26/07/10
World Humanitarian Day 2010
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted in its Plenary Session on 11th December 2008, the Swedish sponsored Omnibus Resolution on “Strengthening of the Coordination of Emergency Humanitarian Assistance of the United Nations”, that carried the historic decision by the world body, to designate the 19th August as World Humanitarian Day to honor all humanitarian and the United Nations and associated personnel who have lost their lives in the cause of duty and those who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause. The Resolution invites all Member States, the United Nation system, within existing resources, as well as other international organizations and non-governmental organizations to observe the day annually in an appropriate manner.
The second World Humanitarian Day takes place this year on 19 August. The day aims to raise awareness of what it means to be a humanitarian aid worker by describing their work, explaining the principles that guide all humanitarians and portraying the hazards that humanitarian aid workers face in the course of their work. World Humanitarian Day will also honour those who have been killed or injured in the course of their work.
Why 19 August?
Seven years ago, on 19 August 2003 the United Nations office in Iraq was bombed. Twenty-two people and the bomber lost their lives and over 100 people were injured. Prior to that date and since then many other humanitarian aid workers have been injured or lost their lives while carrying out this important role. The most recent large-scale loss occurred as a result of the earthquake in January 2010. World Humanitarian Day has its origins in Iraq but this year aims to make the day genuinely reflective of the global humanitarian community.
To find out more about the day and what you could do to raise awareness of the day please visit their website at this link.
26/07/10
UN Human Rights Council unveils panel to probe deadly interception of Gaza flotilla
The United Nations Human Rights Council today announced the names of the three experts who will serve on a fact-finding mission to investigative violations of international law resulting from Israel’s interception of a flotilla of aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip, which led to the deaths of nine civilians.
Judge Karl T. Hudson-Phillips of Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Desmond de Silva of the United Kingdom and Mary Shanthi Dairiam of Malaysia will comprise the panel, the Council’s President, Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow of Thailand, stated.
Mr. Phuangketkeow called on all parties to fully cooperate with the fact-finding mission, saying he hoped its work would contribute to peace and justice in the region.
“The expertise, independence and impartiality of the members of the mission will be devoted to clarifying the events which took place that day and their legality,” he noted. The three experts will now map out their plan of action and contact all relevant parties before they travel to the region, according to a press statement issued by the Human Rights Council. The panel is then expected to report on its finding to the Council at a session in September.
The Council ordered the formation of a fact-finding mission on 2 June, three days after members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted the convoy of six ships in international waters. The flotilla was trying to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been the subject of an Israeli blockade since 2007. Nine people were killed and dozens more were wounded.
The head of the panel is yet to be determined. Judge Hudson-Phillips served as a judge on the International Criminal Court (ICC) between 2003 and 2007, Sir Desmond was the Chief Prosecutor at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) in 2005 and Ms. Dairiam has been a member of UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Gender Equality Task Force since 2007.
A spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted today that while he hoped the Council’s panel receives the full cooperation of all parties, discussions continue on his own proposal for an international panel into the incident.
11/06/10
Peace Day unites young people and NI emergency services
The River Lagan in Belfast was a spectacular sight yesterday with over 100 people gathering to watch the first ever Dragon Boat Race between young people from the greater Belfast and Dublin areas competing against Northern Irelands Emergency Services. The participants and spectators alike soaked up some of Belfast’s rare sunshine to celebrate the launch of Springboards 2010 Peace Day Campaign. The Lagan Water Sports centre set the scene for what turned out to be an exciting competitive fun day of races. The climax of the day was the thrilling race between the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service against the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI), one has to give it to the PSNI team who were very deserving winners on the day, although we all should give credit to all who participated and put on a good show. Springboard’s Marketing and Recruitment Manager Paula Quinn stated ‘We could not have asked for a better way to start the Peace Day Campaign, this was a great way to show that people from all sectors of society can come together and have fun’
This event kick started Springboards 2010 Peace Day Campaign, which will be followed by many other exciting events opened to all through out the year.
20/05/10
Executive Director addresses Peace III Conference
Angila Chada, Springboard’s Executive Director, addressed delegates at the Peace III conference in the Waterfront Hall, on behalf of the Belfast City Councils’ Good Relationship Partnership. The conference was being held to mark the mid way point of the current Peace III Programme and help celebrate its success. In her speech, Angila Chada drew attention to the diverse range of intervention programmes being delivered across Belfast. While she recognised much had been achieved to date, there were still challenges to be met and she underlined the commitment of the Good Relations Partnership to the Belfast Action Plan.
