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Myanmar is ranked as the world’s most violent and ‘fragmented’ armed conflict, with hundreds of small militias contesting the military’s February 2021 coup. (ACLED) It is also among the world’s most overlooked and least understood. This symposium will explore what is happening in Myanmar today: a People’s Revolution uniting groups across multiple divides. Facing sustained brutal suppression, the massive nonviolent Civil Disobedience Movement has connected with decades old armed political resistance to militarized state oppression of ethnic peoples. Although historically divided, multiple movements are now united in the goal of overthrowing an oppressive military dictatorship. Many are now working to lay the foundations for an inclusive federal democracy, in which all the peoples of Myanmar can experience self-determination within the unity of a responsive and accountable state. Elected parliamentarians and activists have formed the National Unity Government and a broad-based advisory body. They developed a Federal Democracy Charter to guide the revolution and to prepare for ‘the day after’ by creating local governance and transitional structures. All these developments grow out of a deeper revolution within the mind and societies of Myanmar. Youth are at the forefront, challenging old ways of thinking about gender roles, ethnic divisions, anti-Muslim and Rohingya exclusion, and reverence of the military. There is more willingness to recognize historic trauma and the need for healing to lay the foundations for a more equitable and just future. The transformative potential of this revolution builds on decades of peacebuilding initiatives – with significant involvement of EMU-connected people playing leading roles. Yet it also sparks challenges to some of the ways peacebuilding has been conceived. While the peoples of Myanmar have been tremendously resourceful, they are also suffering under the military’s bombardment and lack of humanitarian assistance, while the international community has mostly looked away. Learn both about the challenges and opportunities currently faced in Myanmar – as well as the lessons it offers for many post-colonial states struggling to create a future more beneficial for all. Nang Raw is a member of Myanmar’s National Unity Consultative Council, advisor to the Women Advocacy Commission - Myanmar and visiting senior expert at USIP and visiting practitioner in residence with EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. She has led peacebuilding efforts in Myanmar for decades with the Nyein Foundation. Catherine Barnes, PhD is affiliate faculty with EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and a peacebuilding practitioner and researcher, who has been involved in support for Myanmar peoples since 2008. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eDc3BGQs

Today. 3-5pm ET. Follow the link! Excellent speakers on a topic of great importance: human rights and gender apartheid in Afg

I fully support Justice. However, I wonder whether she and many other people with a good heart realize that justice is only meaningful when it is related to a certain stage of the human civilization process. One of the fundamental problems that the world faces today is the coexistence of values from different civilization stages. Some key social concepts, such as Justice and truth, could contain values from different civilization stages. Without clarity, one may abuse these concepts and make things worse in the long term, despite a good heart. The world needs not only a good heart but also wisdom.

Yunus Meets Pope Francis: urges immediate action on Palestine and all conflicts across the world   Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus met with the Pope and discussed global challenges at the Vatican City on May 11, 2024. Professor Yunus was the co-chair of the Peace Round Table of the second World Meeting on Human Fraternity.   Part of the official transcript of the declaration reads as follows:   "We reject war: Let diplomacy prevail over arms. We want Peace!   We, the individuals and non-governmental organizations participants of the second World Meeting on Human Fraternity, solemnly declare the following:   As the fires of war devastate Ukraine, the Gaza strip and the Palestinian Occupied Territories, Sudan, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and many other places globally, we, participants of the second World Meeting on Human Fraternity, renew our call for an end to the ongoing conflicts everywhere. In Ukraine, let the aggression cease, and let resolution towards a just and lasting peace be found.   An immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip must be declared to stop the killing and ensure safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. We call on the international community to pursue with determination the two-state solution on Israel and one Palestinian, as well as an internationally guaranteed special status for the city of Jerusalem so that Israelis and Palestinians may finally live in peace and security.   The children of Gaza, nearly 14,000 killed by weapons of war and dying from hunger and disease, who cannot shelter in hospitals that are being bombed, can no longer wait. Humanitarian aid must be permitted in Gaza. Hostages and political prisoners must be immediately released. Let every attempt be made to avoid more destabilization in the Middle East region. We also should prevent escalation of internal conflicts in places such as Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, DRC and all conflicts around the world must come to an end.   We issue a solemn appeal to affirm Peace as the fundamental cornerstone of human coexistence. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is Fraternity, social justice, ending poverty, gender equality, accountability to international law, cooperation among nations and within communities, it is the harmony of the body, the sanctity and protection of creation. Peace is a fundamental right of every human being.   Peace begins with each of us and is seen in the choices each of us makes every single day. It begins with you."   https://lnkd.in/edzkRsjq

