IUPIP Newsletter


Vol. 6, 2004

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Editor: Beryl Carby-Mutambirwa
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Editorial

The IUPIP Newsletter is primarily by and for IUPIP’s alumni around the world. The participants of Class 2003 provided articles for this issue. Included are articles focusing on the Israeli/Palestinian and the Royal Nepal Army/Maoists conflicts. Below is a synopsis of recent developments in these conflicts, which no doubt, will have profound implications for peace in the respective regions and maybe the world at large. Additionally, there are comments and updates from other Alumni. Over the years, the student body of the International Course continue to express their gratitude and appreciation for (in their words) the opportunity to be part of a unique, fruitful, rewarding and unforgettable learning experience.

Prime Minster Sharon, of Israel got all that he wanted without negotiation with the Palestinians

Prime Minister Sharon sought and received 3 things from the United States President, George W. Bush.

1. Backing for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza ( Sharon intends to keep military control of Gaza’s boundaries, airport and seaport).

2. Backing for the retention of the West Bank settlements chosen by Sharon.

3. And the rejection of the rights of the Palestinians refugees to return to their land.

Under the “road map” for peace these crucial questions should only be finalized by negotiations. Yet on April 14th US President George, W Bush changed decades of US policy and placed America firmly in alliance with Sharon’s tough policy when he endorsed Israel’s plans to retain some West Bank settlements, essentially rejecting the Palestinian’s right to return to their land. This is a key victory for Sharon whose planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip proved to be quite divisive within his Lukid Party.

Many will see Bush’s action as a smack of imperial high handedness. Arab leaders condemned the U. S unilateral endorsement of Sharon’s plan.. Europe was again thrown on the sideline, along with the “road map” for peace that it designed, which was formally adopted by the United States, European Union, Russia and the UN, -the so-called “Quartet”-.

The EU voiced concern for the unilateral move to change boarders. Its President said, that the EU will not recognize any change to the pre-1967 boarders, other than those arrived at by agreement. As for the rights of return, any settlement must include an agreed just and fair solution to the refugee issues. Kofi Anan is also reported to have opposed the US move.

Ironically, In a BBC television broadcast, as the EU President was supporting the Sharon’s decision to withdraw from Gaza, while choosing not to mention the issues surrounding the Bush’s endorsement of the Settlement, a news flash appeared on the screen informing viewers of the Israel’s attack on the car, and later death of Abdel Rantisi, leader of Hamas and successor of Sheik Ahmed Yassin. Keeping with its (open) promise to kill the entire Hamas leadership, the Israeli assassinated Sheik Ahmed Yassin on 22nd March 2004.

According to the Bush’s Administration, the ultimate aim of America in the war and occupation of Iraq is to deliver freedom and justice to the Arab world. It is suggested that with the Bush’s endorsement of Sharon’s policy the US will find itself with new obligations in Gaza.

By legitimizing the settlement in the Palestinian’s Territories and his confirmed tilt towards Israel, George W. Bush has also substantiated the lingering and growing doubt in the credibility of the United States as an important broker in the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict.

Without dialogue and negotiations a peaceful, just and lasting settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict seems even further a field.

In Nepal bloody confrontation looms.
The situation in Nepal continues to deteriorate. On April 2004, The Hindu (India) reported that the crisis in Nepal was maturing into a bloody confrontation. The article warned that India could no longer remain a bystander in Nepal, its credibility was eroding with all three elements of the current power struggle – the monarchy, political parties and the Maoists-.To prevent such a confrontation, the article suggested that India should take action to ensure that there is a productive dialogue between the King and the political parties, and an early ceasefire between the Royal Nepal Army and the Maoists.
 

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IUPIP 12th International Course

In 2004 IUPIP will host its 12th International Course. Through this programme, young women and men from various countries and cultures of the world are brought together in Rovereto to explore, share, learn, reflect and develop their expertise in the areas of non-violence, human rights, conflict resolution and transformation and other related peace issues. Participants are peace and human rights activists representing various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).Each individual brings not only a wealth of experience and competence but also specific primary knowledge and experiences of each country represented.

