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The World Veterans Federation (WVF) is the world's largest international veteran organization. The federation currently consists of 170 veterans organizations from 93 countries, representing some 42 million veterans worldwide.
The WVF's mission is to be the leading organization promoting wellbeing and providing assistance and aid to veterans and victims of war and assisting the international community in the promotion of international peace and security.
The Standing Committee on European Affairs (SCEA) is composed of representatives from member organizations in Europe and their task is to fulfil WVF missions in Europe.
Norwegian Veteran policy – 2012
Newly elected vice president Heidi Brudal and re-elected president Odd Helge Olsen in The Norwegian Veterans Association of International Operations (NVIO) has played a key role in creating the new veteran policy in Norway.
http://www.regjeringen.no/pages/16370836/Veteraner_Handlingsplan_nettversjon.pdf
SCEA visit Norwegian member NVIO – 2012
Chairman of SCEA Dan-Viggo Bergtun and Norwegian Defense Minister Espen Barth Eide, visit the General Assembly for The Norwegian Veterans Association for International Operations (NVIO).
NVIO, member of SCEA/WVF, is Norway's largest organisation for veterans from international operations in Norway, with close to 7 500 members, and 55 local clubs all over the country.
Royal British Legion, UK-Member of WVF/SCEA - 2012
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity. They provide practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
United Kingdom - St. Dunstan’s- Blind Veterans UK – 2012
Rob Long, who lost his sight due to a mission in Afghanistan and actor Lachlan Nieboer, who portrayed a blind soldier in Downtown Abbey are both running the London Marathon on April 22 to raise awareness and funds for Blind Veterans UK - the national charity for blind and visually impaired ex-servicemen and women and members of WVF/SCEA.
© 2011 Blind Veterans
Ukraine – 2012
The President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich and President of International Ukrainian Union of War Veterans, Members of SCEA/WVF, General V. Vorontsov adresses veterans during wreath ceremony for the monument of soldiers-internationalists.
The SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare – 2012
Photo: Jo Luijten, Veterans Institute.On Thursday, April 12, the Defence Attaches of 17 countries visited the Veterans Institute in Doorn, the Netherlands. Among the countries represented were Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Ukraine, Romania, Israel, Iran, Zambia, the United States and Canada. Capt RNLN (ret) Frank Marcus (centre), the director of the Veterans Institute gave a briefing on actual developments in the Dutch veterans’ policy. The most important question in various countries today is; how to reach out for and organize the new generations of veterans? Several attaches expressed the need or wish for international coordination and exchange regarding societal recognition and assistance for veterans. The Chairman of SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare, Mr. Jos Weerts (3-d left) indicated the important role WVF and SCEA can fulfill in this respect. This annual visit is organized by the Defence Attache Association Netherlands.
SCEA Working Group on Eastern European Countries – 2012
The President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich and The Chairman of SCEA WorkingGroup on Eastern European Countries, General Sergei Chervonopisky, attended wreath ceremony on the monument of Soldiers-Internationalist. SCEA is very happy with the cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities.
Visit to Sweden – 2012
Photo: Kim Svensson/Forsvarsmakten
The Chairman of the SCEA visits Sweden to discuss the upcoming WVF Peace and Security Summit in Stockholm (Sweden) in 2013 with Mr. Stig Von Bayer, Peace Keeper of the Year 2011, the Swedish Chief of Armed Forces, General S. Gøransson and President Bo Wranker from Swedish Veterans Federation. The theme will be "How can veterans take part in creating peace and security in today's society?"
Finnish War Veterans Federation: Event held on 16th March 2012
At this honourable event, the Chairman of the SCEA Working Group for Northern European Countries / Vice President of Finnish Peacekeepers' Association, Mr. Tom Asplund was awarded the Finnish War Veterans Federation Medal of Merit for his continuous support, representing all the members of the Finnish War Veterans Federation nationally and internationally. Mr. Asplund expressed his warmest regards on behalf of the World Veterans Federation and the Chairman of the SCEA Mr. Dan-Viggo Bergtun.
