Join us for the Prayer Week: Commemorating the tragedy of the 6.25 Korean War and its 70th anniversary of separation
The year 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. On June 25th, 1950, the Korean peninsula went through one of the most tragic wars in history for 3 years. This fratricidal war began not so long after Korea was liberated from its long history of Japanese colonial rule. According to the ‘Korean War Memorial Foundation,’ it is recorded that 25 nations have fought in the Korean War and total of 62 sent equipment or aid. The war wasn’t just about the conflicts within the Korean peninsula, but it was a war between the international communities as well.
Despite of all the joint talks, effort and many joint declarations over the years such as <2000 June 15 North-South Joint Declaration>, <2018 Panmunjom Declarations> and the most recent <Pyongyang Joint Declaration of 2018>, it seems that a way to peace and true reconciliation still have a long way to go and the downward spiral in inter-Korean relations is at its risk again.
At the last World Council 2019, the Member Association of the World YWCA have agreed and passed the Korea YWCA’s “Resolution on the Solidarity for the Establishment of Permanent Peace Treaty on the Korean Peninsula.” To implement the decision and to follow up with the resolution, Korea YWCA with the collaboration with the like-minded organizations is planning to launch the ‘Campaign to End the Korean War’ on June 24th, 2020. We would like to invite all our YWCA sisters and peacemakers around the world to also join us in our special prayer week to remember and commemorate the tragedy of the Korean War and its 70th anniversary together.
May our journey together lead us to peace in Korean peninsula, peace in Asia and to the World peace.
[Statement of Korea YWCA]
6.15 South-North Joint Declaration 20th Anniversary YWCA Commemorative Statement
– South-North Joint Declaration, Only Action Remains
On June 15, 2000, South and North Korea met for the first time after division in order to make a declaration of reconciliation and cooperation called the South-North Joint Declaration. The joint declaration sought to resolve unification issues, such as working on a common unification plan, addressing the issue of separated families, promoting economic cooperation and exchange, and planning a visit to Seoul by Chairman Kim Jong Il. Moreover, it became an impetus to establish a paradigm of cooperation between the two sides held in a ceasefire. It has been considered the archetype of all inter-Korean relations for the past 20 years. The June 15th Declaration in 2007 was swiftly followed by the October 4th Declaration in 2007. Such developments were supported by the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula on April 27th, 2018 and the Pyongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018, which established an era of joy for the Korean Peninsula.
However, the Korean Peninsula has experienced stark changes in relations for the past 2 years. This can be attributed to America’s unjust diplomatic strategies in tandem with other nations, unfulfilled promises between the North Korean and American government, North Korea’s unwillingness to compromise in the face of harsh economic sanctions, and South Korea’s dependence on changing international relations. Furthermore, inter-Korean relationship has worsened due to the distribution of anti-regime propaganda posters by some South Korean organizations, which North Korea states is in violation with the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula and the Pyongyang Joint Declaration. In effect, the inter-Korean liaison office has been indefinitely closed.
The spirit of the South-North Joint Declaration lies in the willingness of the two Koreas to reach a solution independent of other national powers, a shared desire to establish peace, and a mutual agreement leading to an official declaration. In remembrance of the purpose behind the joint declaration, it is essential to pour out our determination and aspiration as we employ our imagination to create the conditions for peace.
COVID-19 has shifted the focus from military power to human life and dignity and national defense to human security. The pandemic has shown us the importance of trust and solidarity. North Korea has delayed the completion ceremony of the Wonsan Galma Marine Tourism Zone and has pushed forward the construction of Pyongyang General Hospital. In April, the Supreme People’s Assembly passed a 7.4% increase in the health sector’s budget. On the other hand, South Korea has been globally recognized for its COVID-19 Strategy. The government reduced defense costs by 2 trillion won in order to be used for welfare budgets. During this time, North and South Korea should seek to promote the prosperity of the Korean peninsula by cooperating and developing inter-Korean relations regarding their health sectors.
The South-North Joint Declaration is sufficient. Only action remains. In order to create plans for concrete implementation, civil societies, experts in their respective fields, and communities must communicate and exchange ideas. The South Korean government must dynamically and strategically change the current stagnant situation into an environment conducive to establishing peace. The North Korean government should actively resume inter-Korean dialogue in spirit of the joint declaration in response to South Korea. Moreover, America must present more realistic and implementable proposals to North Korea. The National YWCA of Korea will not passively wait until peace is created. Rather, it will become an active leader in creating and engaging with proposals for peace. The government must ask civilians for solidarity and the international community for cooperation in order reach a peace agreement for the Korean Peninsula.
National YWCA of Korea
Korea YWCA
June 15, 2020
