Tag Archives: East Asia

Solomon Islands: Malaita and Guadalcanal support peace education

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

An article by George Manford in The Island Sun

MALAITA and Guadalcanal provincial governments have supported the idea of peace education for both province’s education authorities.

Solomon
Click on photo to enlarge

Deputy Premier of Guadalcanal Hon Peter Aroanisaka said this is a step forward to find lasting peace through education.

“We could find links for our students to have access through attending our various high schools in our two respective provinces.

“This initiative is much important for both education authorities (EA’s) to build relationship for malaita and Guadalcanal provinces.

“It also creates a goal which is peace through education within these two EAs and for the rest of Solomon Islands.

“We want to see true peace and true education among our students and leaders.

“They are time bombs in the future if we don’t create this kind of initiatives for these future generations.”

Speaking on behalf of Malaita provincial government, deputy and the acting premier of Malaita province Hon Alick Maeaba said, “We have to come up with re-creative ideas to contribute on the values of our education.

“The Malaita provincial government see this importance to build this relationship not only through education but through political levels.

“The Malaita provincial government will stand and support the initiative for the betterment of our children in the future.

“We are looking forward for the idea to be implemented Maeaba revealed.”

The delegation also visited Aligegeo PSS and Kware community high school in west Fataleka north Malaita.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling this to our attention.)

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East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Philippines: Fostering a culture of peace through art

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from the Manila Bulletin (slightly abbreviated)

Mindanao has . . . been through decades of armed conflict, which has claimed countless lives and displaced some 30,000 to 50,000 persons annually. Children and adolescents are among those who have suffered the most, caught in the midst of violence, displacement, poverty, and the loss of loved ones. It is for this reason that civil society groups have taken initiatives in introducing the culture of peace among the children in Mindanao’s conflict-affected communities through the promotion of their own traditional, cultural, and artistic abilities.

Philippines
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One of these groups is the 13-year-old Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center, a non-profit organization based in Gen. Santos City. It is currently undertaking the Fostering Culture of Peace and Child Protection program, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Coined from the Maguindanaon term for gathering, Kalimudan is composed of artists and advocates for social reforms, backed by their experiences as cultural and community workers, trainers, researchers, and teachers.

In recent months, Kalimudan has been conducting the Adolescent Development and Participation-Peace building program in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Lanao del Sur.

According to Al Nezzar Ali, the project uses culture and arts as tools to assist communities in creating a violence-free home environment, and helps children promote a culture of peace.

Among the strategies used in the workshops are play production dance drama and choral narration, peace tiles and peace totems, interactive storytelling, dance, music, and visual workshops, which enhance participants’ coping mechanisms.

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Question for this article:

Do the arts create a basis for a culture of peace?

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“The program also helps develop children’s creativity, appreciation of tradition, and culture to foster peace, which get them more engaged in sports and recreational activities, instead of getting involved in armed activities,” Ali enthuses.

He said that the project hopes to contribute to the attainment of strengthened mechanisms for promoting the rights of children in peace process and situations of armed conflict and supporting children’s participation.

During the International Day of Peace held last Sept. 21 at the Mindanao State University Gymnasium in Maguindanao, children and adolescents representing the different Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) areas in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Lanao del Sur will be the highlight of the celebration. These children and adolescents took part in the ADAP workshops and #ChildrenNotSoldiers campaign traditional cultural performance showcase, which were exhibited on the same day.

Ali said that peace building measures should address the root causes of the conflict, enhance social cohesion, build trust in governments, and build capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to manage conflict and deliver appropriate services.

He noted that under the UNICEF framework, programs create space for young people and enhance their capacity to participate in the decision-making on the peace process, especially between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF, while promoting pro-peace knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyle.

He pointed out that the quest for peace is integral to the fulfillment of the rights of children to safety and wellbeing, since young people have distinct capacities in contributing to peace-building due to their diverse experiences in armed conflict.

Founded in 2003, Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center seeks to raise awareness, advocate basic social issues through culture and arts as its tool, as it links with local and national movements for social and cultural development

It specializes in Mindanao cultural dances and music, contemporary arts (music, film, and video), and collaborates with national agencies like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as NGOs such as the SOCSARGEN Peace Network, and Mindulani, a Mindanao-wide network of theater workers.