SCEA supporting INTERNATIONAL VETERAN RALLY – 2012
In May 2012 the first-ever International Veterans rally across the cities of Russia, CIS, the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia will take place. In modern society, veterans of wars have common problems, regardless of military conflicts, their ethnic, political or religious background.
They are all united by battle experience, moral and physical injuries that changed their inner world, the structure of their personality and the system of their values.
After returning to civilian life, it can be hard for veterans to follow the rules and laws generally accepted in civil society; this causes constant stress and feelings of being unable to adapt to the conditions and social stereotypes of peacetime.
The motor rally aims to consolidate the efforts of the veterans to attract attention to their social needs, the problems of employment, medical care and other rights and freedoms for veterans which are being violated or neglected throughout the world.
SCEA supports this initiative.
Update from Norway – 2012
Our member organization, The Norwegian Veterans Association of International Operations will in 2013 host the 35 year anniversary of the deployment of UNIFIL /NORBATT (United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon / Norwegian Battalion) to Lebanon in 1978.
SCEA supports this event and wishes them a successful anniversary celebration.
SCEA active in promoting Human Rights – 2012
The Minister of Labour and Veterans Welfare, Petar Djokic from the Republic of Srpska and the Vice President of the World Veterans Federation, Dan-Viggo Bergtun concluded today that war veterans should be active in promoting peace, freedom and human rights.
http://lat.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=55958
SCEA recommendations 2012
Recommendations adopted at the 22nd Meeting of the Standing Committee on European Affairs held in Kiev, 26-28 May 2011.
Recommendations adopted at the 22nd Meeting 2011 154.24 Kb
Commonwealth of Independent States – 2012
The Chairman of the SCEA Working Group on Eastern European Countries arranged a meeting with the SCEA/WVF and veterans/officials from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), representing 33 million veterans, to plan partnership with the SCEA/WVF and coordinate future activities for veterans in their region.
The SCEA Working Group on Eastern Europe Countries – 2012
Chairman, Mr. Sergey Chervonopysky honours veterans in Kiev, February 2012.
Visit to Republic of Srpska – 2012
The SCEA Chairman and the President of the Veterans Organization of the Srpska Republic, Mr. Pantelija Curguz meet H.E. President of Republic of Srpska Mr. Milorad Dodik to obtain support for veterans' wellbeing.
New «Companion of The WVF» – 2011
Akloma AB sponsor World Veterans Federation and signed a 3 year contract to support veterans. President Tommy Rønneberg in Akloma AB gave us all a fantastic Christmas present.
See www.akloma.com
Dear friends and veterans – 2011
«In this era of violence and uncertainty, we should be humble, yet strong.
Humble for our fellow human beings who have different opinions than we have, humble for those who believe in something other than what we do, humble for those who think they do their best and not least, humble for those who do a great job of creating a better life for our veterans.
At the same time we must be strong, never compromise on injustice, never accept to not be allowed to help and never allow the violation of human rights upon our veterans.
Veterans' experiences are important for the awareness of peace in society. The Credo of the World Veterans Federation is "None can speak more eloquently for peace than those who have fought in war." by Ralph Bunche. Help our fellow veterans to take part in society; they can be crucial in the creation of peace and security in your area.
Working with veterans is a large area with many issues. But by having the belief that a little help means so very much for the receiver, give us strength and help us in future work for the benefit of all veterans. Step forward and use your strength to help our fellow veterans when they need it. You are important and will be heard.
Veterans are a large group on a worldwide basis. Some statistics tell us that there are over 300 million veterans from various conflicts and even more victims of war. We also know that veterans and victims of war also struggle with PTSD, which unfortunately includes more people in veterans' problems, so we totally stand with a huge powerful group. By standing together to help each other to a better life, taking part in society, we will become a group that can make a difference in the world for the better.