Last week, Inclusive Peace and UN Women hosted a peer exchange bringing together women peacebuilders from across the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, and Libya. In the peer exchange participants shared their perspectives, experiences, and lessons with influencing and engaging in gender-sensitive ceasefires. By bringing these women peacebuilders together, the exchange provided a space to share reflections and strategies for addressing similar kinds of challenges, while still recognising contextual differences. Reflecting on the discussions during the exchange, Alex Shoebridge and Qabas Al-Musawi highlight the following key insights 🔎 ➡️ Participants highlighted that comprehensive peace agreements often were limited in their ability to include meaningful gender-sensitive provisions. ➡️ Many countries in the region have seen closed-door negotiations (or attempted negotiations) between conflict parties, which has limited the scope for meaningful inclusion of a wider set of stakeholders, including women. Participants across country contexts were equally sceptical of inclusive outcomes emerging from non-inclusive processes. ➡️ In the wake of these trends and dynamics, and given the ongoing violence in Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen, many participants also called into question the efficacy and utility of the WPS agenda more broadly. The substantive focus and rationale for the WPS agenda are apparent when considering the ongoing violence across the region, but the political will and capacity to apply the agenda in the context of peacemaking efforts were seen to be largely absent. ➡️ Women peacebuilders from Yemen, Sudan, and Libya shared examples of initiatives that have sought to fill this void - for example the Feminist Peace Roadmap in Yemen or a gender-sensitive shadow peace agreement in Sudan. The exchange highlighted the value of providing closed-door spaces for exchange and discussion amongst women peacebuilders from across the region. Many areas of interest were flagged by participants that would benefit from such spaces going forward, including negotiation strategies and trust-building measures, transitional justice, reconciliation, and security / military issues. For further insights on gender-sensitive ceasefires see this report ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d3RsR9cR #ceasefire #peerexchange #womenpeacebuilders #gendersensitive

The recent decision by the United States to veto a U.N. resolution advocating for full United Nations membership for Palestine raises concerns about the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This move contradicts the aspirations of the Palestinian people, who have long sought international recognition and a path towards self-determination. At a time when the world community must come together to address humanitarian crises and promote peace, the United States' veto sends a troubling message. By blocking this resolution, the United States not only undermines the pursuit of justice and human rights but also appears to condone actions that perpetuate violence and suffering. It is imperative for the international community to stand united in rejecting such actions and advocating for a fair and equitable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This requires holding all parties accountable for their actions and working towards a solution that upholds the principles of justice, equality, and respect for human life. The United States' decision to prioritize political interests over the lives and well-being of civilians only further underscores the need for a reevaluation of its role in promoting peace and stability in the region." This version emphasizes the importance of international solidarity and condemns actions that may contribute to violence and suffering, without targeting any specific group based on race or ethnicity.

Dear All Humanitarian Organization, Dear All Members of Worlds International community, Prof.Norman Gary Finkelstein is an American political scientist and activist. His primary fields of research are the politics of the Holocaust and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. In His latest interview he expressed how the Israel and His two big supporters is guilty for comitting Genocide to the Gaza and the palestinian people.  Interviewing Keynotes on Palestinian Genocide by Israel and Its Supporters: Ongoing Atrocities:  The Israeli government, with the support of its major allies, stands accused of perpetrating genocide against the Palestinian people through relentless military campaigns and systematic oppression. Disproportionate Force:  Israel's military operations in Gaza, marked by excessive and indiscriminate violence, have resulted in a staggering loss of civilian lives, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and humanitarian crises of catastrophic proportions. Complicity of Supporters:  The complicity of Israel's major supporters, notably the United States and other Western powers, in providing military aid, diplomatic cover, and political support enables Israel to continue its brutal actions with impunity. Urgent Accountability: The international community and humanitarian organizations must hold Israel and its supporters accountable for their role in perpetuating the suffering of the Palestinian people. Justice and accountability are essential for achieving lasting peace and security in the region. #PalestinianGenocide #EndIsraeliOccupation #AccountabilityForCrimes #HumanitarianJustice #JusticeForPalestine #InternationalCommunityAction #StopTheViolence In Solidarity, A Human rights Activist. A Palestinian Rights Campaigner.