East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE

Papua New Guinea: Thousands march to ‘make a stand for peace’

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article from Nonviolent Conflict News

As many as 10-thousand people walked for peace in the Papua New Guinea capital over the weekend [of September 10-11]. The governor of Port Moresby says the Sunday morning event was planned as a stand against violence in the country following a brawl at a rugby league match which left an innocent bystander dead.

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Powes Parkop tells Dominic Godfrey the death of Joe Pidik was a tragedy that he and others are ashamed of.

POWES PARKOP: We don’t condone this type of activity and we want to make a statement. It is not something that we accept and we want the public to come out to make that statement, to ourselves more particularly. Also, it’s leading up to our anniversary of our 41st year’s independence. We want to also make a statement for peace and unity in our country.

DOMINIC GODFREY: Next year of course PNG is co-hosting the Rugby League World Cup. Has there been any reaction to this outbreak of violence from your co-host countries?

PP: Yes. We had a grave concern expressed, especially by the Rugby League World Cup secretariat down in Australia. They rightfully expressed to us concerns that the games that we are going to host might be addressed. But we have given them the assurance that this is only a minority activity. This doesn’t represent all our people in Papua New Guinea and especially in Pt Moresby and so I hope they put their fears to rest and we are looking forward to hosting the three games for the Rugby League World Cup.

We will be hosting the Under 20 FIFA Women’s World Cup too in November and December of this year. That’s 16 countries coming from five continents of the world. Young leaders of tomorrow will be coming to our city and our country and it’s also important that we send that message loud and clear to the participating countries in particular but to the world generally that this type of behaviour is not acceptable, not tolerated. It’s why we came out in big numbers on Sunday with our minister for sport and rugby league board and chairman, and some of our rugby league teams and other sport teams.

Everybody came out in a very strong powerful way to send a message, especially going to our own people. It’s a problem that we have with our own people and we need to get our people to change their behaviour, change their habits and that’s essentially the main purpose we marched for yesterday. We need our people, the majority of whom reject violence, and if many more of people come out and make these type of statements, then it will get this minority to change their behaviour and attitudes so I’m very pleased with the outcome yesterday.

DG: What would the message be to the people of Papua New Guinea and Pt Moresby?

PP: Violence is an impediment to prosperity and development of our people.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

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East Asia, HUMAN RIGHTS

India: Buddhist nuns bike Himalayas to oppose human trafficking

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article by Nita Bhalla for Nonviolent Conflict News with credit to Thomson Reuters Foundation,

– Clad in black sweatpants, red jackets and white helmets, the hundreds of cyclists pedaling the treacherously steep, narrow mountain passes to India from Nepal could be mistaken for a Himalayan version of the Tour de France. The similarity, however, ends there. This journey is longer and tougher, the prize has no financial value or global recognition and the participants are not professional cyclists but Buddhist nuns from India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.

Five hundred nuns from the Buddhist sect known as the Drukpa Order, on Saturday complete a 4,000-km (2,485 mile) bicycle trek from Nepal’s Kathmandu to the northern city of Leh in India to raise awareness about human trafficking in the remote region.

nepal
Photo Credit: Live To Love International / Handout via Reuters

“When we were doing relief work in Nepal after the earthquakes last year, we heard how girls from poor families were being sold because their parents could not afford to keep them anymore,” 22-year-old nun Jigme Konchok Lhamo told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

“We wanted to do something to change this attitude that girls are less than boys and that it’s okay to sell them,” she said, adding that the bicycle trek shows “women have power and strength like men.”

South Asia may boast women leaders and be home to cultures that revere motherhood and worship female deities, but many girls and women live with the threat of violence and without many basic rights.

From honor killings in Pakistan to foeticide in India and child marriage in Nepal, women face a barrage of threats, although growing awareness, better laws and economic empowerment are bringing a slow change in attitudes.

“KUNG FU” NUNS

The bicycle trek, from Nepal into India, is nothing new for the Drukpa nuns.

This is the fourth such journey they have made, meeting local people, government officials and religious leaders to spread messages of gender equality, peaceful co-existence and respect for the environment.