Title: Globalization, Indigenous Peoples' Rights, and Nonviolence
Date: 17th October – 7 November 2004
Rovereto – TN - Italy

Focus topics include:
Globalization as a menace to indigenous peoples
Indigenous peoples, self-determination and cultural rights
Which strategies for the future?


Letter to IUPIP’s Alumni

Beryl Carby-Mutambirwa, Editor

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When will we ever learn…when we will ever learn…

By Kesang Renchen, Kathmandu, Nepal

In 2002 my vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint. After some basic questioning and a cursory glance through the vehicle, the young soldier gave a polite smile and wished me, “Happy Dashain”. My heart came to my mouth, I barely could manage to smile back, and no words would come out. He was around my son’s age: The first thought that came to my mind was, “will you be alive to celebrate your Dashain, young man? ” I drove away quickly.

A year later Dashain was on the threshold, the ceasefire had broken down. The soldiers that patrolled the streets get younger. These were the same faces I imagine on the prowl in the jungles in the dead of the night, bringing the message of death, fear; faces that have been labeled terrorists. These were the same faces that would be shown strewn out in rows on the television. The number game will become routine again, the faces numbers. We will get dulled into hearing so many Maoists killed and so many soldiers killed; brothers, sons, daughters and sisters will fade into a blur. This is war. There are no faces, no names, and no relatives; only numbers, numbers and numbers.

The nine months (give or take a few months) of ceasefire had lulled us and given us some respite. But the tanks are back on the main streets, curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Armed forces patrol the backyards of private homes. A row of army men marched from the back of our house, my son instinctively clasped the mouths of our dogs in fear that sudden barking may startle the soldiers into firing the weapons they grasped nervously.

We caution our young people, “These are not times to argue with the authorities, especially the armed forces on the streets. Just be polite and accept whatever they say, apologies for any small mistakes or no mistakes. They are nervous and not trained or experienced. If they get frustrated they may just become trigger happy.”

In 2003, the Maoist movement was in its eighth year, 7000 or more killed -all losers-. Yet the fighting goes on in the name of democracy, in the name of the king and in the name of the people. But the cry of the people is different, “We want peace”, is the repeated chant of every person on the street that interviewed and shown on the television. Maybe these were not human beings, may be they were from another planet, because surely those holding the powers are supposed to reflect the concern and need of the people. But who has ever paid heed to the voice of the people? If only, if only they had been listened to, maybe we would never have seen this day.

I have been working in the development sector since 1979 and now it is time to reflect very seriously where I went wrong. After all, I am a part of the system that was meant to work on remedying the wrongs in society in order that this day would be avoided, the fingers are pointing inwards – painfully sharply-.

Assessment Workshop

We were a group of 25 people sitting down sweating more from the painful self-reflection that we were undergoing than from the 40 degrees (Celsius) temperature itself. The facilitator had asked us to list the positive impact that had come out of the seven years of conflict situation. The picture was startling! The participants listed that there had been a marked reduction in open caste discrimination, women were not looked down on, there was less corruption, government staff were reporting to work on time, NGOs have become more accountable, and on it went.

The facilitator looked surprised, and said, “Well that is a pretty good picture you have painted, it seems that after all, the violence and killings have worked”. There was stunned silence. Some participants wondered if the facilitator was pro Maoist.

The facilitator made a sharp turn away from the board and faced the participants squarely and in a clear, unsparing voice he said, “Don’t be misled, these successes you have recorded are the failures of the NGOs/CBOs/INGOs…What we could not achieve in the 20 years, despite all the development aid that has been pouring in, has been achieved by the barrel of the gun in half the time…. and minimum funding…These are not successes for anybody…all are losers in the process…”

Another painful and self revealing exercise followed. Why had we failed? The skeletons tumbled out: NGOs were considered more of dollar earning bodies, fattening the coffers of consultants and staffs, NGOS were more oriented towards achieving goals of projects than addressing the needs of the people and worst, NGOs have not listened to the voices of the people and have lost their credibility in the community.

