From June 27th until August 1st, 2024, twenty-nine countries are gathering for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in and around the Hawaiian Islands. Pax Christi International is deeply concerned about the significant allocation of public funds for these military exercises. We believe these resources could be far more effectively used to promote disarmament education and initiatives that genuinely contribute to global peace and security. This allocation represents a grievous missed opportunity to invest in long-term peacebuilding measures that address the root causes of conflict.
We are particularly outraged by the participation of Israel in these exercises, which raises profound ethical and moral questions given its documented human rights violations. We urge the 28 other governments participating in RIMPAC to refrain from actions that imply military collaboration with a state accused of severe human rights abuses. Withdrawing from RIMPAC would be a decisive statement against associating with policies and actions that violate human dignity and undermine the values of humanity and disarmament.
Join us in calling on all participating countries to immediately realign their priorities towards true peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. True peace can only be achieved through nonviolent means, respect for human rights, and a steadfast commitment to disarmament.
