Contents

ACTU Executive Decision: IRAQ 25 March 2003
Educators Oppose Howard's War - Joint AEU, NTEU and IEU Media Release, 20 March 2003 [pdf format]
Iraq: Global Unions Deplore Unacceptable and Unjustified Decision To Go To War 20 March 2003
Iraq War Not in Australia's National Interest - Media Release by ACTU, 20 March 2003 [pdf format]
ACTU Opposes Howard's Illegal War - Media Release by ACTU, 18 March 2003 [pdf format]
Peace Not War - AEU Victorian Branch Schools Bulletin No.4, 18 March 2003 [pdf format]
Education Dollars to Fund War? - Media Release by Australian Council of State School Organisations, 7 March 2003 [pdf format]
Iraq: Peace is Possible, War is not the Answer! Speech by Jennie George, MP, Member for Throsby [pdf format]
Why are Australians being sent to kill Iraqis? Speech by Carmen Lawrence, MP, Member for Fremantle [pdf format]
No War : Decision adopted unanimously on January 17, 2003 by the AEU Federal Conference meeting in Adelaide
"No War in Iraq" resolution speech - Rob Durbridge, 2003 AEU Federal Conference
No War in Iraq : Extract from AEU Federal Women's Conference Resolutions, 12 & 13 October 2002
War on Iraq : Extract from AEU Federal Executive Minutes, 28 & 29 August 2002
War and Racism : Extract from the AEU 2002 Annual Federal Conference Statement - January 2002
ACTU Executive Resolution, 26 November, 2002
War Is Not The Alternative : ACTU Statement On Iraq
Education International Statement on the Middle East, 25 September 2002
Other Resources

ACTU Executive Resolution

Tuesday 26 November, 2002

GOING TO WAR

1. ACTU recognises that the possibility of a war against Iraq and campaigns for security and protection from terrorism are current realities confronting unionists and their families.

2. The ACTU unequivocally condemns terrorism. Brutal acts of terror directed against civilians and aimed at maximum loss of lives cannot be excused, rationalised, justified or defended under any circumstances.

3. The ACTU opposes any unilateral declaration of war with Iraq:

   3.1 The ACTU supports the resolution of the United Nations Security Council which calls on Iraq to surrender all its chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, and to allow UN inspectors unfettered access to any location inside Iraq to search for and destroy such weapons. In the event that Iraq fails to comply with the terms of the UN resolution, the issue must be referred to the UN for further deliberation.
   3.2 The issue of Iraq is different, distinct and separate from the campaign against terrorism.

4. Every effort must be made to:
   • ensure availability of enough time and resources for effective UN inspections;
   • increase diplomatic pressure on the Iraqi regime to destroy any weapons of mass destruction;
   • ensure the well-being of Iraqi civilians;
   • see a cessation of the long term trade and economic blockade of Iraq which has primarily hurt the ordinary people rather than the Iraqi Government.
   • provide continuing protection of ethnic minorities in Iraq; and
   • provide for a long-term peaceful resolution of the current situation.

5. ACTU:
   • Opposes the Howard Government's servile rush to support a U.S. led war against Iraq.
   • Deplores the cynical linkage by the US Government of support for the war with free trade negotiations between America and Australia.
   • Commends the governments of Australia, Canada and New Zealand for the joint statement to further co-operate on controlling biological weapons, and urges them to increase their diplomatic efforts in opposing all weapons of mass destruction.
   • Calls upon the Australian Government to support strengthening and implementation of existing treaties and conventions for the elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
   • Calls upon the Australian Government to actively work towards UN mandated international inspection of all countries developing and producing weapons of mass destruction.
   • Calls upon the Australian Government, and all political parties in Australia, to develop a foreign policy based on peaceful and respectful engagement with all nations.
   • Calls upon the Australian Government, and all political parties, to avoid incitement of a climate of suspicion and fear in Australia, and to promote increased understanding of the diversity of Australian religious faiths including Islam.
   • Endorses this forthcoming weekend of community activities on Saturday, 30 November and Sunday, 1 December.
   • Calls upon affiliates to:
     i) Consider participation in the planned community rallies and the walk against war on 30 November – 1 December 2002.
     ii) Make every effort to ensure the right of all members and all workers and their families to work and live in an environment free from harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, religion or culture.
     iii) Work to increase understanding of the current international situation among their members.
     

