Dudley’s Member of Parliament, Sonia Kumar, and Faith Leaders across Dudley have come together to pledge their commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights, issuing a statement which addresses the ongoing conflicts in different areas of the world.  

They said: 

“We stand at a critical juncture in global history, and as the Member of Parliament and Faith Leaders in Dudley, we wanted to come together to address the ongoing conflicts that continue to cause immense suffering and instability.  

We mourn the loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and extend our deepest condolences to the affected families. It is crucial that both India and Pakistan engage in constructive dialogue to address the root causes of such violence and work towards a lasting peace. We welcome the ceasefire. 

In Gaza, we strongly condemn violence and the suffering of countless civilians on all sides. We recognise the complex situation involving hostages still held and call for their safe and immediate release. Peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and adherence to international humanitarian laws. We hope for a credible two state solution and pray for long term peace in the region. 

We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This unprovoked aggression has led to widespread devastation and loss of innocent lives. The international community must unite to ensure that such blatant violations of international law are met with firm resistance and unwavering support for the victims. We support ongoing efforts to reach a negotiated peaceful settlement which is just and long-lasting.  

In Sudan, with countless lives disrupted and communities torn apart, we must work towards peace. It is our moral duty to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution. The people of Sudan deserve a future free from violence and fear, and we must do everything in our power to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.  

In the face of these and other conflicts around the globe we affirm our commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. It is only through collective action and unwavering resolve that we can hope to build a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than violence and war. As the Member of Parliament and faith leaders in Dudley, we give thanks for one another and pledge to continue to work together for the common good of all.”