20/04/10
Dragon Boat Race
In the build up to the 21st September the Springboard Opportunities' Emergency Services programme will be holding an event on the 10th June, a Dragon Boat Race for Peace, and would like to invite organisations or groups to enter a team to race on the day to show not only support for the campaign but to also highlight good relations and positive partnerships.
The racing will begin at 12.00noon and will take place on the Lagan River in Belfast. Each team should consist of 13 – 17 people (an equal number of rowers and one drummer to direct the team).
For further information please visit the Events section of the website at the link above.
20/04/10
Ban calls for diverting weapons budgets to economic development
The General Assembly yesterday held a day-long debate on disarmament with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calling on the world to reverse its spending on weapons as compared with development.
“The world is over-armed, and development is under-funded,” he told the 192-member Assembly at the start of the thematic debate on disarmament and world security, and both the role of the United Nations and challenges for the international community. “Spending on weapons worldwide is now well above $1 trillion a year – and rising.
“These priorities should be reversed. By accelerating disarmament, we can liberate the resources we need to combat climate change, address food insecurity and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” he added, referring to the ambitious targets set by the UN Summit of 2000 to slash a host of social ills by 2015, including extreme hunger and poverty, maternal and infant mortality and lack of access to education and health care.
Mr. Ban cited several encouraging trends, including last week’s Washington summit on nuclear security and the signing earlier this month by Russia and the United States of a nuclear weapons reduction treaty, stressing “now is the moment to build on that momentum.”
20/04/10
Awareness Raising Toolkit
People Building Peace a project of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) have developed a toolkit which aims to assist anyone who wishes to start a campaign or organize an activity around issues of peace and conflict.
It was designed in particular for members of the GPPAC, and focuses on awareness raising activities surrounding the UN International Day of Peace. However, large parts of it will also be useful for other civil society organizations and other campaigns and activities in this field.
It includes campaign basics, facts and figures you can use in your campaign, strategies you can employ in order for your campaign to be successful, and ideas for taking action such as public events you could organize and ways to engage the media. Finally, it lists a number of other sources that could be helpful to you in raising awareness on conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
To find out more or to download a copy of the toolkit please visit the People Building Peace Project here.
23/2/10
'Sheer miracle' that Northern Ireland court bomb did not kill
Police were left with just minutes to clear the area around Newry courthouse before a car bomb weighing up to 250lbs exploded on Monday night.
No-one was killed or injured in the blast which was heard two miles away. But police said that was a "sheer miracle".
Dissident republicans are being blamed for the attack in which a number of buildings were damaged.
"We could have been looking today at multiple deaths," Police Chief Superintendent Alisdair Robinson said. People were still being moved to safety at the time of the explosion. He said the blast happened just 17 minutes after a telephone warning which said that it would go off in half an hour.
The attack is thought to be the first time a large car bomb has exploded in Northern Ireland since the bombing of Stewartstown police station in 2000.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward said: "This is an appalling attack by a very small group of people who refuse to accept that peace is working in Northern Ireland." Police had been bracing themselves for some sort of response to the Hillsborough Agreement, signed just over two weeks ago, which had focused on the devolution of Policing and Justice powers to the Northern Ireland Executive.
23/2/2010
Haiti’s humanitarian situation improving but challenges remain
More and more survivors of Haiti’s earthquake are receiving vital assistance but it is clear that not everyone in need has yet been reached and much more remains to be done, particularly in terms of emergency shelter and sanitation, a top United Nations official said today.
“The humanitarian situation in Haiti is undoubtedly improving day by day. But we are under no illusion about the scale of the challenges still ahead for the next weeks and months,” Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes told the Security Council.
Around 3 million people – one in every three Haitians – were badly affected by the 12 January quake, the majority of them in the capital, Port-au-Prince, but also in other surrounding towns and cities.
Mr. Holmes, who visited Haiti and the Dominican Republic last week, reported that the worst of the medical emergency has passed; around 3 million people have received food rations; clean water is available for the vast majority of those in need; and every day more and more relief supplies are reaching the country and being distributed.
He added that the provision of shelter and sanitation is the top priority, with an estimated 1.2 million Haitians in need of emergency shelter support.
“There are no instant solutions. It will take time to cover all these needs, and care to maintain help to the most vulnerable without creating dangerous aid dependency,” stated Mr. Holmes, who is also UN Emergency Relief Coordinator.
“But we must not waver in helping several million people not only survive this catastrophe, but also rebuild their livelihoods and lives in a new and better way.”
