February 2006
Palestine Elections, Mindanao, Sri Lanka Update and More
Middle East
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) Strategic Relations Director David Grant and the 35 NP supporters from nine countries who voluntarily served as election monitors reported that the Jan 25 Palestinian elections were as democratic and as transparent as could be expected given the political situation.
In all the West Bank the only significant infringement noted was campaigning outside of the polling stations. There were more problems in Jerusalem due to the lack of privacy and crowded conditions of voting in the post office. Read more and view photos of the Palestinean election monitoring mission and the NP observation of the nonviolent protest at the wall in Bil'in .
Mindanao
NP Fundraising Director Rachel Julian just returned from Mindanao in the Southern Philippines where NP is planning to begin an early warning project once funding is identified. Mindanao is a region rich in resources and culture, but many people lack food, water, and basic services; and the complexity of numerous overlapping conflicts bring separation and fear.
Peace cannot be established without basic services yet development cannot be successful if there is a threat of violence.
One of the main roles for NP in Mindanao would be to provide protective presence to local groups and communities who are working for development and peace--enabling work in more remote areas, mitigating sparks that can lead to violence, and supporting nonviolent conflict resolution initiatives. NP intends to deploy a multi-national team of Christians, Muslims, and others who could model effective communication and teamwork among people with different languages and cultures.
NP must raise $250,000 USD to begin this project. Although we have not yet begun the recruitment process, we have already received many applications from peaceworkers around the world interested in working in Mindanao. Your contribution of $25, $100, or $250 will bring NP closer to this goal. Click here to donate online – or send a check to Nonviolent Peaceforce, 425 Oak Grove, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA or Rue Van Elewyck 35, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium.
Read more about the goals of the NP Mindanao Peacekeeping project .
Sri Lanka
Increased violence continues in the East and North. While many INGOs have closed their offices or restricted movement of their staff, NP remains and demand for our protective presence has increased. Read more about our work Sri Lanka .
Colombia
Latin America and Caribbean Regional Coordinator Alvaro Ramirez-Durnini and three others are in Colombia conducting an advance exploration for a potential NP deployment. They are visiting a number of peace communities and communities in resistance in five regions of Colombia. Read more about Colombia and stayed tuned for a reports on their findings and recommendations in the coming months.
Peace Bond Design Contest
Thank you to the more than 300 youth and adult artists from around the world who submitted entries for the 2006 International Peace Bonds Design Contest. The winning designs will be announced publicly in Washington, DC on May 2, 2006.
Remember Peace Bonds are just $10 USD each and make great gifts, create awareness for civilian unarmed peacekeeping and the work of NP, and support our ongoing efforts to reduce violence around the world. Click here to purchase Peace Bonds online .
With hope and resolve,
Mel Duncan, Executive Director
Nonviolentpeaceforce.org