History:
Dhesarme began as the “Brazilian Campaign Against Landmines”, founded in 1996 by peace activists Father Marcelo Rezende Guimarães (1959-2015) and Pastor Ricardo Wangen (1924-2006), with the support of various Brazilian NGOs such as “In Search of Peace”, “Serpaz” and Amnesty International. From the outset, the Campaign was recognized as a member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), a 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Between 1996 and 2007, the Campaign’s trajectory focused on the issue of landmines. It was characterized by persistent activism for civil society awareness, universalization, and implementation of the Landmine Eradication Treaty (signed in 1997 and in force in 1999). The activities carried out included lobbying for ratification of the Treaty by Brazil, implementation, reducing the number of mines retained for training, expanding assistance to victims, collaborative research for the Landmine Monitor (now the Landmine Monitor and Munitions Cluster), participation in international diplomatic forums, including action in relation to Portuguese-speaking countries and Latin America. In this context, the Campaign was a member of the ICBL Coordination Committee between 2003-2005.
Main activities:
Dhesarme carries out its activities through four types of action:
– Activism
By activism, we mean raising awareness, training, and mobilizing civil society to act purposefully in the various social spheres in support of the objectives and values promoted by Dhesarme.
– Advocacy
Dhesarme works with government bodies to influence Brazilian foreign policy by monitoring compliance with international obligations in the field of humanitarian disarmament and arms control, and by pressing for the construction of policies based on the defense of peace and the prevalence of human rights, as provided for in the 1988 Federal Constitution, and consistent with the principles of international humanitarian law.
– Knowledge Production
Dhesarme produces research on the topics of humanitarian disarmament and arms control, seeking to analyze existing international processes and regimes in the area, and Brazilian policy towards these issues in order to propose solutions to the challenges identified. In addition, Dhesarme translates official documents, treaties, reports, and news in other languages into Portuguese, to increase accessibility in Brazil to existing information and materials in the field of humanitarian disarmament and arms control. In addition, Dhesarme promotes research in the Brazilian academic community through partnerships with universities, lectures, mini-courses, and competitions for academic articles.
– Engaging young people in leadership positions
Dhesarme seeks to disseminate knowledge and various opportunities to young people, especially university students, on the subject of humanitarian disarmament and international humanitarian law through free training events for young people and a selection process for volunteers in the organization itself, in operations, research, or communications positions.
Archives: Members
Society for Peace Studies and Practice
The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) is a membership organization comprising individuals and institutions, including former heads of state, security personnel, academics, and civil society leaders. With branches across Nigeria and internationally in Sierra Leone and Cameroon, SPSP promotes non-violent conflict resolution through research, advocacy, and capacity-building. Its vision is to foster a professional platform for sustainable peace and development in Africa. SPSP’s objectives include advancing third-party conflict intervention, peace education, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), organizing workshops and publications, supporting peace-focused reforms, mobilizing resources for coexistence, and establishing an Institute for Peace Studies and Practice.
Action Pour le Développement des Jeunes au Congo
For more than 25 years in the South and Northern Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been ravaged by prolonged wars and inter-ethnicity conflicts which took thousands and thousands of lives and impoverished this region. Many schools have closed doors and others function irregular. All this has caused a high rate of unemployment of youth which pushes them in drug consumption and joining rebel groups.
Continue reading “Action Pour le Développement des Jeunes au Congo”
Women Concern
➡️ Webpage: https://www.women-concern.org/
Antikrigs – Initiativet (The Antiwar Initiative)
➡️ Webpage: https://antikrigsinitiativet.no/
The organization main activity has been related to 1) protesting nuclear submarines arriving at Haakonsvern in Bergen, 2) Protesting the establishment of 4 US military bases in Norway, 3) Ceasefire and peace negotiation in Ukraine and 4) Stop the Israelian genocide in Gaza – immediate ceasefire and peace negotiation.
History:
AKI was founded in 2019 and is an activist organization.