21/01/10
Peace Day Campaign 2010
2009 was an amazing year for Springboard's Peace Day Campaign to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace.
On Monday 21 September 2009, the Campaign was officially started with a minute’s silence led by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Naomi Long. The event which was attended by a range of local cross community groups and guests emphasised the importance of the day on both a personal and community level as well as highlighting some of the events and activities which had been a part of the awareness raising campaign for 2009.
That evening Springboard held the second local Belfast Peace Day Concert to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace which was headlined by local singing sensation Brian Kennedy. The ethos of the day was simple: celebrate peacebuilding and think about what we can do to share a positive message to those areas around the world experiencing conflict and in our own local communities.
The 2010 campaign is starting now with lots of work still ahead, so check back here soon to see what’s in store for 2010 and if you have not already done so please sign up to the campaign to show your support of Peace Day here.
21/01/10
Pre-registration now open for the UN Youth Assembly
The 7th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations (YA) will take place at the UN headquarters in New York, August 4 – 6, 2010.
The Youth Assembly gathers youth leaders (16 - 24 years old) from around the world and involves them in the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Discounted, pre-registration is open, online at: www.faf.org delegates are urged to register at a discount and ensure their place at the event.
The Youth Assembly empowers young people through lectures, workshops, campaign presentations, and other special events. Delegates learn ways to identify viable approaches to MDG success – the corner stone of the UNs better world approach to improving the lives of millions of people across the globe. Attendees receive practical help on how to start NGOs and how to administer or manage campaigns.
They develop networks that identify existing work by governments, the UN, or civil society at home or abroad, and the implications for social entrepreneurship on MDG success.
A general information flyer can be downloaded here and further information of the leadership Seminars can be downloaded here. For more information please visit the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation at this link.
21/01/10
IPDTC Spring Peace Academy 2010
IPDTC is launching its 2010 Spring Peace Academy (SPA) with a range of programmes addressing core and expert skills and knowledge training for policy makers and practitioners working in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, development work, humanitarian aid, gender, governance and related areas.
Established in 2003 the International Peace and Development Training Centre specializes in providing advanced and expert training programs for governments, UN staff, policy makers, conflict parties and leadership, field workers, local and national organisations, and staff of international agencies.
For more information on course content, fees and application procedure, please see attachment or visit the IPDTC website here or email training@patrir.ro
11/09/09
Race To Embrace 5K Fun Run
Organised by Springfield Charitable Association in association with the Greater Shankill Community Safety Network. This unique race will cover the Falls and Shankill Roads areas of Belfast finishing back at Farset International. It encourages all people, of all abilities, colour, creed or ethnicity to participate.
The event starts at 10:30am on Sunday 20th September. Numbers are limited to 350 people so please pre-register. To register for this event please contact Terry McNeill on 02890 235350. The registration form can be downloaded here and an information poster here.
27/07/09
Win tickets for Peace Day Concert
Sign up to the Peace Day Campaign and have the chance of winning two tickets for the Peace Day Concert headlining Brian Kennedy on 21 September at the Ulster Hall. All new entries made during the month of August will be placed in a draw. The lucky winner will be notified on 1st September 2009. Please note it is one entry per person and multiple entries will not be counted. Good luck!
17/07/09
Peace Day Campaign 2009 Concert Confirmed
Building upon the success of last years concert to raise awareness for the UN International Day of Peace, the Peace Day Campaign concert this year will be held in Belfast’s Ulster Hall with the highly talented headline act Brian Kennedy.
With 'a voice to charm the angels' Brian will be live on stage to perform old favourites and tracks from his latest album Interpretations. Described as 'the ultimate live performer' Brian always provides his audiences with a night to remember, in his own words 'performing live is what it is all about'.
To get tickets to this special concert to raise awareness of the UN International Day of Peace please contact the Ulster Hall Ticket Office on 028 90 334455 or at their website here.
Brian Kennedy Live + support
Presented by:
Springboard Opportunities Limited - Peace Day Campaign
Monday 21st September 2009
Doors 7.30pm
Tickets
£22.50 seated
30/03/09
Peace Day in the Middle East
PARENTS CIRCLE – FAMILIES FORUM (PCFF) is a community of Israelis and Palestinians who have lost close family members during the conflict. Together, they promote a long-term reconciliation process through dialog and mutual understanding.
The PCFF marked the International Peace Day 2008 by commemorating family members who died due to the conflict. On that day their message was "Stop the Bloodshed".