They also deliver food to the poor, help villagers get medical care and are dubbed the “Kung Fu nuns” due to their training in martial arts.

Led by the Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa Order, the nuns raise eyebrows, especially among Buddhists for their unorthodox activities.

“Traditionally Buddhist nuns are treated very differently from monks. They cook and clean and are not allowed to exercise. But his Holiness thought this was nonsense and decided to buck the trend,” said Carrie Lee, president of Live to Love International, a charity which works with the Drukpa nuns to support marginalised Himalayan communities.

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Question related to this article:

Protecting women and girls against violence, Is progress being made?

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“Among other things, he gave them leadership roles and even introduced Kung Fu classes for the nuns after they faced harassment and violence from the general public who were disturbed by the growing shift of power dynamics,” she said.

Over the last 12 years, the number of Drukpa nuns has grown to 500 from 30, said Lee, largely due to the progressive attitudes of the 53-year-old Gyalwang Drukpa, who was inspired by his mother to become an advocate for gender equality.

The Gyalwang Drukpa also participates in the bicycle journeys, riding with the nuns as they pedal through treacherous terrain and hostile weather and camp out in the open.

“PRAYING IS NOT ENOUGH”

The Drukpa nuns say they believe they are helping to change attitudes.

“Most of the people, when they see us on our bikes, think we are boys,” said 18-year-old nun Jigme Wangchuk Lhamo.

“Then they get shocked when we stop and tell them that not only are we girls, but we are also Buddhist nuns,” she said. “I think this helps change their attitudes about women and maybe value them as equals.”

South Asia, with India at its centre, is also one of the fastest growing regions for human trafficking in the world.

Gangs dupe impoverished villagers into bonded labour or rent them to work as slaves in urban homes, restaurants, shops and hotels. Many girls and women are sold into brothels.

Experts say post-disaster trafficking has become common in South Asia as an increase in extreme events caused by global warming, as well as earthquakes, leave the poor more vulnerable.

The breakdown of social institutions in devastated areas creates difficulties securing food and supplies, leaving women and children at risk of kidnapping, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Twin earthquakes that struck Nepal in April and May 2015, which killed almost 9,000 people, left hundreds of thousands of families homeless and many without any means of income, led to an increase in children and women being trafficked.

More than 40,000 children lost their parents, were injured or were placed in precarious situations following the disaster, according to Nepali officials.

The Drukpa nuns said the earthquakes were a turning point in their understanding of human trafficking and that they felt a need to do more than travel to disaster-hit mountain villages with rice on their backs.

“People think that because we are nuns, we are supposed to stay in the temples and pray all the time. But praying is not enough,” said Jigme Konchok Lhamo.

“His Holiness teaches us that we have go out and act on the words that we pray. After all, actions speak louder than words,” she said.

(Thank you to Janet Hudgins, the CPNN reporter for this article.)

East Asia, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Asia-Pacific Youth Dialogue sparks ‘young energy’

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An article from China.org

Twenty-three years after Samuel Huntington’s popular book “The Clash of Civilizations” was published and aroused calls for dialogue between different civilizations, it is still as relevant as ever in the current era of regional confrontations and inter-religious mistrust. In this context, and through an initiative with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Chinese Ministry of Education, the first Asia-Pacific Youth Dialogue opened on Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, in the southwestern city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Dialogue

Around 200 young delegates from 46 countries of the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss how to build a nexus between Asia Pacific civilizations, cultures, social cohesion, respect for diversity and peace building, as well as engaging with the youth as agents of change and custodians of the future regionally and internationally.

The initiative coincides with the call of the country’s policymakers to boost regional cooperation and development as President Xi Jinping proposed in a speech last year at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA). This, he said, could act as a platform to enhance interactions among young people, local communities and the media and to form a network of cooperation.

Dr. Marielza Oliveira, director and UNESCO representative to the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, said at the opening ceremony, “The youth delegates here are chosen from thousands of applicants and represent the best, the brightest and the most committed who come together to discuss what needs to be done to defend the dignity of all human beings.”

She called for young people to act on the domestic and international problems they face, citing the fact that British youth might be the hardest hit by the Brexit scenario due to their inaction before and during the referendum.