ACTU Statement On Iraq : War Is Not The Alternative

The ACTU strongly opposes any unilateral declaration and Australia involvement in a war on Iraq.

The threat of a pre-emptive strike by the USA, supported by Australia, contravenes international law, is a threat to world peace and must be resisted by the UN Security Council.

The ACTU believes that to avoid what will be a killing field on the streets of Baghdad, every effort must be made within the mandate of the UN to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis.

Peace has always been a union issue.

It is working men and women and their children who bear the brutal brunt of war. Economies are destroyed, jobs are lost and families dislocated, wounded and killed.

Many of our members are Vietnam veterans and know full well the horrors of war and the impact it has on combatants and non-combatants alike, particularly children.

Nearly fifty percent of the population of Iraq is under 14 years; and up to a million families are already displaced. Save the Children Fund reports that there is widespread suffering with malnourishment endemic and war will further exacerbate an already desperate humanitarian crisis.

War is not the answer.

War is not the solution.

The real issue is disarmament and the continuing development of all weapons of mass destruction as a first step to global security. The ACTU is strongly opposed to the development of weapons of mass destruction whether by Iraq or any other country.

UN mandated international inspection of any country stockpiling weapons of mass destruction – chemical, biological or nuclear – whether Iraq, USA or Russia would significantly contribute to global peace and security.

The ACTU is deeply concerned that Bush and Blair’s unrelenting war rhetoric has drowned out legitimate calls for many in the world community for a commitment to the search for peace as a means of global security.

Australian unions, join with the increasing number of individuals, community organisations and religious communities in supporting the continued strong presence and authority of the United Nations in combating the development of weapons of mass destruction.

We call on all Australian political leaders to oppose a war on Iraq and denounce any suggestion of a war levy.

Extract from 2002 AEU Federal Women's Conference Resolutions

The Australian Education Union (AEU) strongly opposes any unilateral declaration of war and Australia's involvement in any pre-emptive attack on Iraq.

The threat of a strike by the USA, supported by the United Kingdom and Australia, contravenes international law, is a threat to world peace and must be resisted by the UN Security Council.

The AEU believes that to avoid what will be a killing field on the streets of Baghdad; every effort must be made within the mandate of the UN to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis.

Peace has always been a union issue.

It is working women and men and their children who bear the brutal brunt of war. Economies are destroyed, jobs are lost and families dislocated, wounded and killed.

As educators we teach our students about tolerance and peace and their role in creating a world where people live together peacefully.

Many of our teacher and allied staff members are also parents who strongly oppose sending their children to war. We have raised our daughters and sons to embrace the multicultural aspects of our Australian society. We cannot condone mass slaughter and destruction. We did not have children in order for them to become murderers for Bush, Blair and Howard.

Nearly fifty percent of the population of Iraq is under 14 years of age; and up to a million families are already displaced. Save the Children Fund reports that there is widespread suffering with malnourishment endemic and war will further exacerbate an already desperate humanitarian crisis.

War is not the answer.

War is not the solution.

The real issue is disarmament as a first step to global security. The continuing development of all weapons of mass destruction must be stopped. The AEU is strongly opposed to the development and stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction whether by Iraq or any other country.

UN mandated international inspection of any country stockpiling weapons of mass destruction – chemical, biological or nuclear – whether Iraq, USA or Russia would significantly contribute to global peace and security.

The AEU is deeply concerned that Bush and Blair's unrelenting war rhetoric has drowned out legitimate calls from many in the world community for a commitment to the search for peace as a means of global security.

Australian women public education unionists, join with the increasing number of individuals, community organisations and religious communities in supporting the continued strong presence and authority of the United Nations in combating the development of weapons of mass destruction.

