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 polarization 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 countries of the Global South strengthens resilience against future crises. Projects at terre des hommes schweiz 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. Our projects have a sustainable approach.
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.
Through psychosocial support, we promote the resilience of young people so that they can develop prospects despite difficult living conditions and contribute to the security of their communities. In Zimbabwe, for example, we are improving the life prospects of HIV-positive young people through low-threshold youth work, combating stigmatization 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 particularly challenged. For example, we support young farmers in Nicaragua in securing 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 disregarded and civil society is suppressed. We strengthen our partner organizations and young people in demanding respect for their rights. In Brazil, young people are networking across the country in resistance to racist police violence and mobilizing for a security policy that complies with human rights.
Girls and young women in particular are affected by gender-based violence worldwide. We support young women in gaining independence through vocational training. To create more security in everyday life, we educate young people in South Africa, for example, about sexual rights and offer survivors of sexual violence urgently needed medical, psychosocial and legal support.
For more in-depth insights into our work and the topics we deal with, we would like to recommend the following studies and reports:
Questions on the topic?
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.