Robert H. Xiao, CEO of Perfect World Co., Ltd., China’s online gaming giant and sponsor of the event, highlighted three keywords, i.e. communication, hope and responsibility, as his expectations for the young people.

“Communication is the foundation on which Asian young people can build mutual understanding, find mutual benefits and grow together,” said Xiao. “Communication among Asian countries and among young people in particular, is an important source of confidence and recognition of Asian civilization.”

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Question for this article

What has happened this year (2016) for the International Day of Peace?

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“It is also the basis for Asian people to build mutual understanding and benefits, and achieve joint development.”

When asked about his expectation for the event, Andrew Lesa, a youth delegate and also a diplomat from New Zealand told China.org.cn he wanted to see actions in earnest following the event.

“At a lot of meetings, all we do is talk.” He hoped that after the meeting and when everyone had returned home, there could be tangible projects and activities staged in their respective countries on the important agenda items of the event so as to “make a difference on the ground.”

Hoe Wee Kiat, a youth delegate from Singapore, told China.org.cn the event could enable them to learn about each other’s culture and civilization. “Youth can be agents of change, and they should be more proactive and take the initiative in making a positive difference.”

The three-day event is envisioned as a dynamic and participatory event utilizing a combination of plenary lectures and workshops organized both thematically and sub-regionally, and fun activities to provide learning and networking opportunities for the youth.

According to the organizer, the initiative is a follow-up to discussions on Young Global Citizens for a Sustainable Planet in 2015 and leads up to the 2017 Asian Civilization Dialogue Forum in China.





East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Asia: International Day of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

A survey by CPNN

The following events in Asia were listed in “Google News” during the week of September 17-14 under “International day of peace.” We may suppose that there were articles in national languages that are not listed here. For events elsewhere in the world, click here.

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As seen on the map above, there were articles about 22 events in 11 Asian countries.

Here are excerpts from the articles.

China In Yinchuan, capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, incumbent and former politicians from 33 countries, representatives from NGOs, think tanks and Chinese scholars celebrated the International Day of Peace. In his keynote speech, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said that society is evolving into a global community of shared destiny where everyone is interdependent, and peaceful development and common prosperity represent the right path to take.

South Korea: Kyung Hee University kicked off the three-day Peace BAR Festival at its Seoul campus to celebrate the International Day of Peace. It has held this festival since 1982 to seek ways to ensure the future of human civilization amid a series of crises including climate change, terrorism, violence, war, human alienation and polarization. This year, the university invited three international academic think tanks, the Club of Rome, the Club of Budapest and the World Academy of Art and Science, to discuss our common future.

Cotabato City, Philippines: The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by Governor Mujiv Hataman joined Wednesday the celebration of the International Day of Peace. Hataman said he wished for an everlasting peace not only in the region, but elsewhere in Mindanao where armed conflicts have affected tens of thousands of innocent people.

Cebu, Philippines: The students and teachers of Our Lady of Joy Learning Center joined the celebration of International Day of Peace. The day before, the students prepared paper flowers with peace messages such as “Peace is like a tree that needs to grow.” “Worldwide peace begins in our homes.” “The one who is at peace with heaven brings balance to the world and lives in peace with men and women.” . . . “Blessed are the peace makers; they will be called children of God.”

Manila, Philippines: newsinfo.inquirer.net/818184/students-say-their-piece-for-peace”>
Coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Peace, around 500 students from Miriam College, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) and the University of the Philippines held a candlelight vigil in Quezon City, to protest the recent wave of drug-related killings sweeping the country. Jasmin Galace, executive director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education, told the Inquirer that they decided to hold the activity to “We will say our piece, we will speak up for peace,” Galace added. Aside from the activity on Wednesday, she also said that Miriam College and other schools were planning to send a statement against extrajudicial killings along with thousands of signatures to President Duterte.

Jakarta, Indonesia: Peace please!: Students of SMA 74 Jakarta high school raised banners in front of the school on Thursday to celebrate the UN sponsored International Day of Peace. The school, which has a history of student bullying and mass brawls, cooperated with the NGO Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to hold the event, advocating “building blocks for peace” as its main theme.

