Minnesota Members of Congress Urge President Obama to Include Unarmed Civilian Protection
(Published Sept. 25, 2015) Four Congressional members of Congress have urged President Obama to prioritize unarmed civilian protection at the World Summit on Peacekeeping. Led by Representative Keith Ellison of Minneapolis, Representatives McCollum, Walz and Nolan signed the letter delivered to the White House on September 23rd.
The signers cite the President’s success with the nuclear arms treaty with Iran as laying the groundwork for further nonviolent actions to make the world a safer place.
Recognizing the growing problem of refugees, the members of Congress note that unarmed civilian protection (UCP) promotes peace and protects civilians.
"Groups practicing UCP actively protect civilians and prevent violence in conflict areas including South Sudan, Myanmar, Honduras, the Philippines, and Columbia. Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), a nongovernmental organization started in Minnesota, has pioneered effective UCP methods."
President Obama will co-host the World Peacekeeping Summit on Monday, September 28th at the UN.
Read the complete letter signed by four members of Congress: here!