Peace Direct calls for an immediate end to the violent attacks against Palestinians and Israelis. As peacebuilders, we have watched with horror, the devastation and death inflicted on the people of Gaza. We have also watched with horror the rockets launched by Hamas against Israel. Violence, whether inflicted by the Israeli Defence Force or Hamas fighters, is abhorrent and will never lead to a resolution to the long running conflict.
We are deeply concerned by the news that Professor Muhammad Ismail has been arrested in Pakistan.
Nationwide protests are continuing in Nigeria after a video went viral, reportedly showing officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) shooting a young man dead.
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.
On our screens and in our papers, we hear stories about brutal conflicts tearing lives apart. The stories that don’t make the headlines, however, are those of the courageous people building safer futures for those around them. People like Gulalai.
Over the last few months, the Peace Direct team has reviewed over 300 Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders applications from local organisations around the world; the highest turnout to date. Hosted at #PeaceCon2018 in Washington DC, we announced the three winning organisations, and celebrated the nine finalists who all demonstrate the most exciting and innovative peacebuilding activites.
Since the arrest of Gulalai Ismail in Pakistan on 12th October, we have been deeply concerned and are continuing to call for no further interruption to her vital peacebuilding work.