Yangon, Myanmar: Amid ongoing conflict and in the wake of the 21st-century Panglong Conference earlier this month, religious leaders joined members of civil society at a Yangon gathering to offer their prayers for peace. Attendees of the “pre-celebration” for the International Day of Peace – marked on September 21 – said the National League for Democracy’s Panglong initiative marked perhaps the best chance yet to bring peace to a war-weary land.

Fiji: MORE than 200 students from Lautoka who are part of the scouting program gathered at Saru MGM Primary School to take part in celebrations for International Day of Peace. Kailash Pillay of the Fiji Scouts Association said the reception for the event was unprecedented and there were plans to host a bigger event next year

New Zealand: The Royal Commonwealth Society launched The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2017 on the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. This year’s topics ask young people to explore a deeper understanding of the meaning of peace and the role of the Commonwealth as a network of and for democracy, human rights and peace.

(Article continued in the right column)

Question for this article

What has happened this year (2016) for the International Day of Peace?

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Tahiti, French Polynesia: A cycle of 7 conference-workshops is being held in Fare Hau on the theme: “I act 1 minute for peace every day.” The first workshop, showing how “the coaching attitude” can be a first step to calm and pacify the world, coincides with the International Day of Peace.

Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Roots Garden schools and Roots IVY schools celebrated ‘World Peace Day’ to express their feelings, ideas and visions of a peaceful world by holding poster competition, poetry competition, essay competition, tableau competition and speech competition on the theme “Citizenship- How can we contribute to make our community better.”

Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan: The Al-Asar Development Organization hosted a ceremony in connection with observance of World Peace Day. A large number of civil society members, students, mediamen, lady health and social workers attended the ceremony.
Addressing the participants, lawmaker Najma Arshad pointed out that terrorism is the biggest threat to the world peace and the dream of having a peaceful society cannot come true without suppressing this menace. She also stressed to eliminate the racial and religious differences which, she termed, fuel terrorism and sectarianism.

Peshawar, Pakistan: Speakers at a function here on Thursday urged government and people to join hands for restoration of sustainable peace in the country to bring a positive change in life of common man. The event was organised by Peace Education and Development Foundation in connection with international peace day

Jamshoro, Pakistan: The International Day of Peace was celebrated at the U.S-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro. The program on “Water & Peace” followed the theme for this year’s Sustainable Development Goals as building blocks of peace.

Sikkim, India: Sikkim today observed the International Day of Peace through the theme of “Yoga for World Peace”in which enthusiastic school children participated. Multi-faith prayers were also organised. A state level function was organised at Paljor Stadium attended by Governor Shriniwas Patil as the Chief Guest and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as the Guest Of Honour.

Dimapur, India: The Peace Channel in collaboration with North East Institute of Social Science and Research commemorated the International Day of Peace. The programme began with a presentation on the history and background of the International Day of Peace by Akha Richa and Akumnaro Longchar, third semester students of NEISSR.

Urwa, India: When students of Canara High School Association observed World Peace Day on Wednesday, the martyrdom of 18 Indian Army soldiers at Uri was not lost on them. Paying homage to the martyred soldiers by reading out their names, the students and the CHS Association condemned the act of cowardice by the terrorists.

Pilani, Rajasthan, India: At the JMA Pilani school, the Principal Mrs Booma Natarajan read out the message of UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon “Let us all work together to help all human beings achieve dignity and equality; to build a greener planet; and to make sure no one is left behind” and urged the students to express their commitment to peace by becoming a champion of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students recited the Sanskrit shloka for peace and did a peace dove formation to prove that Peace is not just yet another 5 letter word but a “divine manifestation which we have to give birth to within ourselves.

Tamil Nadu, India: A procession by over 100 college students marked the International Day of Peace observance here on Wednesday. The students held placards with quotes of Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Teresa among others.

Doraha, India: Students of Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, today took out a peace march here on the occasion of International Day of Peace. The volunteers condemned the attack on Indian soldiers at Uri Brigade Headquarters. They said revenge was not a solution. They sought a world which was not divided into groups and sections and the people had the freedom to live, love and move about. They also urged the Government to find an immediate solution to the Kashmir issue.

