

Regarding the “ECA Academy,” the church said it was a temporary name for a Bible course, with participants informed it was affiliated with Shincheonji.

Shincheonji urged the media to report responsibly, include diverse perspectives, and avoid sensationalism that fosters prejudice. “Biased reporting harms religious freedom and human rights,” the church stated, calling for higher journalistic standards and ongoing dialogue for better understanding.

Chairman Lee Man-hee held a moving Bible Seminar on November 23, 2024.

As the seminar began, it was explained how rapidly Shincheonji Church is growing. Each year, Shincheonji Church holds a graduation ceremony for its international theology school, which consistently graduates more than 100,000 students each year. This is so groundbreaking, as no other theology school even comes close to having such a high rate of graduation. This year alone, a graduation ceremony was held for 111,628 students. These new graduates traveled to South Korea from all over the world to be able to attend this graduation ceremony in person, creating a truly amazing international event. One could clearly see the evidence that Shincheonji Church  is truly a people that God is with.

Further in the bible seminar, Chairman Lee spoke of his experiences with the atrocities of war that he saw as a veteran soldier from the front lines. He described how grateful he is that God saved him from a terrible fate and under the guidance of a star, he began a life of faith.

Because Chairman Lee himself said that he is not educated and comes from a very poor family, he felt he had nothing to give to repay God’s grace but his own life. Therefore, in blood and tears Chairman Lee promised to give his life to God. To fully offer oneself to be used for whatever purposes God desires – this is truly the sincerity of a humble man who wholeheartedly loves God and believes in His promises.

Chairman Lee shared how he felt that everything he experienced was of God and according to His promises. To understand the Bible was all Chairman Lee thought about, and he felt that there was really nothing else valuable about life or the life of a person beyond that.

Speaking to pastors in the audience, Chairman Lee called upon them to consider the prophecy and fulfillment within the Bible as seen in the Old and New Testament. Despite saying that he himself is nothing, he explained that he is compelled to testify to what he has experienced according to the book of Revelation.

Having been commanded to work after seeing and hearing many things from Jesus, Chairman Lee has done everything as he was instructed. One must consider what they would have done if faced with a similar situation. In this circumstance, one must accomplish what is asked of them, whether one lives or dies.

Each year, Shincheonji Church holds a graduation ceremony for its international theology school, which consistently graduates more than 100,000 students each year.

Chairman Lee entreated the audience to ask questions to confirm the truth if they do not understand the Bible, rather than blindly persecute Shincheonji Church. What is most important is the truth of God’s words, without any addition or subtraction. All people must verify the truth to understand who they are according to the Bible and what is fulfilling today. Chairman Lee said that he will clearly answer all questions asked of him, if only people do take the time to ask.

As Chairman Lee spoke of what has happened and what is yet to come, he asked the audience to genuinely seek after the truth instead of speaking slanderous words. After all, there is nothing more valuable than becoming someone who can correctly follow God’s word to the very end and receive eternal life.

Please see the full seminar recording here: https://youtu.be/1BVl2F08vTs

Shincheonji Seminar attendees 2024

Chairman Lee Man-hee speaks at the Shincheonji Seminar

CARIBPR WIRE, JEONJU, KOREA, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: The Grand Finale of the “Shincheonji Word Seminar” recently took Place in Jeonju, Korea with over 16,000 attendees. The event wrapped up a 20-day journey into the Book of Revelation, which began late last month and culminated on the 13th in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

Chairman Lee Man-hee gives a lecture at the Shincheonji Jeonju Word Seminar held at Shincheonji Jeonju Church

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, led by Chairman Lee Man-hee, hosted the “Shincheonji Jeonju Word Seminar” on October 13th, with over 16,000 attendees, including 250 pastors. The event took place at the Shincheonji Jeonju Church, which was packed to its capacity, including the outdoor parking lot. Due to safety concerns and space limitations, not everyone who wished to attend could be invited.

Pastors attending the Shincheonji Jeonju Word Seminar” at Shincheonji Jeonju Church on the 13th applaud Chairman Lee Man-hee's lecture.

As a result, more than 200 pastors tuned in online, and the total number of online viewers reached 117,000 people. From four hours before the event, crowds gathered around the Shincheonji Jeonju Church, and by two hours prior, both the building and the outdoor seating were fully occupied. To greet the early attendees, members of Shincheonji Church lined the 1-kilometer route from Honamjeilmun near the Jeonju Interchange to the event venue, welcoming guests with various performances. A military band and a traditional Korean music troupe paraded through the streets, turning the Word Seminar into a festive occasion.

