In brief
Developed by a coalition of UK-based organisations, the Peace Works report sets out how to prevent violent conflict around the world.
The HALO Trust is proud to join a coalition of organisations who have got behind Peace Works, a new report urging the UK government to take meaningful action against rising global violence.
Produced with 11 other UK-based charities, the report outlines ways in which the UK government could develop an ambitious, forward-thinking approach to both conflict prevention and resolution.
With more countries involved in violent conflict than at any time since 1945, the report highlights the devastating humanitarian, environmental and economic impacts of conflict. It also warns that with the rising cost of living and an underfunded humanitarian system, the world simply cannot afford more war.
Calum Craig, Senior Advocacy and Policy Manager at HALO says: "Violence devastates communities around the world, during conflict and long after it has ended."
"We see it in the communities we support every day at HALO. The ripple effects can last years.
"The Peace Works report shows why investing in peacebuilding and conflict prevention is essential for lasting security, prosperity and development."
Peace needs action, now
The report also outlines what we see as the defining trends in global conflict, from the new “world dis-order”, the undermining of global norms and agendas to the rapid advances in digital technologies.
Setting out how the UK government can work with others, including a range of civil society partners, it recommends the following:
Prioritise prevention in policy: publicly committing to a cross-government approach in conflict and atrocity prevention.
Energise coalitions of the willing: outside of the usual suspects in support of conflict prevention, international law and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Harness UK peace capabilities: set up cross-government conflict prevention taskforces and an external 'challenge board' to connect different sources of expertise and shape joined up, long-term strategies.
Champion local peacebuilding: increase direct funding to local civil society and streamline administrative burdens to ensure resources reach those best placed to act.
Spearheading a step change in PeaceTech: invest in digital safety for peacebuilders, and collaborate with tech firms to regulate AI and social media in conflict contexts.
As division and distrust grows in the UK, the British public want to see their government doing more to promote peace around the world.
In a recent survey by More in Common, 70% of respondents agreed that it is important that the UK invests more resources into peacebuilding. A fifth of those surveyed said that the UK should play a leading role in foreign affairs.
Participating organisations have invited Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and Kirsty McNeill, Minister of State for International Development to discuss the report and ways that their organisations can support the government.
Participating NGOs
The HALO Trust
Conciliation Resources
War Child
Tearfund
Search for Common Ground
International Alert
Saferworld
Peace Direct
GAPS
Mines Advisory Group
Christian Aid
Donate to save lives today
Just £15 a month can make a difference
