Hanoi, Vietnam — A global delegation of women peacemakers in Hanoi expressed disappointment in the outcome of the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un, but emphasized the importance of continuing to support efforts between the two countries to end seven decades of hostilities and work towards the signing of a peace agreement.
“This is a huge missed opportunity and a disappointment to Koreans who’ve been waiting 67 years to see a decisive end to the Korean War,” said Christine Ahn, executive director of Women Cross DMZ and a prominent Korea expert. “Declaring an end to the Korean War will be an important step to demonstrating their commitment to transforming the relationship from one of war to peace.”
“The past two summits have been important building blocks,” said Liz Bernstein, executive director of Nobel Women’s Initiative. “Going forward, there must be a more robust official diplomatic process, as well as the inclusion of civil society, especially women, that have on-the-ground expertise and insight that can help both governments come to greater understanding.”
“Transforming 70 years of enmity doesn’t happen overnight,” Ahn continued. “Trump and Kim have clearly made strides in building trust, which was exemplified by Trump’s acknowledgement of the harmful effects of sanctions on the North Korean people. We believe the groundwork has been laid.”
To ensure that ending the Korean War is broadly supported by the U.S. government, the women leaders are supporting a recently introduced Congressional resolution that calls for a final settlement of the Korean War and the establishment of a peace process. This delegation of women is part of the forthcoming Korea Peace Now! Women Mobilizing to End the War, a global campaign to educate, organize, and advocate for a Korea peace treaty or agreement by 2020. Women Cross DMZ, Nobel Women’s Initiative, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and Korean Women’s Movement for Peace will formally launch the campaign in March 2019.