Statement from Seinan Gakuin Association of Volunteers
Condemning The Russian Military Invasion of Ukraine and Calling for Peace
His Excellency Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation
Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Minister of Defense
The Government of the Russian Federation
Dear Sirs,
We strongly condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than military means.
The military invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces violates Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, which states that “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful
means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered” and “shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the
territorial integrity or political independence of any state”. This is a clear violation of international law. The bombing of civilian facilities and the use of cluster bombs are against humanity
and absolutely unacceptable. War is a violation of human rights and contributes to environmental destruction. We urge Russian forces to cease fire and withdraw from the region immediately and
unconditionally. President Putin has also threatened and even hinted at the use of nuclear weapons. This is an unacceptable step that tramples on the wishes of the citizens of the world,
including the hibakusha of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. We strongly urge the leaders of the countries concerned to seek a peaceful solution through
sincere dialogue, not armed force.
Also in Japan, far-right politicians are using the current military invasion by Russia as an excuse to advocate the revision of Article 9 of the Constitution, the building up of military forces,
and even the sharing of nuclear weapons. However, we reject any attempts to stoke fears of war, to increase international tensions on the basis of threats, and to gain unjustified profits
from the military industry. We stand in solidarity with citizens around the world, especially those in Ukraine and Russia who are, as stated in the preamble to the Japanese Constitution,
“striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth” and are raising their voices against the war. We
“recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want,” and we remember the wounded and fallen soldiers and civilians in Ukraine, their families, those
who spend sleepless nights in Kyiv’s subway yards and nuclear shelters, those who are frightened by air strikes throughout Ukraine, and those who have become refugees and are suffering in fear
and from scarcity. In addition, Russian nationals, researchers and students of Russian culture are beginning to be harassed and discriminated all over the world, but there should never be any
discrimination against ordinary, good citizens of Russia or Russian-related people who are not responsible for this war. Peace cannot be created through violence and discrimination.
In the words of Jesus Christ we call on President Putin to “put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
March 4, 2022
Seinan Gakuin Association of Volunteers for the Abolition of Security Related Laws