Peace Direct is excited to announce the formation of a new Global Advisory Council. The group is made up of activists, researchers, human rights defenders and community leaders who are committed to helping us achieve our mission of stopping war.
In an open letter, we call on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to announce both short and long-term measures to support the fundamental human rights of young people. We ask that the importance of young people’s contributions to peace and security be recognized and supported through meaningful policy change. It is estimated that 408 million young people live in areas affected by armed conflict or organized violence – that is roughly one in four. Many young people take on important roles such as community mobilizers, … Continued
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.
Looking back at 2019, I am continually impressed by the courage, commitment, and resilience of our partners and thousands of local peacebuilders around the world. As war and violence raged in many places, local people on the frontlines of conflict have saved lives, interrupted cycles of violence, and strengthened the foundations for lasting peace in their societies.
Overall in 2019, Peace Direct supported local peacebuilders in 12 countries to stop violent conflict. Our partners set up local Peace Courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped children traumatized by Syria’s war and trained Filipino women in conflict resolution, among many other projects.
As the end of the year approaches, we take a moment to look back at some of the key moments in our work and the lives of our partners.
Updated on July 2, 2020: In Pakistan, an anti-terrorism court acquitted Gulalai Ismail and her parents of financing terrorism charges. “Thank you for standing up in this hard time with my family,” the Ismail sisters said.
Peace Direct and the Alliance for Peacebuilding can announce today that peace and human rights activist Gulalai Ismail is safe in the U.S. after facing threats and intimidation in her home country of Pakistan.
Faima is part of the ‘Young Women’s Network for Good Governance’, set up by our local partner in Pakistan, Aware Girls, to promote women’s participation in political and public life. This is her story.
Peace Direct condemns the recent charges brought against Gulalai Ismail by the Pakistani government Peace Direct expresses our full solidarity with Gulalai Ismail, and we condemn the recent charges brought against her by the Pakistani government after she spoke out at a protest following a horrific crime committed against a 10-year-old girl. On 22 May … Continued
Today marks the first ever UN International Day of Education. The day celebrates the role of education in development and is intended to be a demonstration of the world’s commitment to providing quality education for all. Education is a basic human right. But for young people living in countries affected by conflict, attending school is … Continued
On Wednesday 14th November the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing on Reducing the Risk of Mass Atrocities. Our US Senior Representative and Head of Advocacy Bridget Moix shared Peace Direct’s experience of how local peacebuilding prevents atrocities.