The World Peace Council (WPC), represented by the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC), participated in the XX Congress of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters – Association of Anti-Fascists (FIR), reaffirming the historic bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the international peace movement and the anti-fascist movement.

On the 6th of November, Isabel Camarinha, president of the National Board of the CPPC, was present in the opening session of the Congress were anti-fascists from nine European countries, were awarded the Michel Vanderborght Prize, coinciding with the organization's 75th anniversary celebration.

Addressing the Congress, Julie Neves, vice-president of the National Board of the CPPC, on behalf of the WPC, on the 7th conveyed its fraternal greetings to all participating organisations, highlighting the shared historical roots of both movements in the resistance of peoples against fascism, the victory over Nazi-fascism in the Second World War and the determination to prevent humanity from experiencing once again the horrors of war, destruction and suffering.

The CPPC stressed that the struggle against fascism cannot be separated from the struggle for peace. History has demonstrated how militarism, reactionary and xenophobic ideologies, the persecution of peoples and the denial of the right to self-determination have fuelled the path towards war. The defence of peace therefore requires resistance to policies of domination, the imposition of force and the denial of peoples' sovereignty.

The WPC reaffirmed that the security of peoples cannot be built through militarization, agression and interference. It must be based on respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, disarmament, cooperation and respect for the sovereignty and independence of States.

Defending peace also means defending people's living conditions, social rights, democratic freedoms and the right to development. Resources that should be addressing the needs of populations must not be diverted towards war and militarisation.

The World Peace Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its historic relations with the FIR and all organisations committed to peace, anti-fascism and international solidarity.