The day started with a visit to bereaved families in the Palestinian town of Ni'lin and to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which is near Gaza. The day ended with a ceremony for the whole group, and the annual awards, which are presented to people and organizations that have dedicated their time and efforts to reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. The awards were presented to Israeli Yehuda Shaul and his organization "Breaking the Silence" and to the Palestinian Ayed Ahmad Morar for his work of non-violent opposition to the occupation. A further special mention was awarded to Buma Inbar for his efforts in organizing relief to Palestinian farmers and families and particularly to sick Palestinian children.
To find out more about their work please visit their website here.
30/03/09
Thousands attend peace vigils in Northern Ireland
Thousands of people have attended a series of rallies in Northern Ireland to show their anger at the murders of two soldiers and a policeman.
Silent protests took place in Belfast, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick and Londonderry.
Speaking in Belfast, Eugene McGlone of the Unite union, which helped organise the rallies, described the turnout as "very heartening".
"There was probably in excess of 10,000 people," he said.
"There were I suppose some apprehensions on the part of some of our people as to whether or not we would get a crowd out at such short notice."
Conservative MP Sir Patrick Cormack, chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs committee, said the demonstration at Westminster showed "our resolve to stand with the people against violence".
"We have been deeply moved by what has happened this week, but we were totally revolted by the appalling murders, but out of that tragedy a new strength has come," he said.
05/02/09
Another First for Springboard!
During 2009 Springboard will publish the first locally based resource pack to help groups raise awareness of the International Day of Peace on the 21st September each year. The resource pack will be aimed at three distinct age groups - under 10’s, teenagers and young adults. It will include a range of activities, workshop/lesson plans and ideas for engaging individuals and groups in what they can do to celebrate and mark Peace Day. The pack is part of Springboard’s Peace Day campaign to encourage individuals and organisations, to join the millions of people from across the world that privately or publicly commemorate this Day of non-violence and ceasefire. Cynics may argue, ‘what good is just one day? But building peace always begins with one day - so why not join our campaign and register your support to mark Peace Day here.
05/02/09
Peace Day Saves Lives in Afghanistan
The UN Ambassador to Afghanistan, Kai Eide underscores the vital role UN Peace Day 2008 played in saving lives, ”Overall, there is no doubt that the security situation is deteriorating, the figures show that and it is of grave concern. But at the same time the United Nations in Afghanistan was able to mobilize its agencies and partners and millions of ordinary Afghans to respect the International Day of Peace on 21 September. Hostilities were almost brought to a halt and more than 1.8 million children were vaccinated against polio. So even when the situation is difficult, peaceful activities can take place. That gives me hope for Afghanistan.”
To read the full interview please visit here.
05/02/09
New Appointments at UN Peacebuilding Commission
Heraldo Muñoz of Chile and Park In-kook of the Republic of Korea were elected Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, by acclamation for a period of one year beginning on 1 January 2009. The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is a new intergovernmental advisory body of the United Nations that supports peace efforts in countries emerging from conflict, and is a key addition to the capacity of the international community in the broad peace agenda.
The Commission plays a unique role in
- bringing together all of the relevant actors, including international donors, the international financial institutions, national governments, troop contributing countries;
- marshalling resources and
- advising on and proposing integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery and where appropriate, highlighting any gaps that threaten to undermine peace.
The concurrent General Assembly and Security Council resolutions establishing the Peacebuilding Commission also provided for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Fund and Peacebuilding Support Office, which together form the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.
For more information about the UN Peacebuilding Commission, please visit their website here.
06/01/09
The Peace Day Campaign reaches its first century!
Since 2008, over 100 individuals, groups, politicians, community groups, schools, churches and public sector organisations have now joined Springboard’s Peace Day Campaign. The aim of the campaign is to create a talking point about the International Day of Peace, which takes place every year on 21st September, across every Member State of the United Nations.
Peace Day is both a day of celebration and reflection: celebration of the amazing steps we have all taken towards peace, and reflection on how we all have something to contribute to this international day of ceasefire and non-violence. 2008 was an important first year of the Peace Day Campaign: the campaign is growing in numbers and gaining momentum, and 2009 will see even more events and activities in the name of peace. We invite you to join the campaign and see how you can get involved in the International Day of Peace 21st September 2009.
