 Since 2001, CND has opposed the US's so-called 'war on terror'. CND’s 2001 Annual Conference took place just a few days after the terrible atrocities of September 11th and the conference was overwhelmingly united in condemning the terrorism, but also in condemning state terrorism too. CND's view was that the criminals who perpetrated the crime should be brought to justice, but we completely opposed plans to launch a military attack on Afghanistan in response. The deaths of thousands of innocent Afghani civilians was not a just solution.
In the forefront
Since that time, CND has been in the forefront of anti-war campaigning, working closely on these issues with its allies in the Stop The War Coalition, the Muslim Association of Britain and the British Muslim Initiative. Together we have organised almost twenty national demonstrations against war and occupation. CND has also linked with peace and anti-war campaigns internationally, to coordinate international opposition - such as the global day of action against war on Iraq on 15th February 2003. Up to two million people were mobilised in the UK on that day, and millions more around the world.
The war on Iraq - legal initiatives
CND took a strong position against the war on Iraq. In December 2002, we took the government to court to ask for an advisory opinion on the legality of using Resolution 1441 as a pretext for war. This was, comprehensively argued by Rabinder Singh, QC and Charlotte Kilroy, (see Nov 02 opinion) acting for CND. The three judges ruled that they could not give an opinion as they had no jurisdiction on this aspect of international law and that it may be 'damaging to the public interest in the field of international relations, national security or defence.' (see judgement) .
The same CND legal team also produced an opinion on why the proposed draft '2nd resolution' would not give legal authority to go to war (see Feb 03 opinion ) . They also produced an opinion on the Attorney General’s use of Resolutions 678, 687 and 1441 to authorise the war, both on the eve of war and after it became clear that weapons of mass destruction were not being found in Iraq (see June 03 opinion).
For further detailed information on the legal issues concerning war in Iraq, read The Case Against War.
CND also believes that war crimes have been committed in Iraq, and has sought to bring those responsible to justice. The first steps on this initiative were taken in January 2003, before the war had even started. CND joined a coalition of law professors and leading NGOs to serve notice on Blair, Hoon and Straw that they would be investigated by the ICC Prosecutor if the UK breaches International Humanitarian Law (IHL) during any proposed use of force against Iraq. The notice detailed how and why the breaches of IHL could occur and was served on the then Prime Minister during filming for the Channel 4 programme 'Mark Thomas…Weapons Inspector'.
Leading international law experts brought together by Peacerights, a UK based NGO, have submitted a report recommending that the UK government should be investigated for war crimes in Iraq (see the Executive Summary). The full report has been sent to the ICC for consideration. Further evidence from recent events during the occupation of Iraq is also being compiled. The Attorney General was also asked to investigate, but rejected the proposal.
Troops out of Iraq
The continuing occupation of Iraq has led to a humanitarian crisis of huge and tragic proportions. We continue to support the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq, and welcome progress towards this. But full withdrawal is necessary and we will continue to make that case until all the troops are pulled out.
Don't attack Iran
We work to oppose any attacks on Iran, and welcome the recent intelligence reports from the US indicating that Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme. We do not believe that military interventions, which overwhelmingly affect innocent civilians, are the right way to deal with complex regional problems, or with anxieties about potential nuclear proliferation. We support UN resolutions – over many decades – calling for a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East and we have conference policy to work for 'the prevention and cessation of wars in which nuclear weapons may be used'.
Troops Out -
Don't Attack Iran demo
Saturday 15th March: Mark the fifth anniversary of the disastrous
invasion of Iraq by attending the mass demonstration called by CND, the
Stop the War Coalition and the British Muslim Initiative. Assemble at
noon in Trafalgar Square, London. See here for transport details.
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