What we do

PAX has been working on peace for over 75 years. We work on building inclusive peace, protecting civilians from the violence of war, and ending armed conflict. We do this both in the Netherlands and in conflict areas worldwide. And we do this together with local partners and people who, like us, believe that everyone has the right to a dignified life in a peaceful society.

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Programmes

Making peace work

Peace is not a fixed state but a process that requires constant attention. Attention, and hard work. Because peace is only achieved through the efforts of dedicated peace builders around the world. They build, fight, and demand, day in and day out, for a more just and more peaceful world.

We try to connect and empower all those peace builders, regardless of who they are or where they work. Their work is multifaceted, and their backgrounds are diverse. Whether it’s protesters in the streets, representatives at the UN, or activists in conflict zones, each contributes in their own way to the global movement for peace.

The work of PAX and our partners focuses on three central goals:

  • Build Peace: contributing to peaceful, inclusive societies;
  • Protect Civilians: safeguarding civilians from the violence of war;
  • Pursue justice: ending armed conflict and addressing its root causes.

Build Peace

In conflicted areas, civilians work tirelessly to restore broken relationships and strengthen social cohesion. At PAX, we support these initiatives because they are vital for a peaceful future. We do this by fostering dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict.

In the Netherlands, we also work alongside partners and citizens to build an inclusive society where everyone participates. We protect human rights and combat discrimination, hatred, and dehumanization. Together, we strive for a resilient society where social justice takes center stage.

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Protecting civilians

Together with our partners, both locally and globally, we stand for civilians in conflict zones. We hold warring parties and stakeholders accountable for upholding international humanitarian law. We support negotiations and security initiatives to end violence and protect lives. We call on the international community to do the same and advocate for stricter regulations on weapons. By collaborating with military actors, we ensure that civilians and their livelihoods are at the heart of military strategies. Step by step, we work toward a safer and more just world.

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Pursue justice

Injustice and violence are often fueled by external forces: geopolitical tensions, the interests of neighboring countries, or the influence of multinational corporations. Together with our partners, we stand against these external causes. We analyze their impact, hold states and companies accountable for their responsibilities, and advocate for fair solutions. At the same time, we support our partners in amplifying their voices on international platforms. Because building peace is only possible if we work together to address the root causes of violence and inequality.

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