East London Against the Arms Fair (ELAAF) are calling for a multi-faith vigil on 7 September to protest against the London Arms Fair, due to be held from 8-11 September.
People attending are asked to bring a candle so that a silent protest can be held to remember the seven million people that have been killed in wars worldwide since 1989. In previous years, the vigil has seen leaders and members from a variety of faiths in east London attend and organisers are hoping that this can be repeated.
The event is being supported by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), which works for the abolition of international trade in weapons.
A spokesperson for ELAAF says:
It’s important to have as many people as possible near the hotels where many delegates to the fair will be staying, so we can give the message of a silent reproach to them. It’s the one protest that the police always remember and it seems to leave an impression on everyone who witnesses it.
Protesters will meet at 6.30pm outside Royal Victoria DLR and walk to the ExCeL entrance where the vigil will be held. The vigil is open to anyone who wishes to make a stand against the arms fair, whether they have a religious faith or not.
For further comment please contact CAAT’s Media Co-ordinator on 020 7281 0297 or 07990 673232 or email media(at)caat·org·uk.
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Notes
- Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) works for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the international arms trade together with progressive demilitarisation within arms producing countries. 80% of CAAT’s funding comes from individual supporters’ donations and CAAT is strictly nonviolent in all its work.
- The London Arms Fair, Defence Systems & Equipment International (DSEI), has been held every two years since 2001 at the ExCeL centre in Newham, east London. Every year there have been high-profile protests against it.
- UK Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) is the UK government body that provides support for arms companies in their export-related activities. This includes promoting weapons sales worldwide, including to countries in conflict and regimes with a documented record of human rights abuse.
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