Now in its sixth year, our Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders awards offer global recognition for grassroots peace activists in war zones around the world. These are the only global awards for local peacebuilders – inspiring individuals who are building a better tomorrow in the world’s most fragile places.
On March 24th, 2018, Peace Direct joined the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, DC calling for common-sense gun reform in the aftermath of the Marjory Stone Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The march on the 24th was organized by high school students from Stone Douglas, who called on other students across the U.S to join them. For many, it was their first time demonstrating – myself included.
These seven stories are just seven of the many reasons we continue to strive for peace – built brick by brick from the ground up. As 2017 draws to a close, we thank you for your continued support to all those fighting for peace in the most fragile places in the world.
The war in Yemen has left thousands dead and caused the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. Conflict has been going on for years but became especially violent in March 2017. Now, Over 7 million people face starvation and an outbreak of cholera is claiming more lives.
“Despite all the news, all the headlines about the crisis and violence in Nigeria, we will build peace. Peace is possible if all hands are on deck.”
“Their hearts are broken because of the war. It is my job to heal them.”
– Buddhist religious leader who works to rebuild trust between Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists following years of civil war and violence in Sri Lanka.
Badar* stopped a 15-year-old boy from carrying out a suicide attack after attending training run by our local partner in Pakistan. It saved the boy’s life, and countless others.
Two fearless female activists, Gulalai Ismail from Pakistan and Gauri Lankesh from India, have won the prestigious RAW in WAR 2017 Anna Politkovskaya Award for their courage speaking out against extremism against a backdrop of armed conflict. This award is testament to the power local people have to make a difference to thousands of lives.
Humanitarian workers are risking their lives to stop this suffering. And it is those on the frontline, the local people making a real difference in their communities, the invisible heroes, who are increasingly being targeted. To mark World Humanitarian Day and World Photo Day, we are showcasing some of the most powerful photos of people building peace in war zones.
To mark the launch of our partnership with Away, take a look at our work around the world in a way you have not seen before. Visit the world of local people stopping violence through an interactive website, featuring powerful stories and compelling footage from projects in DR Congo and Nigeria.