The Catholic Radio Network (CRN) of South Sudan and the Nuba mountains is the recipient of the 2021 Pax Christi International Peace Award. The network connects community-based radio stations to share trustworthy news and promote civic engagement. It also provides valuable public education about the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and democratic processes, which are critical for the world’s newest country. It has a reach of upward of 7 million people across the region.
A new government has been installed in Israel for about three months now, ending an era of Netanyahu leading the country. PAX spoke to Nimrod Goren of the progressive Israeli think tank Mitvim, about this change in the Israeli political environment and the new opportunities that come with it. Goren: “Netanyahu utilized diplomacy to create tension and confrontation with those opposing his worldview. With the new government, diplomacy is once again becoming a professional tool of dialogue, mending relationships, and fostering the liberal democratic component of Israel’s foreign policy.”
We are sitting in the unused bar of Cinema Rivoli in Sour with the Tiro team, sweat dripping down our backs from the scorching heat. Three young girls enter the cinema for the film screening scheduled at 18.00. Kassem Istanbouli, founder of Tiro Association for Arts, tells them it is postponed one hour because of the electricity cuts.
Afghan civilians face extreme risks from the Taliban and must be protected. PAX is deeply concerned about the safety of Afghan civilians in the face of the violent overthrow of the Afghan government as well as the future the civilian population faces. Anna Timmerman, general director of PAX: “We are particularly concerned for those most vulnerable, including women and children, ethnic minorities with a history of persecution, such as the Hazara. And those with links to international organizations, particularly those that have championed human rights”.
And yet again a youthful peace activist in Iraq has been killed last week. On Saturday the body of 26 year-old Ali Kareem was found with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He is the son of Basra-based Iraqi human rights activist, Fatima Al-Bahadly, a long term partner of PAX. The international community must condemn such heinous acts of violence against civilian activities in Iraq. However, this violence will not stop the peace activism. As one of Kareem’s friends said: “They [militias] think they will silence us, but we will not be silenced.”
The ‘breadbasket’ of Syria is facing serious droughts and damage to its ecosystems from years of conflict pollution. Millions of people are facing the consequences of declining food and water security in the northeast of the country. The environmental consequences of armed conflicts are often underreported but are now outlined in a new PAX report, ‘War, Waste and Polluted Pastures’.
European energy companies have contributed to human rights violations in Colombia. This is the main conclusion of a new report by SOMO, the Center for Research on Multinational Corporations. First the energy companies were ‘linked’ to the violations through their trade relationship. ”But according to this new analysis, based on international standards on Responsible Business Conduct, they also contributed, because these companies have been aware of the abuses for years and nevertheless continued to buy coal from Cesar without making a significant contribution to improving the victims’ situation,” says Joris van de Sandt from PAX.
The Refugee Protection Watch (RPW) Coalition – an initiative between Basmeh and Zeitooneh, ALEF Act for Human Rights, PAX, 11.11.11. and Upinion – undertakes research and advocacy on protection issues facing Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified and informed return inside Syria.
PAX has signed onto the Women, Peace and Security – Humanitarian Action (WPS-HA) Compact, which launches on Friday 2 July 2021 during the Generation Equality Forum.
PAX’ partner MAAN launches the book ‘Beirut 6:07, Alive Ashes’ to remember the victims and push for truth and justice.
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