This entire exercise started quite innocently. The workshop was meant to help some of the partner organizations of MS Nepal to learn and start a systematic way of networking. When the facilitator had asked for a common issue on which the participants felt a need to network on, a spontaneous outburst of – Peace – had ensured that the participants were entrapped by their own need. However, after the initial outburst, when it came to developing a strategy and taking concrete steps to face and deal with the real life situation, fear and insecurity crept back and there was complete silence. An easy way was found, all agreed to share the idea with their organizations and devise a response.

The second workshop was set up with the theme of Peace and Social Harmony since most participants had responded that their organizations also agreed that NGOs needed to play a role in bringing peace to the country. The initial days were full of positive energy and enthusiasm as participants tried to decide on what could be done. However, as the days passed, the same unsure, withdrawal symptoms -questioning and doubts- resurfaced. The well-balanced facilitator was at his wit’s end when the participants had dug a hole again and began to show reluctance. The facilitator later admitted to me that he had at that point crossed the line of a facilitator and that of an activist/motivator. He threw his hands up and said “…you either jump into this and do something about all the killings, deaths and sufferings or just tell me and I will stop here…we will take this discussion no further”.

The Alliance for Campaign for Peace and Harmony was born in November 2002. It was a small but significant breakthrough from passivity and seeing the conflict situation as “their” problem and not “our” problem. The suggested roles of the members of the Alliance were still along very “safe” lines – planting flowers symbolizing peace, announcing the setting up of the Alliance, sharing the information among one’s own community and network of organizations.

However, the third workshop in May 2003 was the real turning point. The time was ripe and participants were ready to make concrete plans for action. The first action was the presence and combined support of all the member organizations in a fruitful negotiation with the local district education authorities to provide free education for child victims of the conflict situation. This step may seem small in the sea of violence but for us, after all the fumbling around, fearing the dark and the unknown, it represents a lamp that has been finally lit. A bond was established; a seed for peace was sown and was being nurtured in the midst of all the bloodshed and hatred.
 

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To see beyond the walls of the mind

By Ibrahim Habib

Jerusalem woke up to the sounds of police sirens and ambulances. Maybe there was another suicide bombing. Nothing out of our ordinary routine since the year 2000. Just another young Palestinian who had become fed-up with the smothering occupation and decided to sacrifice his life for the liberty of his people by blowing himself in the face of the occupying society. In so doing, he puts an end to his miserable life in the Palestinian ghetto, and wins the promise of one hundred concubines in paradise. But what about the suffering of his mother, who secretly weeps for him by night, and praises his actions to the television cameras by day? What about the innocent civilians killed and maimed by the martyr? In any case, it will all be forgotten the next day, which will bring its own martyr and its own catalogue of occupation.

Each suicide bombing creates panic and frustration among the population of Israel. Some ask, when will it all end? Others answer; when the occupation ends. Indeed, it seems that decades of occupation by one of the strongest armies in the world cannot suppress a people that believe in its freedom. After each attack, the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories are closed up in the cages prepared for them by the Israeli army. The Israeli security forces enter various Palestinian areas, make arrests, destroy houses, establish yet more roadblocks, impose curfew or closure, and deny the freedom of movement of millions of residents. Collective punishment is an easy and gratifying solution for Israel. The Occupied Territories now look like one huge prison, in which three and a half million human beings are kept. Occasionally, the gates of the cages are opened for local or international organizations. Organizations whose main goal is to remind the occupiers of international law and conventions have been reduced to mere “feeders” of the occupied. International relief workers feed the prisoners and bind their wounds.
They say nothing to those who cage them. Though Israel has invited international humanitarian aid it is reluctant to listen to international criticism.

The cages are created by blocking roads with piles of dirt, setting up manned checkpoints, and stationing tanks at the entry and exit points to the main population centres. Ditches have been dug around villages. A lone soldier at a checkpoint can determine who enters and who leaves, men are always suspects. In most cases, one is dependent on the soldier’s mood. All this is done in the name of Israel’s security.

