We are committed to a more peaceful, safer world – by empowering young people, promoting non-violent solutions and driving political change.
In a world in which crises, armed conflicts, social polarisation and increasing anti-democratic tendencies dominate everyday life, the promotion of peace and security is more important than ever. Global challenges cannot be solved simply by rearmament. Rather, they require massive investment in prevention and peace work at various levels.
Civil peace work in the countries of the Global South strengthens resilience against future crises. terre des hommes schweiz projects show how social cohesion and a culture of peace can be promoted from below by empowering young people as peace actors.
Challenges for young people
Every year, around 200,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 29 are killed worldwide. Young people in violent regions in countries such as El Salvador, Brazil and Colombia are particularly affected. Violence, discrimination and social inequality are closely linked and have their roots in a variety of historical and social factors, mainly colonialism and racism.
Peace work on the ground
Peace work is more than just solving local conflicts. It requires an understanding of the global contexts that shape peace and security worldwide. terre des hommes schweiz focuses on different levels of peacebuilding: among young people, in their social environment and at a political level. We adopt a sustainable approach in our projects.
In our work with youth groups, families and communities, we help to resolve conflicts non-violently and overcome tensions. We support victims of violence in coming to terms with traumatic experiences. In Colombia, young people learn methods for non-violent conflict resolution and actively promote a culture of peace in their communities.
We use psychosocial support to promote young people’s resilience so that they can develop prospects despite their difficult living conditions and can contribute to the security of their communities. In Zimbabwe, for example, we are improving the prospects of HIV-positive young people through low-threshold youth work, combatting stigmatisation and the buddy system, in which experienced volunteers provide emotional support to affected young people.
Climate change threatens the safety of everyone. Young people in rural areas who have to adapt to the changing environmental conditions are facing particular challenges. In Nicaragua, for example, we help young farmers to secure their livelihoods and food security using organic farming methods. We also support movements around the world that are committed to protecting the environment.
In many countries around the world, human rights are being disregarded and civil society is being suppressed. We strengthen our partner organisations and young people by demanding respect for their rights. In Brazil, young people are forming networks across the country in resistance to racist police violence and campaigning for a security policy that complies with human rights.
Around the world, girls and young women are particularly affected by gender-based violence worldwide. We help young women to gain independence through vocational training. In South Africa, for example, we educate young people about sexual rights and offer survivors of sexual violence urgently needed medical, psychosocial and legal support to create more security in everyday life.
For more in-depth insights into our work and the topics we focus on, we recommend reading the following studies and reports:
Do you have questions about this topic?
Fabiana Kuriki
Responsible for the topic of the culture of peace
Promoting peace and security requires a strong commitment at all levels – local, regional and global. It is crucial that we strengthen the voices of young people and involve them in building a safe, just and peaceful world.
Support our work for peace and security and make a difference.
terre des hommes schweiz
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4058 Basel