Laura Varella
@lauravarella.bsky.social
Coordinator at Reaching Critical Will, the Disarmament Programme of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Views are my own.
Reposted by Laura Varella
The First Committee’s third week featured debates on nuclear weapons, other WMD, conventional weapons, and outer space. Throughout each, delegations lamented the waste of money spent on weapons and critiqued delusions of deterrence. Details in our latest 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The First Committee’s third week featured debates on nuclear weapons, other WMD, conventional weapons, and outer space. Throughout each, delegations lamented the waste of money spent on weapons and critiqued delusions of deterrence. Details in our latest 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Amidst genocide, war profiteering, and nuclear violence, diplomacy for disarmament is more important than ever. See our latest edition of the First Committee Monitor for details on discussions so far across all topics of weapons and war. 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 19, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Amidst genocide, war profiteering, and nuclear violence, diplomacy for disarmament is more important than ever. See our latest edition of the First Committee Monitor for details on discussions so far across all topics of weapons and war. 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Reposted by Laura Varella
During the opening days of the First Committee’s general debate, most states demanded a course correction from dominance and destruction to disarmament and diplomacy. Find out more with our latest report, covering all topics mentioned so far: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 11, 2025 at 7:31 PM
During the opening days of the First Committee’s general debate, most states demanded a course correction from dominance and destruction to disarmament and diplomacy. Find out more with our latest report, covering all topics mentioned so far: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Reposted by Laura Varella
In our latest statement, @wilpf.bsky.social welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while stressing that true justice and liberation for the people of Palestine requires far more. #StopArmingIsrael #FreePalestine 📜: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
October 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
In our latest statement, @wilpf.bsky.social welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while stressing that true justice and liberation for the people of Palestine requires far more. #StopArmingIsrael #FreePalestine 📜: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Our new report, “Targeted from Above,” reveals that Canadian-made MX-Series surveillance and targeting optics produced by L3Harris Wescam were used in two U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean, conducted on September 2 and 15.
Read the report here: ploughshares.ca/targeted-fro...
Read the report here: ploughshares.ca/targeted-fro...
Targeted from above: Canadian sensors facilitating unlawful U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean - Project Ploughshares
On the morning of September 2, 2025, a small speedboat skims across open water somewhere in the Caribbean Sea. Suddenly, in a flash of white, it’s destroyed in a U.S.-launched airstrike. All 11 people...
ploughshares.ca
October 6, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Our new report, “Targeted from Above,” reveals that Canadian-made MX-Series surveillance and targeting optics produced by L3Harris Wescam were used in two U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean, conducted on September 2 and 15.
Read the report here: ploughshares.ca/targeted-fro...
Read the report here: ploughshares.ca/targeted-fro...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Urgent action is needed to protect people and the planet from weapons and war. The UN General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament and International Security is a key place for this work. We will be advocating for real change and providing analysis on and archiving all the action.
The First Committee Must Act for Disarmament Now - WILPF
The UN General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security will begin on 8 October 2025. Over the past year, genocides and armed conflicts have intensified, some countries have ...
www.wilpf.org
October 6, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Urgent action is needed to protect people and the planet from weapons and war. The UN General Assembly's First Committee on Disarmament and International Security is a key place for this work. We will be advocating for real change and providing analysis on and archiving all the action.
Reposted by Laura Varella
Disarmament is imperative to achieving international security. Delegations to this year’s UN General Assembly First Committee need to urgently take up the task, even as the world spins in the other direction. Get ready for the action with our preview report: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
October 6, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Disarmament is imperative to achieving international security. Delegations to this year’s UN General Assembly First Committee need to urgently take up the task, even as the world spins in the other direction. Get ready for the action with our preview report: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Reposted by Laura Varella
At the latest Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty conference on 26 September, participants noted that the challenges that put the prospects of the CTBT’s entry into force in jeopardy are also exactly why the CTBT needs to enter into force urgently: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
October 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
At the latest Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty conference on 26 September, participants noted that the challenges that put the prospects of the CTBT’s entry into force in jeopardy are also exactly why the CTBT needs to enter into force urgently: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
Reposted by Laura Varella
On Friday, 26 September, the UN marked the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons with a high-level event that illuminated the shadows and scars of the atomic bomb. See our report! 📰: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
@wilpf.bsky.social @nuclearban.bsky.social
@wilpf.bsky.social @nuclearban.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 8:09 PM
On Friday, 26 September, the UN marked the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons with a high-level event that illuminated the shadows and scars of the atomic bomb. See our report! 📰: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/latest-...