Palestinian residents must request travel permits from the District Coordinating Office (DCO) whether they wish to enter Israel, go abroad or travel between Palestinian cities. The residents of the villages that are situated in the vicinity of the main cities of the West Bank are cut off from their main town, which serves their economy, as well as provide administrative and health services. It often takes months before it is possible to travel between the villages and the city. Palestinians must choose between asking for an army permit – a lengthy, exhausting and humiliating process – and setting out without a permit by roundabout routes, thereby risking their lives and, if caught, reducing their chances of receiving a permit in the future.

Hundreds of patients have died on their way to hospital because of the Israeli blockades. Women give birth at checkpoints, and often soldiers look on as the newborn babies die. Parents are beaten and humiliated in front of their own children merely for trying to get through a checkpoint. Children who throw stones at tanks that roll through their village are met with live fire. Students lose an entire semester trapped behind checkpoints, destroying their academic future. These are the typical everyday experiences of Palestinian families, in every single village, refugee camp or city neighbourhood.

The “Road Map” for peace has long been thrown into the garbage can. Indeed, we were naïve to have placed any hope in it. We wanted to believe that it might bring peace at last, but Sharon soon managed to foil the process. Instead of supporting Abu Mazen and his new government, so that they could reach an agreement with all the Palestinian opposition groups, particularly the Islamic Jihad and Hamas, the Israeli security forces launched a series of assassinations among the Hamas leadership, with the goal of destabilizing the “hudna” that had received unanimous Palestinian support. The timing of these assassinations was another of Sharon’s dirty tricks, much inline with his strategy when he invaded Lebanon. The consequent breaking of the “hudna” by the Hamas and Islamic Jihad could have led to a dispute with the Palestinian leadership, and then to a Palestinian civil war. But with limited capabilities and negligible outside support – mainly from Egypt – the Palestinians managed to avoid civil war. Actions against Israeli civilians stopped and some efforts were made to impose order on the streets and in the various institutions, although not enough support was received from the Palestinian leadership. But what about the Israelis? It was agreed that Israel would stop building the Apartheid fence, but Israel exploited every hour, night and day to complete construction, creating an obstacle to the Road Map. It was also agreed that Israel would release a certain number of administrative and political (security) prisoners from the 8000 it held. Instead, Israel released only a small number of prisoners, mostly criminals or those who were shortly due to be released. This created anger among the Palestinians, particularly the activists from Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah.

The Road Map instructs Israel to freeze and halt the construction of settlements in the Occupied Territories. But maybe its naïve to expect Sharon – the man who has for years initiated and supported the establishment of Jewish settlements on occupied Palestinian land – to dismantle these settlements? After all, his main support base comes from the settlers, who are the main obstacle to peace. Since the adoption of the Road Map, dozens of settlements were established with funds from the Israeli government and the exploitation of Palestinian land and water resources. Hundreds of kilometres of roads have been built on Palestinian land – all to benefit the settlers-. The Palestinians are forbidden to use these roads, and must make do with dirt tracks.

Manoeuvred by their leadership to believe that "we" had offered "them" a state and they refused, many Israelis now turn a blind eye to what is being done in their name in the Occupied Territories. They seem to believe that "they" (the Palestinians) understand only force, so they do not protest the policy of assassinations, demolishing of houses, curfews etc. A people that knows the evils of persecution and exile, now sends its army to oppress and control another people that wishes to live in freedom on its own land. Furthermore, it uses its past victimization to divert criticism. Very few Israelis have the courage to call for an end to the occupation in times of suicide attacks; even fewer will say that the first step to end violence should be taken unconditionally by Israel.

