Ostermarsch: Friedensfähig statt Kriegstüchtig! Für eine demokratische, zivile und soziale Zeitenwende – Kriege beenden, Aufrüstung stoppen!

In the organizer's words:

With speeches by:

• Matthias Jochheim, IPPNW
• Janine Deling, DGB
• Katharina Niebergall, Young GEW NRW
• Thomas Stiefel, Connection e. V,
• Ulrich Thoden, Member of Parliament, Die.Linke
• and music by Shelly Quest!

Social and ecological crises are worsening around the world, natural disasters are becoming commonplace and millions of people are on the run. What is the Federal Republic of Germany doing to solve these crises that threaten the existence of mankind? By amending the Basic Law, the Bundestag, which was voted out of office, paved the way for the further armament of the Federal Republic and the EU and for the preparation of new wars.

This logic of violence and military strength has never created security or peace, instead it exacerbates global confrontation and breaks with the peace orientation of the Basic Law. While investments in killing machines devour money and resources, hunger and social inequality grow.

We call on everyone to demonstrate at Easter against the highly dangerous militarization of all areas of society and for a social, democratic and civil turnaround! The realization of political and social human rights, the preservation of natural resources and the climate, social justice and peace cannot be delayed and can only be achieved through global cooperation.

Now is the time for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the start of peace negotiations with the aim of rebuilding a sovereign and democratic country instead of its continued economic plundering.

Instead of the deployment of US medium-range weapons, what is needed now is an initiative for security, including with Russia, for arms control, disarmament, the abolition of nuclear weapons and an end to the nuclear threat to humanity.

It is time for an immediate end to German arms deliveries to the far-right Netanyahu government, for a termination of the EU association agreement with Israel, until the systematic expulsion and killing of Palestinians is stopped and the guns fall silent. It is time for the recognition of a Palestinian state and for a just peace in the Middle East.

It is time to close the borders to all arms exports and open them to people. It is time for humanitarian aid and to fight the causes of flight instead of refugees.

It is time to invest in a better life instead of immeasurable potential for destruction: investments are needed to end homelessness and provide decent housing for all, for hospitals that serve people's health, for education and culture free from austerity, for meaningful work and sufficient staff in all public institutions and for the comprehensive realization of the common good.

A peaceful society does not need compulsory military service or youth officers, but schools without the Bundeswehr and voluntary commitments to peace at all universities.

We now need initiatives for international understanding, for cultural and scientific exchange, including with Russia and China, instead of mutual isolation and the creation of enemy stereotypes.

It is time to get serious about implementing the United Nations Charter, which was adopted 80 years ago as a consequence of the liberation from war and fascism: The liberation of humanity from the scourge of war and global cooperation for the realization of social progress.

We demonstrate in solidarity with all those who fight against nationalism and war and for a democratization of society and a globally humane development.

Let's go to the Easter march!