June 19 was Juneteenth. It commemorates the proclamation of the end of slavery in the U.S. reaching the last Confederate State (Texas – two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation). Previously, Juneteenth was written off as another human interest topic whose relevancy rises and falls in its passing (like why we need Daylight Savings Time). But with the latest wave of … Continued
This post was originally shared on Breathe. The ancient yogic practice of Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation as it’s more commonly known, serves as a great sequence to energise the body of a morning or to warm up the muscles and mind ahead of a yoga session. Slowed down, it can also be used to centre awareness … Continued
The murder of George Floyd has rightly prompted outrage across the U.S. and in cities around the world. As protestors took to the streets last weekend, our CEO, Dylan Mathews, shared this reflection.
Peace Direct stands in solidarity and mourning with the thousands of peaceful protesters who have taken to the streets across the United States and in cities around the globe to denounce the horrific police killing of George Floyd. We join their call for urgent and transformative action to address the legacies of racism, white supremacy, and militarized violence that pervade U.S. society and much of our world. We express our grief and deep condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd, and to all those who have lost loved ones at the hands of racialized violence.
Since the elections in Burundi on 20th May, we have been in touch with our local contacts to hear what they think this important event means for the country. Here, we share reactions to the run up and aftermath of the elections, and recommendations for the new leader.
This story is part of our ‘piece of the puzzle’ mini-series that shares the important work that our partners the Beni Peace Forum are doing on the ground in Eastern DR Congo: Negotiating the Release of Hostages “Beni Territory, like many other parts of Eastern Congo, is plagued by local and foreign militia groups. Sometimes, local … Continued
The Beni Peace Forum (BPF) have set up Local Protection Committees (LPCs), in key communities throughout Beni, made up of trusted members of their communities. They form a vital network across the territory to collect reliable information about identity-based violence in real time. Here is the first story from our ‘piece of the puzzle’ mini-series … Continued
Are you working to build peace in your community, in a fragile or conflict-affected country? Has your work been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Would access to digital tools, online courses for digital peacebuilding, or a network of local peacebuilders help you continue, adapt or develop your working during this time of global restrictions and … Continued
Joseph Tsongo lives in North Kivu in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a country already dealing with war, the deadly diseases of Ebola and measles, and now COVID-19.
Far too often, support for communities affected by war and violent conflict stops at emergency aid. Now is the time to think…how can we do things differently? In our new animated film, we celebrate local people at the heart of peacebuilding efforts around the world. We call for direct and sustained support of them, for … Continued