Disarmament for Sustainable Development
At Rio+20 we presented a bread tank with a garden inside to underline the realistic possibility of eradicating hunger and extreme poverty by redirecting military spending
The Appeal
In 2011 global military spending amounted to $1.74 trillion – despite the fact that 1 billion people suffer from hunger, still more have no access to safe water or adequate health care and education, and even in the industrialised world millions are without work. Disarmament is a necessary condition for sustainable development. We therefore demand that the governments of the world seriously address this neglected issue of peace and disarmament and agree on a global plan for disarmament at the Rio+20 Earth Summit in June 2012. Starting in 2013, military spending should be cut back substantially - a minimum of 10 % per annum. The freed-up funds should be used for social, economic and ecological programmes in all countries.
Join hundreds of other signatories, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, distinguished scientists and international organisations in signing our appeal.
The Bread Tank
At Rio+20 we present an edible, life-sized tank made of bread. This unique mobile sculpture, measuring 8m x 4m x 3m, is a symbol of how the world's military budget should really be used - to fund sustainable development, fight hunger and extreme poverty, improve food and water security, and provide education and healthcare. Inside the bread tank is a vegetable garden that becomes visible as the tank is consumed. No bread is wasted: Remaining food is donated to a charitable food bank. The Bread Tank is accompanied by an exhibition that juxtaposes current military spending with money requried to finance exemplary social and ecological measures.
The Bread Tank Activities at Rio+20
- © Eduardo Souz
Download full media advisory here.
Tuesday, 19 June, 11:00-12:30
Community Event in the favela of Santa Marta (Botafogo)
The tank was presented to the press with full support of the community of Santa Marta. In cooperation with the Brazilian organisation Viva Rio, small weapons from the voluntary civil disarmament programme were destroyed, and the bread was served to the people of the community. Download photos of the event here.
Wednesday, 20 June, 14:00
Global Day of Action March
The tank accompanied the march with the Samba school of the community of Vigário Geral, Rio de Janeiro.
Thursday, 21 June, 11:00-12:30
Press conference in front of Global Town Hall at Athlete's Park
(across from RioCentro, pavillion of the Rio State Government close to main entrance)
Journalists, politicians and all interested participants of Rio+20 were invited to this media event with the Bread Tank, featuring short statements from the former UN High Representative on Disarmament H.E. Ambassador Sergio Duarte; the General Coordinator of International Actions to Fight Hunger, Brazilian Ministry for Foreign Affairs Milton Rondó, and ICLEI President David Cadman. Moreover, two 14-year-old Brazilian students teached a simple and memorable lesson on "Disarmament for Development."
Friday, 22 June, all day
Peoples' Summit
The tank was exhibited all day at Território Futuro.
Download photos of the activities here.
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