🌀 In these challenging times, feelings of #loneliness, and #powerlessness make us forget the power of #solidarity, the #collective #esilience, and #power of like-minded #individuals coming together. 🌀 🌀 Following extensive discussions with various peace building activists and organizations, it has become clear to Eva Dalak and me, that our efforts cannot exist in #isolation. Each voice, including yours, is critical in shaping the course of events. 🌀 For some this petition is not radical enough, for other it is too radical. For some, it is too political, for others it is too naïve. For others, it is too late , and for others, too little. 🌀To Eva and me it is an overdue message in the field of peacebuilding, that also now #change starts with us, the #citizens, and every single action counts. Let’s be the catalyst for change - be it #mothers, #fathers, #friends, #CEOs, #neighbours, #peacebuilders, #changemakers, #journalists, #community #connectors, #peace #activists in your local communities, #youth #activits, #politicians, #health #professionals, #artists, #researchers, #mediators, dialogue #facilitators, and #professionals in #national or #international governmental and nongovernmental organisations. 🌀 🌀 Today, we urge you, our network of thoughtful and impactful professionals, to join forces for #peaceactivation in the ongoing escalation in #Palestine and #Israel. By signing this petition, you are not just adding your name—you are joining a #community committed to #peace, #justice and #human #rights #for #all. 🖊️ Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/928xxYx6t8 #peaceactivation #peaceactivators# #Peacebuidling #HumanRightsforall #Justice #Palestine #Israel Kai Brand-Jacobsen Berghof Foundation swisspeace – Schweizerische Friedensstiftung Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit Conciliation Resources Stiftung Wings of Hope Deutschland Independent Peace Associates (Indie Peace) Build Up ^ Adapt Peacebuilding PATRIR Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH Jonathan Leighton Akademie für Konflikttransformation | Academy for Conflict Transformation Forum für Friedenskultur

#PromotingPeace: The International Day of Non-Violence On this #InternationalDayofNonViolence, observed each year on October 2nd to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, we are reminded of the power of non-violence as a means to achieve peace, justice, and human dignity. This day encourages nations and individuals to promote peace and reject violence in all forms, be it physical, psychological, or structural. Non-violence is not just an ideal but a practical necessity in today’s world, where conflicts, social unrest, and violence affect millions of lives. The United Nations calls on all of us to reaffirm our commitment to peaceful dialogue, respect for human rights, and fostering a culture of tolerance. Non-Violence and Peace in #Africa In Africa, which has seen its share of conflict, the principles of non-violence are especially crucial. Over the past decades, the continent has made remarkable strides in peacebuilding, yet challenges persist. According to the Global Peace Index 2023, sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the regions with the highest levels of violence, with armed conflict, political instability, and societal violence still prevalent in several countries. However, African nations are increasingly turning to dialogue and reconciliation to resolve disputes. The African Union’s efforts to mediate conflicts in countries such as Sudan and Ethiopia highlight the importance of African-led peace initiatives. In addition, statistics show that peacekeeping missions and local peacebuilders have contributed to a 16% reduction in conflict-related deaths across the continent between 2010 and 2020. Nevertheless, gender-based violence remains a significant issue, with estimates indicating that over 40% of women in sub-Saharan Africa experience some form of violence in their lifetime. To truly foster non-violence, Africa must continue to invest in education, economic development, and the empowerment of civil society to address the root causes of violence. Building sustainable peace in Africa will not only benefit the continent but also contribute to global stability. Let’s reflect on how each of us can contribute to creating a more peaceful world through non-violence and mutual understanding. #InternationalDayOfNonViolence #Peace #NonViolence #GlobalPeace #Africa #ConflictResolution #Peacebuilding #HumanRights