@wilpf.bsky.social @nuclearban.bsky.social
@wilpf.bsky.social @nuclearban.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Varella
Amidst skyrocketing military spending, the United Nations released two new reports on military expenditure and development and on financing peace. In this article for @wilpf.bsky.social, we welcome these reports, highlight what is useful and what’s missing, and assess their recommendations.
Military Spending, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Financing for Peace - WILPF
In recent months, the United Nations (UN) published two reports highlighting the impacts of military spending on peace and development. The UN Secretary-General (UNSG)’s report The Security We Need: R...
www.wilpf.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Amidst skyrocketing military spending, the United Nations released two new reports on military expenditure and development and on financing peace. In this article for @wilpf.bsky.social, we welcome these reports, highlight what is useful and what’s missing, and assess their recommendations.
Reposted by Laura Varella
The UN confirms that Israel’s war on Gaza constitutes genocide while Western states profiting from the war are sanctioning activists and organisations that support Palestine. @wilpf.bsky.social stands with the Palestinian people, and with those working to end genocide and uphold international law.
As UN Confirms Genocide, War Profiteers Sanction Palestinian Activists - WILPF
On 16 September 2025, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded “that the Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have the genocida...
www.wilpf.org
September 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The UN confirms that Israel’s war on Gaza constitutes genocide while Western states profiting from the war are sanctioning activists and organisations that support Palestine. @wilpf.bsky.social stands with the Palestinian people, and with those working to end genocide and uphold international law.
Reposted by Laura Varella
On 23 September 2025, the UN General Assembly will begin its annual high-level general debate. While this week is mostly about speeches and spectacle, we will be demanding urgent disarmament and demilitarisation for people and the planet. Find out how to follow along and get involved!
Demanding Disarmament and Demilitarisation at the UN General Assembly - WILPF
The high-level debate of the UN General Assembly, which will begin on 23 September 2025, marks 80 years since the founding of the United Nations. Its original members were determined […]
www.wilpf.org
September 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM
On 23 September 2025, the UN General Assembly will begin its annual high-level general debate. While this week is mostly about speeches and spectacle, we will be demanding urgent disarmament and demilitarisation for people and the planet. Find out how to follow along and get involved!
Reposted by Laura Varella
New publication alert! 🚨 New edition of our #UNGA #FirstCommittee briefing book provides background information and recommendations from civil society coalitions to government delegations. Check it out and get ready for disarmament action in October!
reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
September 17, 2025 at 8:58 AM
New publication alert! 🚨 New edition of our #UNGA #FirstCommittee briefing book provides background information and recommendations from civil society coalitions to government delegations. Check it out and get ready for disarmament action in October!
reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Laura Varella, "Time to Put People and the Planet Before Profits from the Arms Trade" @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-...
in the latest "The Week in Arms Trade Publications" mailchi.mp/forumarmstra...
Get on the list www.forumarmstrade.org/get-on-the-l...
in the latest "The Week in Arms Trade Publications" mailchi.mp/forumarmstra...
Get on the list www.forumarmstrade.org/get-on-the-l...
ATT Monitor
reachingcriticalwill.org
September 5, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Laura Varella, "Time to Put People and the Planet Before Profits from the Arms Trade" @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-...
in the latest "The Week in Arms Trade Publications" mailchi.mp/forumarmstra...
Get on the list www.forumarmstrade.org/get-on-the-l...
in the latest "The Week in Arms Trade Publications" mailchi.mp/forumarmstra...
Get on the list www.forumarmstrade.org/get-on-the-l...
Reposted by Laura Varella
In its recent meeting, the Group of Governmental Experts on autonomous weapons discussed elements for a possible treaty, but states need to now advance to negotiations to safeguard humanity. Learn more in our latest report! 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
@stopkillerrobots.bsky.social
@stopkillerrobots.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
In its recent meeting, the Group of Governmental Experts on autonomous weapons discussed elements for a possible treaty, but states need to now advance to negotiations to safeguard humanity. Learn more in our latest report! 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
@stopkillerrobots.bsky.social
@stopkillerrobots.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Varella
80 years after Hiroshima & Nagasaki, arms racing is back on. But we are not complacent. From the actions against arms transfers to Israel to the ICJ’s new ruling on climate, action is underway. Find out more with our latest E-News! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
August 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
80 years after Hiroshima & Nagasaki, arms racing is back on. But we are not complacent. From the actions against arms transfers to Israel to the ICJ’s new ruling on climate, action is underway. Find out more with our latest E-News! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Today marks 80 years since the first nuclear test in New Mexico. Its legacy is that of death and destruction.