The election of Sharon as prime minister and the blind support he enjoys suggest that most Israelis have given up on the idea of peace with their neighbours. The proof of this lies in the racist separation fence – termed the Apartheid fence, by Palestinian, or the security fence by the Israelis -. After 37 years of occupation, now one big cage in the form of a tall fence with a few gates, allowing for as little contact as possible between the two peoples. A total of 450 kilometres of fences and barbed wire (every kilometre costs Israel 10 million shekels). Most of the fence lies to the east of the Green Line, the 1967 border. The fence is a unilateral project by the Israeli government to promote the security of its citizens. But what about the peace and liberty of the people trapped behind the fence? While the whole world is open to the Israelis, the Palestinians are stuck in the Territories, denied freedom of movement. Contact with the outside world is possible only through the Allenby Bridge crossing to Jordan and the Rafiah border crossing with Egypt – controlled by Israel-.

The leaders of Israel and their friends in the White House talk about the war on terror. Israel works hard to depict itself as a modern democracy in the West. Hasn’t the time come to say that what Israel is doing in the Occupied Territories is state terrorism? Hasn’t the time come to admit that Israel is a democracy for Jews and a dictatorship for anyone who isn’t Jewish? Haven't we learnt from history, that true security can only exist when all people can enjoy freedom and prosperity?

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Israel, Palestine and the Fear in between

By Noa Milman

For 37years the Israelis and the Palestinian people have been living in a continuing situation of occupation and terror. For a few years it almost seemed possible to solve the old conflict and to reach an agreement, which would enable both people to reconstruct their lives, -and maybe, – rebuild their trust in each other. The second Palestinian Intifada, which began in 2000, and the deadly combination of the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, which see peace and cooperation as personal and a national threat, managed to destroy the brief and bright hope for a better future in the region.

The violent history of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict has created a genuine fear. Each believing that acts of aggression will prevent aggression from the other side.

I recently met a Palestinian-American woman at an international environmental conference in Sweden. Once she had realized that I was an Israeli, she sharply excommunicated me. It was a very disappointing, frustrating and even depressing experience, especially since I agreed in principle with the maps she distributed which showed two states for two people based on the 1967 borderline. My belief is that only dialogue can put an end to the conflict. If only we could speak, we might agree upon many issues.

To my surprised sadness I heard from other participants (With whom she had spoken) that her view, was that all Jews should leave Israel, and return to their countries of origin, from where their parents, grand parents and great-grand parents came. This approach suggests that I should be a refugee. It refused to see the 6 million Jews who live in Israel as human beings with legitimate rights.

A year later, I went to the police station in Tel Aviv, to obtain a certificate for a “Peace Now” demonstration. A policeman told me that in his view, the Palestinian should disappear. I asked him, “Do you really want to kill 3 million people?” He answered: “No, not to kill, to make them disappear…!” This uncanny and dangerous approach was very similar to that of the Palestinian woman. They both chose to ignore the fact that we are all human beings living side by side. They both wish that some mysterious power will make the “Other” (Palestinian or Israeli) disappear, if possible, without evidence and with no consequences. Both approaches are basically non-rational, unrealistic and a testimony to the gap between common sense and the authentic deep fears of the "Other".
Indeed, it seems that the real tragedy of both people lie in the gap between wisdom and emotion.

All public opinion surveys have shown that most of the Israelis support a solution that will create a separated independent Palestinian State, as an equal neighbour of Israel. Public opinion surveys on the Palestinian side show a similar picture: Most of the people wish to have their country, near Israel and not on Israel’s account. The common Palestinian view does not demand the destruction of Israel to make place for a Palestinian state. Yet, on both sides, people are still afraid of the “other”. They are still afraid that deep inside, the "other" wishes to destroy them.

In order to have meaningful dialogue between the two battered sides, we, as peace activists, should understand - in the deepest sense of the word – those traumatic fears. We must try to bridge the gap between wisdom and emotion, to enable us to create an effective campaign for lasting peace.

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The diversity of religions and its effect on multinational communities

By Maya Monsour

In the 21st century, religious fanaticism has been a major cause of conflict. Yet, the major religions of the world (Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism) command love, compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness.

