News

Humanitarian, development, peace, and human rights organizations provide crucial support to local civil society organizations and the general population in Central America. However, KOFF organizations report in this issue of à propos that the growing levels of authoritarianism and corruption in the region, particularly in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, are compromising their work.

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The dynamics of conflict and violence are changing in many places around the world. Figures show that the majority of violent deaths no longer occur in traditional war situations. There is a growing consensus that urban areas in non-war contexts are becoming the future flashpoints, with profound consequences for urban populations.

Against this background, KOFF organizes a Master Class, an exchange and learning format for KOFF members and further interested individuals and organizations.

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On the 30 of March, PWAG will launch the publication "From transition to transformation. Strengthening women's effective participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice processes". At the virtual event, the authors will present the most important findings from the publication.

30 March 2022, 2pm

More information & registration

What kind of emotions do people affected by violence and conflict, including peacemakers, face? What impact do they have on their lives? Their work? And, on a larger scale, on peace processes? This edition of à propos highlights the role of emotions in grassroots and high-level political peace work.

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With easing COVID restrictions, the Center for Art and Peacebuilding, that was established in 2020 as a joint platform of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and the Swiss foundation artasfoundation, is now beginning its engagement abroad with projects in Lebanon and in Armenia.

The CAP is tasked with researching the potential of artistic contributions to transform violent conflicts, testing it on a practical level in projects and discussing it with experts and the general public. The direct and even collaboration between art students/artists from Switzerland and colleagues from regions directly affected by conflict is a central component in this.

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New members, a new Director and a new Presidency – all signal the dawn of a new era in the 50-year history of Alliance Sud. In the light of growing inequality and a civil society that is coming under ever greater pressure around the world, it is more crucial than ever to have a powerful voice in development policy in Switzerland.

Press release

SOS-Secondhand market is the new platform of the SOS Children's Villages Foundation Switzerland. Users can advertise and sell second-hand goods here and donate the proceeds to SOS Children's Villages. The sold goods such as clothes, toys and more are thus given a second use and at the same time benefit the projects and thus needy children and their families worldwide.

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artasfoundation was just awarded the Canton of Zurich's Price for their contribution to the widening of the cultural participation in conflict regions. The price honours cultural workers and institutions that are committed to the broadening of access to cultural life. The price will help the foundation navigate the difficulties imposed by the pandemic. The two other prizewinners in 2021 are the LAB Young Theater Zurich and Froh Ussicht.

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What role can civil society organisations play in strengthening women's participation in peace processes? How can women's demands be put on the political agenda? These and other questions are addressed in our new publication "From transition to transformation. Strengthening women's effective participation in peacebuilding and transitional justice processes: insights from Colombia, Nepal, and the Philippines". It offers practical recommendations for effective women's participation in peacebuilding and shows how fundamental networks are for activists and conflict-affected women – even beyond their own country's borders.

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Over the past years, KOFF members have experienced and examined what it means when the space for civil society shrinks. At the same time, many organizations and individuals around the world have adapted old and developed new strategies and approaches to continue their work for peace, against all odds. The upcoming roundtable will highlight the creative, persistent, and innovative ways in which civil society «makes space» for peacebuilding.

December 1, 9:30am

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