A campaign for "the denuclearization of the Korean peninsular and a peace treaty"

Korea is the only divided country in the world, taking aim at each other. On regaining independence from the imperialist Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, Korea was divided into North and South Korea by the cold war structure and fought each other from 1950 to 1953. During the three years of war, over 2 million people were killed and 10 million families were separated by the war. Since the truce in 1953, North and South Korea have been separated, not crossing the border freely for 60 years.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the armistice agreement. War crisis and sharp confrontations, however, are growing on the Korean peninsular recently, including North Korea's third nuclear weapons test, its shutdown of the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills. Stories about peace-seeking people are disappearing and stories about threats and conflicts are spreading. Separated family members are dying, heart-stricken and missing their beloved parents and siblings. The North and South trample down democracy, human rights, words of peace, making each other a good excuse for the suppression.

Establishing peace in Korea is not just an issue between the two Koreas; it is a must for peace in Northeast Asia and the global civil society. Since the armistice agreement, the Korean peninsular has been an unstable state of armistice, Threats of war are lurking all the time. Conflicts and war crisis on the Korean peninsular are a product of geopolitical hegemony and international politics, which is a cause to threaten peace in Northeast Asia and the global community.

Inciting war with power entrusted by people or heightening the crisis and harming peace in the name of national interests should not be ignored any longer. We can not put the issue on peace in the Korean peninsular and Northeast Asia solely in charge of the government any longer.

With 100 years of history and spontaneous participation of citizens, Korea YMCA(Young Men's Christian Association) has been working for life and peace, the Korean peninsular with justice and the global civil society. Korea YMCA believes peace on the Korean peninsular is crucial for peace in Northeast Asia and will be a stepping stone to build peace in the global civil society. Please join us, let others know and pray for peace.