Re-imagining New Communities
➡️ Webpage: https://www.rncommunities.org/
Main activities:
Re-Imagining New Communities is a small peacebuilding and communication organization. Based in Kenya and operational across 7 counties, the organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable peace through various transformative programs. Our Children-Led Community Peace Labs operate in both rural and urban settlements of Kenya, empowering children and schools with the artistry of peace, laying the foundation for a harmonious future. The Faith for Peace program focuses on empowering religious leaders by providing a space for peer learning, support, and guidance in the alchemy of peace, leadership, and conflict resolution. Through Participatory Action Research, we collaborate with communities on grassroots research initiatives aimed at catalyzing meaningful transformation. Additionally, our Community Dialogues initiative fosters heartfelt connections across communities through both digital and in-person dialogues, promoting understanding and unity.
History:
Why We Started:Insights from the Founding Director Growing up in the neighborhoods of Mathare North and attending school in Korogocho, both urban slums in eastern Nairobi, Sahlim Charles witnessed the ceaseless cycle of violence and instability.
The wounds from Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence ran deep in his community, with conflict persisting day and night. Seeing fellow children and community members subjected to brutalization in broad daylight due to their political affiliations left an enduring impact in him.
Even during comparatively peaceful times in subsequent elections, palpable tension loomed over the community, affecting the children most profoundly, leaving them traumatized even in moments of uneasy calm. Recognizing that without proper guidance, those children would grow up accepting violence as an inevitable part, Sahlim felt compelled to act.
He understood the urgency for diverse peacebuilding strategies in urban settings. This motivation led him to initiate a peacebuilding initiative that focused on children in rural and urban settlements of Kenya. Through this, he aimed to transform their reality, leveraging art and education as potent tools to tackle internal and external challenges. By equipping and mentoring these children, the organization’s mission was to shatter the cycle of violence and instill a sense of hope and potential in their lives.
Flame of Hope by Earth Caravan
➡️ Webpage: https://flameofhope.net/
Once upon a time, there was a flame. It had been burning for a long time, ever since the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Then on March 20th, 2019, the Vatican received the Earth Caravan Pilgrimage for Peace and Justice, a global interfaith organization. Pope Francis blew out a flame lit from the embers of the atomic bomb to foretell a future free from nuclear war and all weapons. News of this event made headlines around the globe.
After praying for Peace with Pope Francis, Earth Caravan created the “Flame of Hope” to symbolize the transformation of past suffering into future peace.
Earth Caravan took the City of Nagasaki’s “Flame of Commitment” to Urakami Cathedral.* Following a special ceremony, the Flame of Hope was born. People of all faiths were invited to add their wishes and prayers for peace to the Flame, and then the Flame was taken to many different places of worship as well as to festivals and schools to add more prayers and wishes for peace to it.
Because more and more people from all over Earth added their wishes and prayers to the Flame of Hope, its power strengthened.
The Flame of Hope continues on its global pilgrimage. It is being carried by those who believe the world can change when the flame is lit in the hearts of children …
And on and on it travels … One Earth — One Prayer — One Flame
(text copied from the organization’s website)
📩 Contact Flame of Hope using this link: https://flameofhope.net/contact/
Peace SOS
➡️ Webpage: https://peacesos.nl/
The tragic images in the news of civilian casualties in wars mean that we are committed to preventing wars and solving them diplomatically. We also find inspiration in other – positive – ways.
Loesje’s poster “Als er wat speelt in een land laat het dan de kinderen zijn” a Dutch pun meaning that if something is going on in a country let it be children playing, and the comment by a UNICEF employee that the refugee Syrian children in a refugee camp were very quiet, also indicate the need for this and thus formed a source of inspiration.
Mission
Peace SOS’s mission is to promote peace and human rights and fight poverty. We are happy to contribute to a better, more peaceful, and fairer world for everyone.
Method
For Peace SOS, the goal of Peace SOS is paramount. Promoting peace and human rights and combating poverty.
Peace SOS likes to work with partners who have their roots in other countries. Since local people know the culture best and are aware of the situation. For example, we work together with Burundian Women for Peace and Development to jointly do what we can to prevent a war in Burundi.
(text copied from the organization’s website)
📩 Contact Peace SOS using this link: https://peacesos.nl/contact/