We run or take part in a number of campaigns.
Nuclear weapons
The planet and humanity are still threatened by nuclear weapons. Billions of euros are currently being invested in upgrading the nuclear arsenals. Nuclear weapons are getting more precise and can therefore be deployed more easily. The American nuclear weapons in Belgium are also being upgraded. We think it is high time to make it clear that these weapons of mass destruction are not wanted here (nor anywhere else).
Fighter jets
Belgium is buying 34 new fighter jets. This very expensive purchase can easily cost 5 billion euros. That money could be much better spent on, for example, social and environmental investments. During military interventions, fighter jets only cause death and destruction. Help us campaign against the absurd waste of money on these murderous machines.
International Day of Peace
The United Nations declared the 21st of September the International Day of Peace. Each year Vrede asks all Belgian municipalities and citizens to make the day visible by displaying the peace flag. This request is always linked to political demand. This year -just as last year- we call on Belgium to sign the new Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. In 2020 more than 150 cities and municipalities hoisted the peace flag.
NATO
NATO is a constant engine for militarization in the world. The combined military expenditure of NATO countries accounts for more than 70% of the global total and increases further. Every security threat is invariably approached by NATO in military terms. However, the world needs non-military solutions and the strengthening of competent international platforms for conflict resolution, common security and sustainable development. That is why Vrede advocates for the withdrawal of Belgium from NATO and for the dissolution of this war alliance.
BDS
The Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions movement (BDS) aims to end international support for Israeli repression against the Palestinians. Israel occupies and colonizes the Palestinian territories, denies basic rights to the Palestinians living there, and discriminates against Palestinian-Israeli citizens. Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, BDS tries to urge Israel to respect international law. Vrede supports the BDS movement in Belgium.