Attendees welcoming Chairman Lee Man-hee at the Shincheonji Jeonju Word Seminar held at Shincheonji Jeonju Church on the 13th

Notably, 250 pastors from different denominations attended in person, adding significance to the event. Chairman Lee began his lecture by addressing the pastors, encouraging them to ask questions if they found any errors in his teachings.

Chairman Lee explained how the Book of Revelation is being fulfilled today, just as Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. He emphasized that attendees should confirm whether they are living in accordance with the Bible and being recreated as the Bible describes. Chairman Lee reiterated that the contents of Revelation must not be altered and urged attendees to verify Shincheonji’s teachings, promising clarity.

After the lecture, two pastors from other denominations presented Chairman Lee with flowers, thanking him for helping them understand the Book of Revelation. They pledged to learn and share this message.

One pastor from the Jeonbuk region commented, “It was striking how Chairman Lee strongly emphasized not adding to or subtracting from the Book of Revelation, as it is Jesus’ promise. I think it would be good to open our hearts and seriously learn from these teachings.”

A large crowd gathered to listen to Chairman Lee Man-hee's lecture at the Shincheonji Jeonju Word Seminar held at Shincheonji Jeonju Church on the 13th

A missionary from a nearby area shared, “Since the Ulsan Word Seminar in January, I’ve watched his lectures on YouTube. The teachings are refreshing, almost shocking. I feel like I’ve found a new guide for my missionary work.” Shincheonji’s Thomas tribe members actively promoted the seminar, engaging with citizens directly, and local residents showed great interest, taking photos of the street parade.

Earlier this month, the Thomas tribe held a walking event to promote the seminar at Jeonju Pungnammun Market and Jeonju Hanok Village, continuing their efforts to share the fulfilled reality of the Book of Revelation.

A Shincheonji representative said, “We are grateful to everyone who supported and attended the event over the past 20 days. We will prepare even better opportunities to meet again. Moving forward, Shincheonji Church will continue to practice faith according to the Bible and fully dedicate ourselves to spreading the teachings of the Book of Revelation fulfilled in our time.”

CARIBPR WIRE, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Weds. March 20, 2024: In 2023 alone, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and numerous international disputes tragically claimed the lives of over 33,000 civilians and displaced millions. Recognizing this dire reality, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace NGO, held its 8th annual commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) on March 14th at its peace training institute in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The event’s theme resonated deeply: “Building the Minds of Peace: Promoting Institutional Peace via Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding.”

Since the DPCW’s proclamation on March 14, 2016, HWPL has consistently held annual commemorative ceremonies to advocate for the institutionalization of peace. This year, the event gathered about 12,500 distinguished experts from diverse fields – political, legal, religious, educational, media, and representatives from women and youth sectors – both online and in person. Among participants, about 10,000 HWPL members moved in an orderly manner under the guidance of staff and filled the commemorative ceremony venue.

Drafted in collaboration with international legal specialists from 15 countries, the DPCW comprises 10 articles and 38 clauses. It outlines the principles and tools necessary to prevent and resolve conflicts, cultivate a peaceful global society, and defines clear roles for individuals, communities, and nations in achieving lasting peace.

In his congratulatory speech, H.E. Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “The commitment and dedication shown in the pursuit of peace projects have not only been commendable but have also laid the foundation for a more harmonious world. The tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of ending war and fostering understanding among nations are truly inspiring.”

As President of the Daegak Buddhism Jogye Order in South Korea, Ven. Beopsan who has been participating in interreligious dialogue for nine years, emphasized the importance of religious leaders’ participation in peacebuilding efforts including comparative study of scriptures. He said, “Intercultural dialogue and understanding can be found at HWPL’s World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Office. The root of religion is one and its meaning is a truly noble value.”

Having pointed out that conflicts caused by religion have threatened global peace, Chairman Man-hee Lee of HWPL said, “Different religions should come together, learn each other’s values and become one by comparative study on scriptures. Religious communities should practice faith based on scriptures, so they can live with humanity on this earth. We must create a world where people communicate, cooperate, and help each other regardless of religion.”

Lastly, the ceremony concluded with a variety of performances depicting the journey of peace. During the performance, there was a session where the contents of Article 10, 38 clauses of the DPCW were explained through performance, and expressed an image of a paradise filled with flowers where peace was achieved.

Recently, various activities are being carried out around the world to institutionalize peace. In East Timor, a training course for journalists is planned to be held in 2024 to raise public awareness of peace. Mr. Otélio Ote, President of the Timor-Leste Press Council, said, “I am proud to announce our collaboration with HWPL through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement peace journalism education. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to promoting freedom of expression, press freedom, and the independence of media institutions. As we look ahead to 2024, the Timor-Leste Press Council is committed to supporting HWPL’s endeavors for the sustainable development of institutional peace based on intercultural dialogue and understanding.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Images for use with this article is available HERE and HERE

With the foundation of “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)” as a tool for comprehensive global peacebuilding cooperation, 7,000 people in the fields of politics, legal profession and religion, education, media, women and youth, will join the event where the participants share the cases of conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution to institutionalize peace as a universal culture and norm.

