A candlelight vigil calling for peace in Ukraine and protesting against the AUKUS military alliance will be held in Civic this evening, Friday 4 March, by No War, No AUKUS ACT (NWNAA).

In a statement, organisers say it will be a mostly silent candlelight vigil to call for peace in Ukraine, with an introduction by Sue Wareham of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War.

Although it won’t be dark, they will have some candles to hold or attendees are welcome to bring their own.

Attendees are also invited to bring a placard with a peace message.

The statement continues:

“We condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. It is a fundamental breach of the United Nations Charter.

“We call for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops.

“We call for an end to hostilities … We condemn all threats of nuclear war.

“We call for negotiated settlement of all security concerns, between nations and within Ukraine, (including halting the expansion of NATO).”

Organisers also say they support resolving conflicts within and between nations through negotiation, diplomacy and international law.

“We support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and urge Australia to sign and ratify it.”

“We oppose: the AUKUS military alliance and nuclear submarines for Australia, which undermine Australia’s security; and the militarisation of our society and the dominant role of the weapons industry and foreign interest in our defence policy.”

The peace vigil will be held at the Chess Board in Garema Place, Civic at 5.30pm today.

For more information, email [email protected] or find NoWarNoAUKUSACT on Facebook.

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