Why your support is vital

We are grateful for your interest in peacebuilding and in particular your shared belief that peace is possible. Please be part of our work in 2013 – support International Alert and help more people find a peaceful future.

Here are just a few ways Alert has been helping to build peaceful lives around the world this year:

Women trading across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo face repeated assaults, abuse and corruption while simply trying to make a living. This year, Alert brought together these women and small-traders associations to talk and learn from each other. At the same time we trained border officials on customs regulations, human rights and gender sensitivity so that they know their role in promoting peace and prosperity. Alert has also promoted reconciliation through dialogue between traders from neighbouring countries and a new cooperative of Rwandan women was established.

In Rwanda, Alert’s groundbreaking reconciliation and reintegration programme brings together ex-prisoners, former combatants and survivors of the genocide. We set up dialogue clubs within communities and schools, provided trauma counselling and made microfinance available. The combination of these three elements helps people to move on, together, from the legacy of the genocide. As one beneficiary explains:

'There is no future for peace unless I can live in peace with my neighbours, even if they are Hutu and participated in my attack during the war.'

Our work in Liberia helps women and young people contribute to more effective political participation to access their rights. Activities included 10 radio dramas in nine languages on community radios, live radio phone-ins, 12 listening clubs and 46 interactive activities at the community level.

Alert’s work in Burundi has meant that 1,200 women took part in a series of events for local female leaders. The focus for these trainings was leadership, governance and communication skills. This opportunity was used as a forum to discuss the challenges women faced in rural areas.

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have agreed a peacebuilding framework that will guide the next critical parts in the negotiations for a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao. Alert has been a key player in negotiations and kept dialogue alive between the negotiating teams.

There is so much more we could tell you about our 50 active programmes in over 25 countries. Now, as we look forward to 2013, we plan to grow and reach even more people. Please be part of this – support International Alert and help us to build a more peaceful place for the future. We know it’s possible and so do those that we help.

Photo 1: © 2012 International Alert/Aubrey Wade
Photo 2: © 2012 Carol Allen Storey for International Alert
Photo 3: © 2004 International Alert/J. Matthews