Mirpur, Kashmir: Like rest of the world, International Day of Peace was also observed in Azad Jammu Kashmir with a call for the establishment of peace across the globe especially in the conflict zones of South Asia including Jammu & Kashmir. A special ceremony was held here on Wednesday under the auspices of the local Chapter of Kashmir Watch International, the UK-based Kashmiri Human Rights outfit. The participants strongly condemned the increased human rights abuses by the Indian occupational forces in occupied Jammu & Kashmir. They also prayed for the establishment of permanent and durable peace in the conflict zones.

Teheran, Iran: The fourth term of “Art for Peace” Festival opened at Iranian Artist Forum on 15 September 2016. 140 artists are exhibiting their works in painting, photography, Sculpture, installation, video art, music and performance at various galleries of Iranian House of Artists. A ceremony was held for the commemoration of the International Day of Peace and the presentation of its medal on 20 September.

East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, South Asia,

The Elders welcome Myanmar peace conference

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

Press release from The Elders

The Elders warmly welcome the Union Peace Conference convened by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. They believe the conference represents Myanmar’s best chance to date to bring a definitive end to the many violent conflicts that have plagued its ethnic minority regions almost continuously since independence in 1948.

myanmar
Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders who led the group’s last delegation to the country in December 2014, said:

“The basic rights of all Myanmar’s people regardless of race, religion or citizenship should be a guiding principle as the country charts its way to a fully democratic and peaceful future. We hope that all parties to the Union Peace Conference hold firm to this principle and engage in its proceedings in good faith.”

The Elders note that since coming to power in November 2015, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has given highest priority to national reconciliation and inclusiveness, stressing the need to bring all armed factions into a political dialogue about the country’s future constitutional make-up.

They are pleased to see that most of the ethnic armed groups will be taking part in this latest peace conference, though they remain concerned about fighting still persisting in parts of Kachin and Shan states. All sides must demonstrate sincerity about their stated wish to find peaceful solutions to problems.

The Elders also welcome last week’s announcement by the Myanmar Government of the establishment of an independent commission headed by Kofi Annan tasked with recommending measures to improve the dire situation in Rakhine State. The former UN Secretary-General, who is also Chair of The Elders, will be undertaking this important mission in his own capacity.

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East Asia, HUMAN RIGHTS

Breakthrough in Philippine peace process

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An arricle from the Official site of Norway in the Philippines

‘In the course of a few days, the parties in the Philippine peace process have reached agreement on issues that have blocked progress for many years. The agreement to recommend amnesties and a ceasefire is a breakthrough. It is also of crucial importance that the whole of the communist movement National Democratic Front of the Philippines is now represented here in Oslo,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

Norway
Photo: NOREF
(Click on photo to enlarge)

Norway has hosted formal peace negotiations between representatives of the Philippine Government and the communist movement National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Oslo this week. These talks marked the start of formal peace negotiations under the new Philippine Government.

Today, the parties signed a historic joint declaration. They have reached agreement on all the points on the agenda for this round of negotiations. They have confirmed previous agreements and renewed an agreement that will ensure immunity and security for key NDFP representatives so that they can take part in the continued negotiations.

Among the most important points that have been agreed is that both parties will implement a unilateral ceasefire for an indefinite period. This has never before been achieved in this peace process and is regarded as a major breakthrough. The authorities’ peace panel will urge the President to grant an amnesty for all political prisoners with links to the NDFP, subject to Congress approval.

‘I would like to congratulate the parties, who have shown considerable flexibility and the desire to achieve this important joint declaration. The intentions behind the declaration, combined with the constructive negotiation climate, will form the basis for further peace talks,’ said Mr Brende.

The parties have agreed to speed up the peace process, and aim to reach the first substantial agreement on economic and social reforms within six months. They plan to follow this up with an agreement on political and constitutional reforms, before a final agreement on ending the armed conflict can be signed.

The conflict between the Government and the communist movement NDFP has lasted for 47 years, and peace negotiations have been held intermittently for 30 years. Norway has been a facilitator for the peace process since 2001. The last formal round of negotiations took place in Oslo in 2011.

(Thank you to Nikki Delfin for alerting us to this article.)

