PRESS RELEASE
4 December 2023
March for Peace, Wednesday 6th December
Samoans For Ceasefire are proud to announce that there will be a MARCH FOR PEACE on Wednesday 6th December 2023.
The march aims to raise awareness and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, and to present a petition to the Government of Samoa to take a public stand and call for a total and permanent ceasefire.
The government's decision not to register a vote in the UNGA on October 26th was the catalyst for this group to form and take action. The Peace & Security vote in the UNGA was for a resolution calling for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. The resolution also demanded a continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians.
The silence from our government as to why they did not support a truce or humanitarian assistance for civilians, has remained to this day.
Holding our elected officials accountable, and seeking transparency in their actions is the right of every citizen of Samoa.
This march and petition joins existing global efforts to call for a total and permanent ceasefire, and bring an end to the siege and blockade of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
First launched online on 20 November, the petition has since been signed by more than 800 people who support the call for a total and permanent ceasefire.
The march is open to anyone who shares our goal of calling for a ceasefire and asking our government to use its voice and vote on the international stage to call for an end to hostilities.
With the support of Samoa Police and Samoa Red Cross, marchers are asked to gather at the F.E.S.A. car park from 6 am, before we make our way along Beach Road to the front of the FMFMII Government Building.
Samoans For Ceasefire have invited many of our local community organisations to attend, including public and private sector groups and we welcome any individual or group who would like to join us on Wednesday, 6th December.
MARCH DAY DETAILS
Who can march?
Everyone who supports a ceasefire in order to save innocent civilian lives, regardless of religious, political or other affiliations.
The march is family-friendly so please feel free to bring your family/children in support of this cause.
Those who attend to disturb the peace will be removed by Police.
What signs, flags are allowed?
Signage and placards are allowed so long as they are not offensive, insulting and/or contain offensive language/gestures and they support the main purpose of the march, which is to support a ceasefire.
Flags of all countries are allowed so long as you are there to support a ceasefire.
Everyone attending must respect each other’s choice of flags and/or signage so long as we all understand that we are there for one purpose, to support a ceasefire and promote peace.
If someone does not abide by these rules and comes with the intention to disturb the peace, we will be seeking police assistance for their removal.
What to bring?
While the organizers will try to provide water, we urge all those attending, especially those attending with children to bring with you the following:
1. Water, preferably in a reusable water bottles
2. Light food/snacks to keep energized
3. Umbrella
4. Hat/cap for sun protection.
5. Sunscreen for sun protection
6. Mats/i.e. lavalava to sit on if needed or to provide shade
Who to follow:
The Organizers will identify themselves before we march so that you know who to follow and who to seek assistance from regarding the march/gathering. Police will be escorting the march from F.E.S.A to the FMFMII Building so we will follow the police escort.
REMEMBER:
We are marching to ensure that peace is restored, therefore we expect to conduct ourselves in the same peaceful manner we are there to promote.
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