With these words I want to thank all my friends and veterans for the job you have done in the past year for veterans and I hope we can continue it in 2012.
All my best to you and your family, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year.»
Best regards,
Dan-Viggo Bergtun
Vice President
World Veterans Federations
www-wvf-scea.org
The Working Group on Eastern Europe Countries – 2011
The Chairman, Mr. Sergey Chervonopysky has started his important work to include all veterans organizations in the Commonwealth of Independent States as members in SCEA/WVF.
WVF Executive Board Meeting – 2011
The 142ndmeeting of the Executive Board was held in Oslo (Norway) on 15 November 2011. President Hamid Ibrahim chaired the meeting and the SCEA was represented by the Chairman of the SCEA, Vice President of the WVF, Mr. Dan-Viggo Bergtun.
SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare – 2011
The group had their first meeting to coordinate the important work of collecting and distributing information related to veterans health and welfare. The Chairman, Mr. Jos Weerts and member, Dr. Bjørn Bakke look forward to presenting their results to WVF members at the end of 2012.
SCEA Working Group on South European Countries – 2011
Chairman of SCEA Working Group on South European Countries, Mr. José Arruda of the Association of Armed Forces Handicapped supports Libyan casualties of the late conflict, admitted to the Hospital Unit Lumiar in Lisbon.
http://www.adfa-portugal.com/pt
Russia – 2011
The SCEA Chairman visited the Russian Embassy in Norway when former Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché to Norway, Colonel Vladimir Ermachkov handed over his position to General Nikolay Koval. Russia is very central in European veteran affairs and is a good partner to the SCEA.
SCEA meets representatives from The Council of Europe – 2011
Mr. Øyvind Vaksdal, Member of The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in The Council of Europe, supports the World Veterans Federations' effort to promote Human Rights. He also wants to include the WVF in their effort to protect Human Rights.
SCEA Working Groups meeting – 2011
All of the SCEA's Working Groups met in Oslo where they presented a tentative work plan for further work for veterans in Europe. All groups were represented and the work began by identifying and covering areas in need of support from the SCEA. The representatives also participated at the SCOW meeting. The next meeting of the SCEA Working Groups will take place during the first quarter of 2012.
Sweden – 2011
The SCEA congratulates all Swedish veterans. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Duke of Värmland has decided to be the Highest Protector for the Peace Berets of Sweden, members of the WVF/SCEA.
South Sudan – 2011
SCEA meets with Southern Sudan Head of Mission to Nordic Countries Mr. Bol Wek Agoth. He wants to establish a new veterans organization and has asked for help from the SCEA. We welcome this initiative and wish him success in establishing it in their new country.
Friendship – 2011
SCEA Chairman in Oslo with Israeli and Norwegian veterans to develop further veteran friendship.
International Criminal Court – 2011
The Chairman of the SCEA met with Mrs. Elisabeth Rehn, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trust Fund. Elisabeth is a true supporter of veterans' affairs and would like to have tighter cooperation with World Veterans Federations members.
SCOW meeting in Oslo, Norway – 2011
The SCEA participated in the meeting of the World Veterans Federation Standing Committee on Women in Oslo. The conference brought together 94 participants from 21 countries, 18 from the SCEA, to discuss the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 concerning women, peace and security.
SCEA visits Lebanon – 2011
The SCEA visited veterans and officials in Beirut, Lebanon. The Lebanese Veterans League received support from Defence Minister Fayez Ghosn to become members in the World Veterans Federation.
Ex. Chief of Defence, now President in The Lebanese Veterans League, General Ibrahim Tannous, Vice President General Elie Younes and General Kamal Karam are more than happy to include Lebanon's veterans in the world's largest veteran community. The application will be sent to the WVF Executive Board for approval.