06/01/09
2008: An amazing year for the Peace Day Campaign
2008 was an amazing year for Springboard's Peace Day Campaign. On Sunday 21st September 2008, Springboard held the first ever local Belfast concert for Peace to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace and to celebrate with local bands, community groups and visitors. The ethos of the day was simple: celebrate peacebuilding and think about what we can do to share a positive message to those areas around the world experiencing conflict. 2008 also saw huge steps forward for Springboard's Peace Day Campaign. A number of resources were produced, raising awareness in communities of the International Day of Peace and engaging people in what they can do to celebrate and reflect on peacebuilding. Springboard produced a ‘Song for Peace’ CD and MP3. 2008 also saw the release of the short film spoof ‘Apocalypse (Not) Now’ and production of a Peace Day poster by Springboard's youth groups. An awareness-raising campaign through workshops was led by Springboard's youth groups across the community, and promotional coasters were also designed and circulated across Belfast. Peace Day wristbands were designed and distributed to peacebuilding groups working in Ypres, and Peace Day slate plaques were built and will be presented at key events throughout this year.
Other activities carried out by the Peace Day Campaign in 2008 included: the design and production of an Art in Diversity mural, which is now on view at the Northumberland Street peace line gate; and an intergenerational project with residents of a Belfast care home to share perspectives on conflict. 2008 also saw a project with childcare centres in Kitchener (Canada) on residents' perspectives on peace. There was also a cross-community sports day with primary schools to raise awareness of Peace Day.
The Peace Day Campaign website was officially launched in Stormont by Gerry Kelly MLA, Junior Minister of the OFMDFM, and faith-based groups, schools, community and voluntary sector organisations, elected councillors, MLAs, MPs and MEPs were all informed about the International Day of Peace 2008, and encouraged to join the campaign. Visits to MLAs took place to raise awareness and gain cross-party support for Peace Day and the campaign, and to date, over 100 such groups and individuals have officially joined.
06/01/09
So what is in store for the Peace Day Campaign in 2009?
The aim of the Peace Day Campaign is to create a talking point about the International Day of Peace, and how we all have something to contribute to this amazing international day of ceasefire and non-violence. 2008 was an important first year of the Peace Day Campaign, and 2009 will see even more events and activities in the name of peace.
This year's concert for peace will build on the amazing success of last year's event, and the historic Mandela Hall in Belfast has already been booked for Saturday 19th September 2009. The event will celebrate the International Day of Peace 2009, and will be a festival for music lovers of all ages - mark it out in your diary now!
Springboard will also hold a Peace Day fun day and launch an educational resource on the International Day of Peace.
What will you do to celebrate peace and encourage ceasefire this year on 21st September?
06/01/09
2009: The International Year of Reconciliation
2009 is going to be an exciting year for people and organisations involved in peacebuilding. A number of important events and activities are taking place throughout the year, and these represent useful tools as you think about how to engage your communities and public authorities in peacebuilding. 2009, for example, will see rotating European Union presidencies for the Czech Republic and Sweden. As you start building your 2009 programme of work, gauging priorities, coordinating events and planning strategy for the year ahead, you can also take a look at some of the official days and weeks - including the International Day of Peace on 21st September - designated as official days of remembrance and celebration for causes relating to peacebuilding. The full list is online here.
2009 also marks the International Year of Reconciliation. The year has been officially designated by the United Nations as a way to encourage those estranged by conflicts to confront today’s challenges and address a new process to heal relationships and uphold justice for the future. Reconciliation processes are urgent in countries and regions of the world which have suffered or are suffering situations of conflict, and which have been affected and divided internally, nationally and internationally. We invite you to celebrate and promote this International Year of Reconciliation across all levels of society: promoting it in your materials and news releases; reaching out to family and friends; engaging in dialogue and in building good relations in the groups, neighbourhoods, communities and societies you are working in.
NI's first local free Peace Day music festival, Belfast, 21st September
Springboard held the first local Belfast Peace Day Concert to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace on 21st September 2008. Springboard wants to create a talking point about this international day of ceasefire and non-violence, and this free music festival was a fantastic day for the whole community. To read full details about this event, click here
More and more sign up to support the Peace Day Campaign
We are encouraging all our site visitors to sign their name to our Peace Day campaign and help us ensure the UN International Day of Peace is officially observed in our part of the world. We are delighted that MLAs and Councillors from across the Northern Ireland parties have signed up to express their support for the campaign. These include members from across the political spectrum. Many others have also expressed their support, such as schools, community and voluntary groups, as well as members of the public. By adding your name to the list, we will gain a powerful voice at the NI Assembly, encouraging our elected representatives to one day officially mark the International Day of Peace.
Events to mark Peace Day to be held across NI
The Baha'i community of Omagh will be holding a devotional gathering with prayers and readings on the theme of peace, on 21st September at 3pm.
