In todays conflicts, civilians suffer more and, in many cases, are subjected to systematic abuse. In Congo, more than 15,000 women reported being raped in 2010 alone, and the number of unreported rapes is high.
Conflict, terror and violence are a hindrance to human development and often mean violation of central human rights. Human dignity is violated. The struggle for resources, ethnic conflicts, the consolidation of power and political repression are often the central reasons when conflicts arise.
Our global programmes
Norwegian Church Aid works with local partners in many countries to ensure that all people achieve their right to peace and security. We have two global programmes within this field:
Our advocacy work
Norwegian Church Aid lobbies those in power, both nationally and globally. We advocate for them to take good decisions so that people achieve their right to peace and security:
- Humanitarian space must be protected in conflict situations
- Civil society and religious actors must be included as central participants in peacebuilding and the resolution of conflicts. Moreover, peace initiatives from these groups receive our support.
- More women must be included in the prevention of conflict and in peace building. This means that women’s participation in peace initiatives and combating impunity must be prioritised in cases of gross human rights violations.
- Full national implementation of Security Council Resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889. The United Nations must, moreover, establish stricter follow-up mechanisms.
- We support local initiatives for small arms control and the prevention of armed violence.
- The control of Norwegian arms exports must be strengthened so that weapons and ammunition do not fall into the wrong hands. We are also working toward a legally binding agreement regulating the sale of conventional weapons, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
If a peace process or agreement is to be attainable and credible, it must reflect the opinions of the people who are affected by the war or violence. Norwegian Church Aid is working to ensure that the voices of women, young people, civil society organisations and religious institutions are heard in peace processes.
Dialogue between religions
Norwegian Church Aid believes that religion can simultaneously be a cause of conflict and a key to reducing violence and building peace. We therefore believe that interreligious dialogue is of great value.