This Federal AEU Women's conference calls on all Australian political leaders to oppose a war on Iraq and denounces any suggestion of a war levy. Further, we congratulate the organisers of this public demonstration for World Peace.

Extract from AEU Federal Executive Minutes, 28 & 29 August 2002

WAR ON IRAQ

That the AEU will:

• work with the ACTU to build opposition across the trade union movement to war;
• work with Education International to seek to build a global campaign opposed to war in the region;
• work with all anti-war forces in Australia to build a coalition for peace. This will include publicity in the media, the holding of community rallies and the lobbying of politicians;
• prepare materials that can be distributed to students above voting age outlining the reasons for opposition to the movement towards war;
• call on all political parties to debate the matter in parliament and seek a statement from parliament opposing "first strike" military attacks;
• ask Branches and Associated Bodies to consider the issue within their own forums and make decisions and take action as they deem appropriate.

Extract from the AEU 2002 Annual Federal Conference Statement - January 2002

WAR AND RACISM

There is a disturbing tide of war and racism affecting international relations. All acts of international terrorism are condemned but we must also deplore the devastating effects of the actions that have been unleashed in response to the attacks on September 11. As teachers vitally concerned with the welfare of the young we are aware that the use of military force has only exacerbated divisions across the world and within our nation. Bellicose solutions to the complex historical and political conflicts which exist have the effect of bringing great harm to innocent civilians on all sides. The AEU is opposed to physical force, including war, as an instrument of vengeance and will work with other like-minded organisations as part of an anti-war coalition.

Within Australia, there has been an escalation in racism directed against powerless groups and communities. This has in large part been brought about by the cynical use of the issue of asylum seekers at the last federal election. Children in public schools have been distressed by these developments and the success of Australia as a multicultural nation has been brought into question by the manner in which these issues have been addressed.

The AEU will also work with other organisations to resist the spread of racist ideas and sentiment in Australia. Teachers will examine ways in which school practices and curriculum can be used to guarantee the continued development of Australia as a liberal, tolerant country committed to humane and inclusive values.

Education International Statement on the Middle East

The meeting of the Officers of Education International in Brussels on 25th September, 2002 :

1. noting with alarm the increasing tension in the Middle East as a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine and the threat of war in Iraq;
2. having regard to the Resolution on the Situation in Palestine adopted by the EI Third World Congress in 2001;
3. recognising that stable and lasting peace in the region is an essential pre-requisite to economic, political and social progress;
4. expresses concern that acts of violence continue to dominate the relationship between Israel and Palestine and impede a long-term peaceful settlement and that, as a result of the failure of the Iraqi leadership to comply with the terms of UN Resolutions and to demonstrate that it is not producing weapons of mass destruction, that country is now threatened with war;
5. declares that terrorism cannot be condoned under any circumstances and should be condemned fully wherever and whenever it occurs;
6. declares that military interventions in national or international disputes can only contribute to long-term peaceful and stable solutions if used as a last resort, with broad support and in accordance with international law;
7. notes that the victims of such military interventions are often unfortunate children and women and men, who are not involved directly in the dispute;
8. demands that international disputes be resolved through the intervention of the UN and its agencies and that such disputes be resolved as quickly as possible and in a manner which promotes justice and respects the human rights and dignity of all of the peoples involved.

Other Resources

ANSWER Coalition Act now to stop war and end racism.

International Peace Bureau
The International Peace Bureau is the world´s oldest and most comprehensive international peace federation, bringing together people working for peace in many different sectors: not only pacifists but also women´s, youth, labour, religious and professional bodies.

Iraq's weapons of Mass Destruction: A Net Assessment - An IISS Strategic Dossier. In September the International Institute for Strategic Studies issued their own assessment of Iraq's capabilities.

Not In Our Name

On the brink of War: a recipe for a humanitarian disaster Caritas, 7/11/02

Rethinking Schools (USA) - Materials, articles and resources on the unfolding war situation for classroom teachers

Unions and the war on Iraq LabourStart special report on the international trade union movement and the war on Iraq.