Question for this article:
DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, East Asia

Philippines: Local Bangsamoro films show peaceful, harmonious side of Mindanao

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An article from the Philippine Information Agency

Eight local, independent filmmakers dared audiences to correct their misconceptions against the Bangsamoro and Filipino Muslims by viewing Mindanao through a different lens and perspective in another showing of the film project The Long Reach of Short Films – Telling Stories of Peace in Mindanao in Cine Adarna at the University of the Philippines Diliman last July 13.

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Photo from forum ZFD facebook page
(Click on photo to enlarge)

“We try to find a different way to tackle the Bangsamoro issue. Films are important to create discussions and dialogue and impact emotionally,” said project manager Manuel Domes of Civil Peace Service / Forum Ziviler Friedensdienst e. V. (forumZFD).
 
“Our main focus is not so much on the grander level of peace discourse but on the level of peace education, understanding the context, and articulating it.”
 
forumZFD is a German non-government organization which organized and funded the eight films included in the collection. It was also responsible for holding the workshop that guided the eight filmmakers in planning for their films. All eight hail from Mindanao. The Long Reach of Short Films – Telling Stories of Peace in Mindanao film project is a collective initiative to show various stories of peace and conflict transformation in the Bangsamoro region.
 
It stated in their Facebook page that “Mainstream narratives on the Philippines’ southern island Mindanao are often centered on violence and an over-simplification of its underlying causes. While realities of armed clashes, kidnappings, and human rights violations must not be ignored, there are stories of hope and peace, which often escape the attention of media and the public.”
 
In addition, the group also described the initiative as “Supported through a grant project in early 2016, the filmmakers came up with narrative and documentary short films providing different perspectives on the peace and conflict situation on the island. Collectively, the films seek to spark dialogue, foster understanding, and contribute to a bigger picture of what is Mindanao today.”

The films featured in the project are Under a Canopy of Light by Teng Mangansakan; Panicupan by Keith Bacongco; Dalem by Haidie Sangkad; Kulahi by Pam Chua; Upat Hinasil by Zehry Ibn Muhammad; In the Middle of an End by Ryanne Murcia; Digkilaan by Nef Luczon; and Pagbarug Tu Pagtuon (The Right to Learn) by Arbi Barbarona.

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Question for this article:

Can peace be achieved in Mindanao?

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Some of the films were also screened in Cotabato City in March this year as part of the commemoration of the second anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
 
In a recent news report, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza underscored the importance of recognizing and understanding the differences among Filipinos, Muslims or non-Muslims, to achieve long-lasting peace. “[T]here is a lot of ethnicities and diversity. In fact, one of the key points we have to emphasize is in order to have sustainable peace, dapat may tinatawag tayong social cohesion (we should have what we call social cohesion).”
 
“Let’s just accept the differences. Understand the differences and then accept these differences,” the OPAPP secretary continued.
 
Meanwhile, World Bank consultant on peace process support Michael Frank Alar and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) commissioner Atty. Al-Amin Julkipli who were also present at the event lauded the filmmakers for showing a different side of Mindanao distant from the usual war and conflict stories.
 
“The sad thing about Mindanao is that it is only about war that media picks up. Hardly are we interested about harmony and interfaith dialogue but those are what make Mindanao interesting,” Alar said. “These films will show you the different sights and facets of Mindanao.”
 
For his part, Julkipli stressed that hearing ground stories from the Bangsamoro would help in having a firmer grasp to the context of the armed struggle and the peace negotiations with the Moro armed groups. “When it comes to the question or issue of Bangsamoro, a lot of narrative have to be heard or have to be reheard. Some are important things – like memory – that have to be transmitted, and spaces that will have to be created.”
 
“[The film project] is about challenging all of us to try to internalize what we know about the story and the reality of Mindanao and the challenge of what we have learned and what we have to unlearn,” Atty. Julkipli added.
 
forumZFD is in the process of partnering with various organizations to continuously provide avenues for the showing of said films.  “We are working with a group of universities in Davao in developing teaching materials in the schools and looking for entry points in the curriculum to show these films,” Domes said.