Nuclear abolition is imperative for justice and peace: wilpf.org/eighty-years-after-trinity-the-horror-of-the-atomic-bomb-lives-on
#NuclearAbolition #NoNukes #WILPF @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social
Nuclear abolition is imperative for justice and peace: wilpf.org/eighty-years-after-trinity-the-horror-of-the-atomic-bomb-lives-on
#NuclearAbolition #NoNukes #WILPF @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social
Eighty Years After Trinity, the Horror of the Atomic Bomb Lives On - WILPF
On 16 July 1945, the United States detonated the first nuclear weapon on the lands of the Tularosa Basin in New Mexico. The bomb, nicknamed “Gadget,” was made of plutonium. […]
wilpf.org
July 16, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Today marks 80 years since the first nuclear test in New Mexico. Its legacy is that of death and destruction.
Nuclear abolition is imperative for justice and peace: wilpf.org/eighty-years-after-trinity-the-horror-of-the-atomic-bomb-lives-on
#NuclearAbolition #NoNukes #WILPF @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social
Nuclear abolition is imperative for justice and peace: wilpf.org/eighty-years-after-trinity-the-horror-of-the-atomic-bomb-lives-on
#NuclearAbolition #NoNukes #WILPF @rcw-wilpf.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Varella
This year is the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test and atomic bombings of Hiroshima + Nagasaki. As nuclear-armed states continue to wage violence, it's time to rise up for the survivors, affected communities, and for us all. Find out how in our E-News! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
July 15, 2025 at 2:10 PM
This year is the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test and atomic bombings of Hiroshima + Nagasaki. As nuclear-armed states continue to wage violence, it's time to rise up for the survivors, affected communities, and for us all. Find out how in our E-News! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Amidst recent attacks against Iran, Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians, and new commitments by Western states to spend even more money on militarism and mayhem, @wilpf.bsky.social calls for diplomacy, disarmament and demilitarisation.
If We Want Peace, We Have to Prepare for Peace - WILPF
In response to the United States (US) bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities and the tentative ceasefire reached between Israel and Iran, WILPF reiterates its calls to prevent any further unlawful [...
www.wilpf.org
June 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Amidst recent attacks against Iran, Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians, and new commitments by Western states to spend even more money on militarism and mayhem, @wilpf.bsky.social calls for diplomacy, disarmament and demilitarisation.
Reposted by Laura Varella
As many of us people who study or work in tech tried to tell y’all, move fast & break things was always about POWER, not progress.
June 5, 2025 at 9:44 AM
As many of us people who study or work in tech tried to tell y’all, move fast & break things was always about POWER, not progress.
Reposted by Laura Varella
Last week's Group of Governmental Experts on autonomous weapons informal consultation delved deeper on human control discussions. Check out RCW’s report to learn more! reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-...
June 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Last week's Group of Governmental Experts on autonomous weapons informal consultation delved deeper on human control discussions. Check out RCW’s report to learn more! reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Our June 2025 E-News is out! Check it out to learn and take part in the work against military spending, arms transfers, nuclear weapons proliferation and more! With growing militarisation worldwide, now is the time to engage! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
June 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Our June 2025 E-News is out! Check it out to learn and take part in the work against military spending, arms transfers, nuclear weapons proliferation and more! With growing militarisation worldwide, now is the time to engage! www.reachingcriticalwill.org/news/newslet...
Reposted by Laura Varella
Reposted by Laura Varella
Next week, @wilpf.bsky.social will be active at informal consultations on autonomous weapon systems at the UN. Stopping killer robots with a ban treaty and ending the weaponisation of artificial intelligence is imperative for human rights and dignity. Follow @stopkillerrobots.bsky.social for more!
Stopping Autonomous Violence at the UN and Beyond - WILPF
WILPF has opposed war and the development of technologies of violence since our founding in 1915. We have consistently condemned military spending and militarism as a detriment to human life […]
www.wilpf.org
May 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Next week, @wilpf.bsky.social will be active at informal consultations on autonomous weapon systems at the UN. Stopping killer robots with a ban treaty and ending the weaponisation of artificial intelligence is imperative for human rights and dignity. Follow @stopkillerrobots.bsky.social for more!
Reposted by Laura Varella
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty spends a third of its time proliferating propaganda for nuclear energy. But as we point out in our latest NPT News in Review, this technology generates grave harm and serious risks for people and for the planet. 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...
May 8, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty spends a third of its time proliferating propaganda for nuclear energy. But as we point out in our latest NPT News in Review, this technology generates grave harm and serious risks for people and for the planet. 📰: reachingcriticalwill.org/images/docum...