With a population of approximately four millions inhabitants, Lebanon has an array of cultures, religions and sects. During the war, when I was born, Beirut was divided based on the two main Religions, the East or Christian and West or Muslim regions. Foreign powers exploit Lebanon's weakness, while the internal powers used its own fanaticism and the religious diversity as a catalyst for civil wars and political battles. Rancour, intolerance and jealousy flourish in the milieu of poverty, ignorance, frustration, anxiety, fear and hopelessness.

The civil war ended in 1991, the capital is no longer divided into visible sides. Lebanon is working towards true coexistence and a better society. Its main focus is finding new ways of reconstruction and rehabilitation.

The renewal of war torn societies requires Peace Education dialogue and understanding. Regular peacemaking and conflict resolution trainings, within each community can promote understanding, reintegration and peaceful coexistence, and provide new opportunities for generations to come.

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Promoting the spirit of cooperation between Chechens and Russians

By Stanislav Samchenko

Most people are unaware of the horrible atrocities that are being committed in Chechnya. Those who do, often think that not much can be done since Russia is a nuclear superpower and it is difficult to hold it responsible.

Since the beginning of the conflict in 1999 the Russian government took unprecedented attempts to block any independent information from Chechnya. The federal forces and governmental agencies highly restrict and sensor the flow of information on the situation in Chechnya, particularly concerning gross human rights violations, military crimes and crimes against humanity. In order to work in Chechnya, journalists must receive accreditation from the office of the president's special assistant for information on Chechnya. They and are limited in their activities, almost always working within the confines of a government-determined agenda and limited access to unofficial sources. Journalists must be accompanied at all times by armed Russian soldiers, which makes Chechen civilians reluctant to speak openly, either due to fear of later reprisals or the mistrust of the journalists. Both are grounded in reality. The few journalists who are brave enough to work without official accreditation are subject to immediate deportation to Moscow, or worse, they may simply be held for ransom by renegade Russian soldiers or by the most radical elements of the Chechen rebels. The case of Andrei Babitsky, the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent who was ostensibly kidnapped by Chechens is the most well-known journalist to undergo such treatment. Another, Anna Politkovskaya of the Moscow-based independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was subject to mock execution by Russian intelligence officers in February 2001.

Very few independent Russian media agencies published and broadcast the independent information on Chechnya. Instead, there is a massive and highly successful government propaganda machinery, aimed at increasing xenophobia and hatred in the society.

The Society for Russian-Chechen Friendship (SRCF) network of correspondents and volunteers working in Chechnya and neighboring Ingushetia, seeks to provide timely, accurate and unbiased information on the armed conflict in Chechnya. Particular emphasis is placed on the coverage of gross human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The cooperation between Russians and Chechens helps to dispel the atmosphere of mutual distrust, not only between colleagues of different nations but also among the general population in Chechnya and Ingushetia. Regretfully, the same cannot be said about the general population of Russia.
Those whishing to learn more about the Russian/ Chechen situation can contact the author via IUPIP.

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IUPIP’s Alumni: Making a Difference for Peace Globally

John Evaristo Flórez, Colombia (2000)

IUPIP is one of the best experiences of my life. Everything I have learnt has been useful for my personal and professional life as well as others with whom I have shared my experience.

Here is a brief description of how the IUPIP course contributes to my work.

In 2000 and 2001, I worked as a Spanish-English and dance teacher in a secondary school in Bogotá. Most of the students were women from indigenous communities, rural and other poor areas in Bogotá. I incorporating many of the activities and experiences I gained from IUPIP in developing an integrated project to link the teaching of languages, dance, human rights, non-violence, conflict prevention and resolution in the school. I was greatly assisted by Laura Slattery, IUPIP’s alumnus of (8th IUPIP course). Together we planned and developed a workshop for students, parents and teachers in two secondary schools.

Between 2001 and 2002, I was a volunteer in Planeta Paz (Peace Planet Project), where I helped to organise and consolidate a new social group LGBT (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgender) in Colombia. Using my IUPIP’s experience I designed and developed training for facilitators on gender issues and sexual orientation.