(Thank you to the Global Campaign for Peace Education for calling this article to our attention)

East Asia, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Three Decades of Peace Education in the Philippines

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article by the Global Campaign for Peace Education

On June 27-28, 2016, the Dept. of Peace and Conflict Studies of the University for Peace and the Center for Peace Education of Miriam College organized a Forum on the theme “Three Decades of Peace Education in the Philippines.” The Forum, held at the Environmental Studies Institute of Miriam College, Quezon City Philippines, gathered more than 60 peace educators and advocates from all over the country representing various groups actively engaged in the peace movement in the Philippines for the past three decades. Participants came from state and private universities, colleges and schools, government, nongovernment and civil society organizations, interfaith dialogue circles and peace education/studies scholars from the University for Peace and Miriam College and UNESCO-ASP network.

Philippines
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Sharing personal stories has long been an inspiring and powerful way of reminding us how we may be better able to re-vision and respond to what may lie ahead. It has been more than three decades that peace education in the Philippines has become a goal, a pedagogy, a program and a movement. Before the formal institutionalization of Peace Education in the Philippine education system, the movement for Peace Education in the country began in the early 1980s, with the efforts of several individuals and groups from civil society organizations, academic institutions, and international organizations engaged and mobilized to promote and mainstream education for peace. After the 1986 People Power Revolution, peace education took off through various efforts of individuals, universities, academic/professional groups and civil society organizations, among others.  

The two-day Forum provided an opportunity for sharing stories of hope and challenges of formal and/or non-formal or community educators in promoting peace education over the past three decades. At the end of the Forum, participants were able to share renewed hope and inspiration of how to move forward as peace educators to fulfill a vision of a more just, compassionate, peaceful and sustainable planet.

Some of the most significant learnings from the forum included, in the words of participants, reflections such as: unique and inspiring stories of commitment towards peace advocacy, justice and integrity; storytelling is a powerful tool for peace education; diverse patterns of peace education and experiences that provide a lot of hope and wisdom; cascading theoretical knowledge about peace to practice; the sharing of best practices, framework & programs; the power of storytelling provides a concrete result for what has been done to really strengthen the implementation of peace education; there are many champions in peace education; the need to walk the talk; there are a hundred and one platforms for promoting peace education; peace education as a tool for social change/transformation; recognizing historical injustices from the earliest time; affirming peace education initiatives among Muslims and indigenous peoples; there are committed and passionate people sustaining peace education all over the country in different levels and areas – community, schools, government, and others; the feeling of affirmation that each one’s work and engagement finds connection in the stories of others.

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Question for this article:

Where is peace education taking place?

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The stories presented in the Forum will form the core of a proposed book publication which will be helpful in enhancing the theory and practice of peace education in the Philippines as well as in other countries and regions worldwide.

This very successful gathering and story sharing of peace educators spanning some three decades in the Philippines was organized and coordinated by Dr. Toh Swee-Hin and Dr. Virginia Cawagas from the University for Peace in Costa Rica and Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace from Miriam College Center for Peace Education in the Philippines.

Participants represented the following institutions.

FORMAL EDUCATION SECTOR

▪ Asia Pacific Network of International Education & Values Education (APNIEVE)
▪ Ateneo de Manila University Grade School
▪ Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Peace Institute
▪ Cotabato City State Polytechnic College
▪ DepED-Basic Education Sector BEST
▪ Far Eastern University, Angel C. Palanca Peace Program Foundation
▪ Holy Angel University, Angeles, Pampanga
▪ Mindanao State University, Maguindanao
▪ Miriam College, Center for Peace Education
▪ Miriam College, Grade School
▪ Philippine Military Academy
▪ Philippine Normal University
▪ St. Paul College, Pasig, Institutional Research
▪ University for Peace Costa Rica, Dept. of Peace & Conflict Studies
▪ University of the Philippines
▪ World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI)
▪ Xavier University Peace Center

NON-FORMAL EDUCATION SECTOR

▪ Conflict, Security and Development Team, The World Bank Philippine Office
▪ Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute
▪ Generation Peace
▪ Institute for Autonomy and Governance
▪ Interfaith Center for a Culture of Nonviolence (ICCN)
▪ Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement
▪ Museo Pambata
▪ Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
▪ Pax Christi Pilipinas
▪ PAZ, Peace Advocates Zamboanga
▪ Silsilah Dialogue Movement
▪ Teach Peace Build Peace Movement
▪ The Peacemakers Circle
▪ ZFD Forum of Development
 

East Asia, EDUCATION FOR PEACE