at the service of Artisans worldwide with the goal of equipping them in their efforts
to rethink peace and propose new modes of action
List of dossiers
- Bâtir un réseau de citoyens soutenant des initiatives locales de construction de la paix [>]
« Res Paix » Initiative
Everywhere that war threatens, there exist people who organize themselves in order to privilege the voice of dialogue, of peace, and of justice : Res Paix is an initiative whose objective is to build a network of citizens who support local movements for the construction of peace.
« I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of their way and let them have it. » Dwight D. Eisenhower, United States President, London, August 31, 1959.
To make known, on a large scale, local peace initiatives aiming to resolve conflicts using democratic means
Because they need to be known. To touch a large audience. To invite the media to be interested in the local dynamic of peace and not exclusively when a conflict presents itself through the atrocities of war… Through the irenees.net website, through the constitution of a network of citizens and through journalistic coverage, testimony, and publications about these initiatives, symbolic acts…
To contribute to the recognition of actors of civil society by public leaders and international institutions as partners
Because democratic movements, independent media, women’s movements, multicultural activities… propose alternatives when faced with calls to violence. Because they need to be protected and recognized by international initiatives, during negotiations… By proposing, on the website or to members of interpellation campaign networks, responsible politics that will allow actors of civil society to participate in the negotiations, the peace process…
To propose. to a large audience. means of concrete action
Because each person, when he or she is concerned, asks himself or herself what he or she can do. Because local actors have precise needs… By proposing letters of support in order to allow a link between network members and local actors for peace so that people who carry out these initiatives feel supported; by proposing, on the website or to network members, to respond to their needs directly or via organizations that are internationally solidary and that defend the human rights of those who participate in these initiatives.
To share methods and know-how
Because it is useful to benefit from the experience of others. Because one’s own experience is useful to others… By contributing to the existence of a place of resource that demonstrates methodologies, contexts of implementation, problems encountered, lessons learned… and to favor the exchanges amongst local actors.
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Some examples : In Rwanda, an women’s association created a pedagogical tool for children and teenagers where one learns respect for others ; In Sarajevo, in the middle of war, an independent radio station launched a call for a multicultural Sarajevo ; In Columbia, millions of children proclaimed their the right to life and their right to peace via an initiative undertaken by Columbian organizations for peace ; In Israel and Palestine, a book was published that presented, side by side, the historical points of view of both parties…
Xavier Guigue
Contact : 17 rue des Béguinettes, 1170 Bruxelles
Tel : 00 32 2 660 35 77
E-mail : xavier.guigue@wanadoo.fr