Global Perspective…
With so many new and long-standing conflicts raging around the world, peace often seems an unattainable goal. Too often, conflict ends in tragedy when civilians are caught in the crossfire and are used for political or military gains. Ongoing conflicts around the world have forced more than 23 million people to leave their homes.
Peacebuilding involves a process of establishing peaceful relationships between conflicting parties. Relations may be strained between communities and the government, between people and the military, and also within communities themselves. Long-lasting solutions are created when each party commits to building healthy communities based on principles of peace, justice, and a desire to heal social and political wounds resulting from hostilities. The aim is to reconcile a divided people in order to promote mutual co-existence and tolerance between conflicting groups.
Peacebuilding works to create long-term resolutions to conflict. Empowerment is an important component of any sustainable peacebuilding activity. People empowered to take charge of their life situation will do everything within their power to maintain and protect peace.
Everyone deserves…
HOPE International is a strong supporter of peacebuilding efforts in order to bring hope to people in need. HOPE works to build peace around the world because everyone deserves to live and work without the threat of displacement, loss of livelihood, or loss of life.
Where there is HOPE…
In the southern Philippines, HOPE is providing villagers with the support needed to declare their communities conflict-free zones. When such a zone is established, former villagers can safely return to their homes following years of conflict and war. Within these sanctuaries of peace, villagers can begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods free from the threat of attack. Through this peace effort, local leaders are offering training with the aim of strengthening local governance and creating a culture of peace.
In Burma, after three decades of civil war, more than two million civilians have been internally displaced. Through HOPE’s peacebuilding efforts, training is provided for community leaders in order to enable them to facilitate a common understanding among their people and to promote peace in their land.
HOPE is also promoting peace along the Chinese/Burma border by using health and HIV/AIDS prevention education as a starting point overcome hostilities between communities.
Sri Lanka is another area where HOPE is working to help promote peace. This island has endured a long and destructive civil war that has claimed over 65,000 lives. Through HOPE’s peacebuilding efforts, youth are able to take part in leadership and peace promotion seminars each week. In addition, income generation education is also provided, thereby giving young people hope for a positive and productive future.
