Statement by Pacific Elders’ Voice on the Invasion of Ukraine

We the Pacific Elders Voice strongly and unconditionally condemn the invasion of the Ukraine by the Russian Federation.

All nations must respect the sovereign integrity of other nations and to always seek peaceful means to solving differences without contest or military conquest.

This invasion will only exacerbate military tensions in the region and are likely to cause economic disruptions to the people of the Pacific.

We are deeply concerned that this invasion heightens the risk of nuclear war.

We ask that all Pacific Island countries hold a special day of prayer for peace. We ask that all faiths within our region pray together and hold a day of fasting and reflection on the injustice that is being perpetrated on the people of Ukraine. We pray for peace and for all those who are being persecuted for their stance on peace.

This is a collective statement from Pacific Elders’ Voice. For further information, please contact us.

More statements

While the world’s biggest polluters dominate the headlines this week at the UN climate summit with an array of sensationalist pledges and announcements, designed mainly to distract us all from a lack of real climate action, one of the biggest scandals of all is taking place right under our noses.

The Pacific Elders’ Voice (PEV) welcomes the hosting of 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM52) from 06 – 10 November 2023 in Rarotonga under the theme of “Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper”.

Japan and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)’s reckless decision to discharge over 1.3 million tonnes of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into our Blue Pacific is a testimony to the dangers of nuclear power.