Veteran friendship agreement signed – 2011
Agreement signed between veterans from Morocco and Ukraine for closer cooperation to develop better conditions for veterans in both countries. The agreement was signed by representatives for veterans from Morocco and Ukraine. This is in line with the SCEA's intention to increase cooperation among our members and we encourage other organizations to create partnerships.
Veterans' Walk for Peace 21 September 2011
The WVF Supports the International Day of Peace and organizes an annual Veterans' Walk for Peace, which brings millions of veterans together to mark this day.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted resolution 55/282, which established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the day, and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/2011/
http://wvf-scea.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=63
UNESCO in Paris – 2011
The SCEA Chairman met Mr. Alexander Schischlik, Chief of the Human Rights Section at UNESCO to develop a closer cooperation between the World Veterans Federation and UNESCO. The WVF wants to be a major contributor to the spread of understanding of Human Rights to create peace and stability and UNESCO can provide the necessary tools.
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/human-rights/about-human-rights/
WVF definition of a «veteran» – 2011
Rule 1.
Refers to Article 2 of the Constitution.
- The WVF recognizes as ‹veteran› any individual who, according to the laws of the country of which he is citizen or in which he resides is recognized as ‹War Veteran› or ‹veteran›.
- In cases where relevant legislation does not exist the WVF considers as 'veteran' any individual who:
- as a member of an organized military body or a duly recognized non-military movement or organization participated in armed hostilities;
- served in United Nations Peace-Support Operations or in similar operations under the auspices of the United Nations, NATO and other similar international political or military treaty organizations.
SCEA visit Veteraneninstituut in The Netherlands – 2011
The SCEA chairman, Dan-Viggo Bergtun visited the Veteranen instituut and also had meetings with The SCEA Working Group on Western European Countries chaired by Mr. Remco Seijin (Netherlands) and The SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare chaired by Mr. Jos Weerts (Netherlands).
http://www.veteranen.nl/page/pag_view.asp?pag_id=22792
Danish Veteran Flag Day 5. September 2011
The SCEA Chairman visited Denmark and discussed the Danish Veteran Policy with H.H.Prince Joachim of Denmark. The visit was hosted by the President of the Danish Blue Berets, Mr. Bjarne Hesselberg, who has worked for years to get the policy accepted.
Read the veteran policy here: http://www.fmn.dk/eng/allabout/Documents/Vetpol_UK_web.pdf
SCEA Working Group on Women – 2011
The group is chaired by Mrs. Inge Nedergaard (Denmark). She has started the plans for further work in Europe with regard to women veterans and relatives. Her plan will be presented at the SCOW meeting in Oslo in November 2011.
She can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SCEA visit to Norway, Bæreia Veteran Center – 2011
The SCEA Chairman took part in a reunion meeting for veterans who served in the Middle East 33 years ago. He also received an introduction to what the veteran centre can do for veterans. The centre is run by the military and should be a haven for veterans and soldiers after service and during their leave. It hosts many activities and serves delicious food.
For questions about a more detailed operation, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SCEA chairman visit veterans in Denmark – 2011
“Among the many tasks of the Danish Defence are the prevention of conflict and war and the promotion of a peaceful development in the world with respect for human rights.
To that end, Denmark has been deploying soldiers to many of the world's hotspots. Since the deployment in 1992 of Danish peacekeeping troops to the Balkans more than 26,000 persons have been deployed at least once to international operations.
It is crucial for the Danish Government to recognize the valuable effort made by the veterans and their relatives for Denmark.”
Gitte Lillelund Bech
Minister of Defence
Read the veteran policy here: http://www.fmn.dk/eng/allabout/Documents/Vetpol_UK_web.pdf
Veteran Walk for Peace 21 September 2011
The World Veterans Federation is organizing a global "Veterans' Walk for Peace" on 21 September 2011 as part of its annual activities to observe the International Day of Peace. The aim of the event is to promote the International Day of Peace worldwide.