“This declaration, comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses, aims to restore the spirit that served as the basis for the establishment of the United Nations and to achieve sustainable peace by promoting the universal values of the global community. The DPCW contains the message of no war, peace between nations and societies, friendly relations, prosperity, happiness, this is a simple message and everyone can relate to this message,” said Prof. Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Chairman of International Law, University of Dhaka who drafted the DPCW, in the event on March 14^th.

In his progress report presentation, Pravin Parekh, President of the Confederation of Indian Bar, presented major activities of overcoming disconnection and distrust and the progress for realizing the introduction of the DPCW to the United Nations. “HWPL has been strengthening trust and communication with youth, women, and civil society around the world in solidarity through activities such as the Legislate Peace Project, WARP Office, and Peace Education,” he said.

Emphasizing the need for dialogues among religious leaders to facilitate tolerance and understanding, Ven. Myeong An, Vice President of Yeorae Order of Korean Buddhism, said, “Currently, many conflicts, persecutions, and conflicts among religions are taking place in the global village. It’s because of intolerance and a lack of communication. However, what if many religious people come to discuss with scriptures? It will only be a matter of time before a world of peace comes.”

In the event, action plans to advocate peace in Ukraine were prepared. Participants from over 100 countries write “Peace Letters” to denounce Russian invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law and demand Russian President Putin a total withdrawal from the Ukraine territory. “Future generations of Russians will remember you and this war as an indelible and shameful history, and you will be left in history as the one responsible for sacrificing countless innocent lives,” the letter stated. These letters will be collected and sent to Ukraine, where a peace monument will be erected.

During the speech, Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL emphasized, “Peace cannot be achieved alone. If everyone can live together as one, there will be no wars or conflicts. As the saying goes, love your neighbor as yourself, war will disappear only when there is love for each other. Current international law cannot prevent war. Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations, waged a war. The DPCW was introduced to renew the inoperative international law to eliminate war. Now is the time to achieve peace. Just as people learn when they have to create (something), peace must be taught at home and at school to create peace. If people’s hearts change, a better world will be created. Let everyone in the global village become messengers of peace.”

Mindanao was the site of one the largest conflicts in Southeast Asia. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF), was an armed force in Southeast Asia and the Philippine government declared an all-out war resulting in over 120,000 casualties. In October 2012, the government and MILF signed a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro due to the intervention of the international community, recognizing Muslim autonomy in Mindanao.

However, the deep-rooted conflict did not end. In September 2013, Antonio Ledesma, former Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, requested Chairman Lee of HWPL to mediate the settlement.

On January 24, 2014, Chairman Lee visited Mindanao and held a Peace Walk, inviting more than 1,000 people including students from Mindanao State University to the City of General Santos. Chairman Lee then asked Fernando Capalla, former Davao Archbishop, and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao to sign a peace agreement.

The government and MILF finally agreed on the final annex of the Preliminary Peace Agreement on January 25, 2014. The agreement is to recognize Muslim autonomy and gradually disarm the MILF in the Bangsamoro region in southern Mindanao. This is considered the biggest progress in the 18-year negotiation process. In May of that year, the Parliament began to enter the so-called Bangsamoro Basic Law into the legislative process, and the civil war of Mindanao was over when President Rodrigo Duterte finally signed this Law in August 2018.

The Peace Agreement arbitrated by HWPL was Mindanao’s declaration of permanent peace. Since then, all parties, including local-national politics, religion, and society, have cooperated. With signing MOUs with 70 educational institutions in February 2016, HWPL implemented peace education curricula that has since been presented by the United Nations-UNESCO. HWPL signed an MOU with The Commission on Higher Education in 2018 resulting in 2551 teachers, from 557 educational institutions in the Philippines being trained to teach peace education to up to 23,000 students.

On May 25, 2015, “the 2nd Anniversary of Peace Walk in Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace ” was held in Buluan, Maguindanao Province. During the January 24th celebrations, MILF Chairman Hon. Ahod Ebrahim declared January 24 as ‘HWPL Day.’ This announcement was to recognize contributions to achieving peace in Mindanao. HWPL Peace Monument was erected on July 19, 2021, in the Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City, Mindanao.

About HWPL

HWPL is a non-governmental organization in South Korea seeking peace and cessation of war and it is registered in special consultative status with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Learn More : https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/about-hwpl-_en/