This experience greatly improved our collaboration with other traditional social groups such as Indigenous peoples, Women, People of African Decent, Trade Unionists and others

From my experience, I have learnt the importance of interlacing Human Rights and Peace education into projects that are related to real life activities. I am developing values and positive attitudes through dance, drama, languages and other activities that people generally find more appealing.

I am currently working as a Spanish lecturer at the University of Belize, Central America, developing community-based literacy training. This training is part of a bigger project on Conflict Prevention and Resolution.

I have applied the knowledge I acquired in the IUPIP International course in my family life as well. In May 2004 my youngest sister “Mary” was killed in Ciudad Bolivar (where I grew up in Bogotá), she was 19 and had a four-year daughter. I could only return to Bogotá two weeks after she was buried.

At first I was very angry and almost lost my head, I wanted to kill the 23-year-old boy who killed my sister. But suddenly, I remembered my IUPIP friends and the stories and experiences we discussed, shared and the lessons I learned about forgiveness and forgetting. I reflected a lot and felt much better! I also spoke by phone with my mother, brothers and sisters (they really wanted revenge). I shared your precious teachings with them. I told them that hate and revenge were bad ideas that would only perpetuate violence and hate... Although it was a very painful process, my family forgave and is feelings much better.

I would like to say more and more, but I do not have words. I just want to say thank you very much!

Emeka Chiegboka, Nigeria, (2000)

For me, Peace education has come to stay. My IUPIP experience has greatly contributed to this decision. Thus I am still in the peace environment and have recently completed an advanced Masters Degree in peace and Conflict Studies in Austria. I am currently enrolled at the University of Vienna to pursue my PhD.

I strongly believe in Conflict Resolution, which is obviously, not an easy task given the fact that many conflicts are often unresolved. An important ingredient that is often missing is the discussions between the parties concerned in the presence of unbiased facilitator(s) - a factor that could contribute to Conflict Transformation/Transcendence -. Conflicts must be transformed or transcended to be resolved.

Jesse Lecy United States, (2002)

It has been a busy two years since I was in beautiful Rovereto. I finished my time in Kosovo and returned to the United States, where I am currently working at a residential treatment centre for youth with emotional disorders caused by trauma. I continue my work for peace by organizing a speaker series in my city to bring local activists together for discussion and inspiration, and by coordinating a project for the organization I was with in Kosovo - the American Refugee Committee. I will start graduate school in the fall for community/economic development, and I hope to eventually find myself back in post-conflict societies. In the meantime, I continue to think about the material I learned at IUPIP and gather inspiration from the participants I met there.

Julienne Mukabucyana, France, (2000)

It is my pleasure to share my appreciation of IUPIP International Course and how it helps me in my work and my daily life:
IUPIP gave me the opportunity to experience peace building with outstanding teachers who linked head and heart in a meaningful way in an international, multicultural, interfaith and convivial atmosphere.

The unique structure of the Course provides the ingredients for the immediate formation of an IUPIP community, -a unique experience of education in community with people from around the world-. The interactive learning approach drew upon the rich experiences of the participants, as well as the instructors, providing a milieu for exceptional learning.

Additionally, the city of Rovereto and the weekend seminars, visit to local schools and with families, special interest groups and other community activities provided the opportunity for the people of Rovereto to benefit from the knowledge of the participants and lecturers whom they welcome to their city.

IUPIP’s International Course was much more than the acquisition of knowledge, it opened our hearts to each other, helped us to listen deeply, to speak honestly, to strengthen each other, to exchange cynicism for hope and to meet injustice with soul force. This wonderful experience gave me helpful tools that I am using in my current work, such as role-plays in class that provide skills to respond to violent situations through discussions and analysis, to identify forms of intervention and responses that promote non-violent, socially just, and peaceful outcomes.

The IUPIP International Course was also instrumental in the development and plans of our Organization. Vumilia- Africa was created by immigrants and refugees women from several African countries living in France (Niger, Benin, Rwanda, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Congo, Zimbabwe...), it is now registered under the French law and our membership is growing.

