A new report released this week in Washington, DC, affirms the critical role that local civil society plays in helping prevent, respond, and recover from mass violence, and urges the next US President and Congress to increase support for their efforts.
Moody is a young Palestinian who lives in Haifa, on the coast of Northern Israel. He is passionate about music, and a full-time rapper. Moody’s life changed when he attended a concert in Tel Aviv where he performed with both Israeli and Palestinian musicians on stage. Moody’s experiences reveal the power of Heartbeat’s work. In a context so often defined by stereotype and separation, Heartbeat’s music unifies people and allows them to explore the complexity of one another’s identity.
Against a backdrop of bomb blasts by militant group al-Shabaab, 116 young people in Somalia recently overcame a past torn apart by conflict and clan violence, and now have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
On Wednesday 3 August, a group of inspiring Israeli and Palestinian musicians took the stage in Cecile Sharp House for an uplifting and inspiring evening of music, promoting their message of peace and equality through compelling lyrics and energetic sounds.
A crisis lasting more than one year in Burundi has seen violence and alarming human right violations across the country. Some estimate that over 800 people have been killed, and more than a quarter of a million have fled the country. In a conflict that has torn communities apart and destroyed social relations, building trust among young people is crucial for Burundi’s future.
The Heartbeat message inspires people of all backgrounds to work together and promote equality, empathy, and nonviolent action. It is time more examples of grassroots action were amplified on the world stage, along with their stories of hope. Music is one powerful way to achieve this.
Have you ever been a situation you wanted to challenge, but did not know how? When you live in a violent, conflict affected area, the stakes are even higher. Yet here is the story of Sail, one young man who has changed minds and prevented extremism in his community.
For many living in war-torn DR Congo, access to fast and effective justice is rare. Local disputes over land, farming or marriage can quickly escalate to wider violence that feeds into complex local conflicts. This leaves people without ways of resolving their conflicts peacefully and can entrench dangerous cycles of violence. Here, FOCHI’s Peace Courts are having a big impact for people on the ground.
During a recent visit to DR Congo, Claire May (Head of Programme Funding) interviewed 30-year-old Blaise, a former combatant who now works for our partner Centre Résolution Conflits (CRC) rescuing and reintegrating soldiers from the bush. Here is his story.
Since protests began one year ago, the situation in Burundi has steadily deteriorated. Kevin McCann reports on the work of our partner – a group of local activists who monitor election violence and tackle hate speech.