The event, which is supported by the United Nations will take place at major cities in various parts of the world. It will commence in sequence through different time zones from the East towards the West - starting from Oceania going westward through countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Please contact your organization for more information about the Veterans' Walk for Peace or request information from the secretariat.
From the Commissioner of Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Thomas Hammarberg – 2011
“The ten-year anniversary of the atrocious Nine Eleven attacks is an occasion for sombre reflection. Almost three thousand lives were ended indiscriminately by a criminal conspiracy to turn passenger aircraft into weapons of mass destruction. This was a crime against humanity, the gravity of which must not be forgotten. Respects should again be paid to those who lost their loved ones, acknowledging that their pain endures. The anniversary is also an occasion to analyse whether the official responses to the attacks have been proper and effective.”
Ten years of “global war on terror” undermined human rights – also in Europe
The WVF Standing Committee on Women (SCOW) meeting will take place in Oslo, 16-17 NOVEMBER 2011
We hope to see many delegates from our member associations in Oslo and look forward to receiving the registration form from participants by 14 September 2011 at the latest.
The meeting will address issues relating to women veterans and will also touch on the question of relatives and will be suitable for all veterans.
Registration papers can be sent to you from the Paris secretariat upon request.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare visit Canada in August 2011
Mr. Jos Weerts, Chairman of the SCEA Working Group on Veterans Health and Welfare, attended the Veterans Affairs Canada Senior International Forum in Ottawa to discuss policy and practice for today's Veterans. He got a lot of new information about veterans' issues that will be presented in a report later. He also had valuable meetings with Matt Fossey, a senior associate at the Centre for Mental Health in London currently working on a literature review of recent research on the impact of veterans and/or service personnel's mental illness and/or alcohol abuse on families. The Centre for Mental Health has recently published a policy paper on veterans' mental health in the UK.
http://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/pdfs/Across_the_wire.pdf
The SCEA participated in the Board of Nordic Blue Berets meeting in Sweden – 2011
The SCEA Chairman and the Chairman of the SCEA Working Group on Nordic countries, Mr. Tom Asplund participated in this year's meeting with leaders in member organizations from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
New plans were put in place to further cooperation in the Nordic countries to improve conditions for veterans.
SCEA supports Project Playground – 2011
The Chairman of the SCEA meets Mrs. Sofia Hellqvist and H.E. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden to review support to the World Veterans Federation, Swedish veterans and Peace Berets of Sweden. Mrs. Hellqvist exhibited photography and art from her works at Photografiska in Stockholm.
She presented a project to take care of homeless children in South Africa and often children from veterans. The SCEA supports the project and wishes them all the best.
Visit to Sweden in August – 2011
The SCEA Chairman met with the Swedish Defence Minister Sten Tolgfors and President Bo Wranker of the Peace Berets of Sweden to discuss future well-being for all Swedish veterans.
Visit to Montenegro July 2011
President of WVF, Mr. Hamid Ibrahim and Vice President of the WVF/Chairman of the SCEA Mr. Dan-Viggo Bergtun visit veterans and the President of Montenegro H.E. Filip Vujanovic.
Success of the 22nd meeting of SCEA – 2011
The 22nd Meeting of the Standing Committee on European Affairs (SCEA) in Kiev (Ukraine), 26-28 May 2011 was a great success. Future working methods were adopted and new Working Groups were established.
Preparation for the SCEA meeting in Kiev - April 2011
Vice President of the WVF and Chairman of the SCEA, Dan-Viggo Bergtun meets with Vice Prime Minister Sergiy Thipko to prepare the 22nd meeting of SCEA in Kiev Ukraine 2011
SCEA visit UKRAINE – 2011
SCEA Chairman Dan-Viggo Bergtun and Chairman of the SCEA Working Group on Central and Eastern Europe, Prof. Michael Chilczuk, meet Prime Minister of Ukraine, Volodymyr Sivkovych, General Vladimir Vorontsov and General Sergey Chervonopisky to get support for Ukrainian veterans and Human Rights.