In creating a space of solidarity to meet and share our stories and histories while promoting the richness of our cultures, we seek ways to contribute towards positive social change in our respective countries.

Our resources are limited, notwithstanding, our plans are to organise a regional training that brings together grass root trainers and peace builders to share their experiences and build their capacities.

We also hope to establish a day care centre for small children, in collaboration with our partners in working peace education in primary schools in Kigali, Rwanda.

Locally, we organise non-violence training for youth (while trying to reach out to teachers and parents) to address the rising violence in our city where immigrants are stigmatised as "bad people".

Finally, waging conflict non-violently ideally ripens the conditions for transforming relationships and structures while stopping the cycle of violence. Thus strategic non-violent action is an essential element in developing our peace building tactics and plans for our non-violent campaigns.

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REFUGEE MYTHS

Anber Raz, UK

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is an impartial humanitarian organization, mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. This is done internationally through the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Who is a refugee?
Article 1 of the Convention defines a refugee as:

“A person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution.”

“The UK accepts more refugees than most countries in the world.”

In reality, it is developing countries, such as Pakistan, Iran, Guinea and Tanzania, which lack the wealth and stability that the UK enjoys, which continue to host the majority of the world’s refugees. In Africa alone, there are over 8 million refugees and many millions displaced within their own countries.

“Refugees are a burden on the economy and on the taxpayer.”

Many countries have produced reports proving that refugees contribute positively to economic growth. Canadian and Australian studies show that once refugees settle, they actually increase government revenue and create a net tax benefit. The Home Office’s own research confirms that refugees’ talents are under-utilized in Britain. Many asylum seekers come to the UK with substantial work and educational qualifications. The countries that people are coming from are not the poorest ones; they are countries where there is persecution.
As one Sudanese refugee commented:

“People think you come here just to claim benefits but they don’t see that we had better lives at home. We had jobs, status and qualifications, which aren’t recognised here. You just want to tell people that you’re good and you can do a lot too.”

“Increased numbers in asylum claims lead to an increase in crime.”

There is no established connection between asylum and increased crime rates. Asylum seekers are less likely to commit major crimes than UK citizens, as it would affect their asylum application. There has however been a marked increase in the number of racist attacks against asylum seekers, as a result of public hostility around asylum. When asylum seekers themselves are the victims of crimes, it is rarely reported in the press.

“Refugees increase unemployment and take jobs away from “real” British citizens.”

Britain bans all asylum seekers from working during the first 6 months of their stay. Subsequently, they are given the right to work, not the jobs themselves! Europe’s working population is declining, while its population’s aspirations to do only clean and well-paid jobs are rising. Many now rely on foreigners to work their farms, clean their homes, mind their children, lay their bricks and deliver their pizza. Higher proportions of foreigners, including refugees, work in construction and manufacturing than native workers, reflecting the contribution they make to less popular industries in their host countries.

Refugees are not a statistic, they are not here to take our jobs or abuse the wealth and stability we are lucky enough to live in, they are people, women, children and men. People who are in need of compassion and understanding, people who have in many cases, lost all they have ever known, watched their families murdered or who are in fear for their own lives. All they wish for is what we take for granted, the right to life, the right to freedom and freedom of expression and the right to practice their belief.

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Civic Participation as a Road to the Future of Armenia

Tatevik Margaryan, Armenia

If I were asked to describe my area of work, I would say: “everything connected to human rights, peace, and the well-being and future of the country”. If I am criticised or told that it is too much! I would agree. But I would never give up any part of that “too much”.

Peace is hardly possible when there is violation of human rights, and human rights can not be upheld when there is widespread poverty. And all these – peace, human rights, overcoming poverty – are impossible without the will of the people. Hence, grass-roots activities are key players in the process of change and the resolution of most global problems.

The Soviet Union’s ideology hardly left any room for individual thinking and grass roots activities. This and other legacies no doubt, will remain for sometime with societies of the former Soviet Union.

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