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.
As global violence surges in the form of humanitarian crises, racial injustices and political oppression, it is important to show just how non-violent resistance can transform lives and communities. We share an inspiring story of nonviolent change from Pakistan, where recruitment by militant organisations threatens young lives and longer term peace.
16 years on the legacy of 9/11 continues to affect the world. As the US announces further troop deployments to Afghanistan, what can we learn from the local people building peace on the ground about avoiding terrorism and violent conflict?
Events like Charlottesville and the equivocal responses from leadership may shock us, but the important thing is to ensure this has impact beyond its temporary ‘CNN effect’ or an opportunity to score political points. We must fully understand and embrace the need for processes of dialogue, social action, and transformation. If Americans unite in condemning hatred and violence, and commit to facing and addressing the long-standing racism and injustice, they can be a force for peace and the right kind of power in our society.
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.
Children and young people often go unheard in war zones. The challenges they face are unique and urgent. But this is not the only story. To celebrate International Youth Day, we share stories from three young people who are using their passion and power to build a better future – so that the next generation does
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.
Peace Direct is delighted to be one of the five winning submissions in the BridgeBuilder Challenge 2017, a global competition that recognises innovative and impactful initiatives tackling some of the world’s most urgent problems. Our project is supporting ex-combatants affected by war in DR Congo to produce ethical and environmentally friendly gold through local cooperatives.
The recent disappearance of six Burundian teenagers at a robotic challenge in the US opens up questions as to how effective US leadership and engagement could support Burundi (and neighbouring DR Congo) at a time when the situation demands active international diplomacy.
In this TEDx Exeter talk, Gulalai reveals how she is building an equal and peaceful world, starting from her local community. From witnessing inequality as a young girl in Pakistan, to defying the Taliban and founding a peacebuilding organisation, this is a story of a courageous and inspiring woman.