Encouraging Action for Peace
In this article, we’re looking at how we could Tackle Problems like Climate Breakdown. Our most basic security need is to have a liveable planet. Yet climate change is often left down the list of security priorities. Climate breakdown could also make increase conflict, as resources become more scarce. Could tackling problems like climate breakdown […]
In this article, we’re thinking about how we could Promote Human Rights. Sometimes, we see security as holding onto the power we already have. We can be convinced to give up our basic rights in the name of protecting the status quo; and we can certainly become convinced that it’s necessary to take away other […]
In this article we’re thinking about how we could Meet People’s Basic Needs. Poverty and lack of access to resources are at the root of many conflicts around the world. Economic inequality is also linked to a whole range of social problems from poor public health to violent crime. Could ensuring that everyone has the […]
In this article, we’re exploring how we could Invest in Peacebuilding. If we see others as competitors or enemies, we naturally seek security in out-competing or defeating them. But this can lead to a cycle of destruction – even if we briefly ‘win’ we’re never secure. What if instead, we invested in peacebuilding, diplomacy and […]
Photo by Caroline Bennett, Amazon Watch. Our current theme Safe & Sound is all about rethinking security. Patricia Gualinga and the Mujeres Amazonicas are standing up for a peaceful and just idea of security – read their story and find out how you can take action: Patricia Gualinga is an indigenous leader of the Kichwa […]
We’re pleased to announce that our theme from now until Christmas is: Safe & Sound – how can we create security for everyone? Traditionally we see security as safety from threats. Fear can make us favour short-term solutions that take away the immediate threat, but don’t solve the underlying problems. If we see security as […]
There’s a week to go before protests against the DSEI arms fair in London. One of the largest arms fairs in the world, ‘Defence & Security Equipment International’ will feature exhibitors selling weapons from machine guns to tanks. A whole range of buyers will also be there – including Saudi Arabia, who have been invited […]
As part of our theme Stop Arming Repression, we’re looking at the impact of UK weapons sold to Saudi Arabia. As well as fuelling the war in Yemen, the UK has sold equipment to the Saudi security services, who are repressing their own population. Over recent years we’ve highlighted the personal story of Saudi human […]
Our theme Brummies for Peace is all about putting human rights before the profits of the arms trade. The UK government claims that it carefully screens applications to sell weapons around the world, to make sure that they won’t be used for repression, human rights abuses or targeting civilians. Yet the UK’s biggest customer for […]
Refugee week is here! The theme for 2019 is you, me & those who came before. It’s an invitation to explore the lives of refugees (and those who have welcomed them) throughout the generations. People escaping war and persecution have been welcomed by communities in Birmingham for hundreds of years, and their stories and contributions […]