Communication for Peace

1.2 Role of Media in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building (2005)

The University for Peace published this present textbook, the first of a series, as an introductory course rich in ideas, theories, examples and case studies, to analyze the crucial issues of the media in relation to conflict and peace. It neither blames the media for starting wars nor promotes them as potential peace-makers. The media can exert a decisive influence —constructive or polarizing—in any given situation. Ambitious politicians, whether dictators or not, try to tame the media (sometimes violently) and to make journalists into sycophants. Enlightened ones try to tell their peoples, through the media, what their goals are, and to solicit their support. There is no democracy without free, responsible media. And there is no peace.

1.3 Handbook, Resource and Teaching Material in Conflict Resolution, Education for Human Rights, Peace and Democracy (1994)

The objective of this handbook published by the International Peace Research Association and UNESCO is to enable teachers/trainers to develop behavioural skills and values that help students become more effective citizens in their countries through the educational process. It covers the practical aspects of tolerance, cross-cultural, ethnic and inter-religious understanding, the standards and norms of human rights and the skills and procedures of non-violent conflict resolution.

1.4 Women, faith and reconciliation (2005)

Building a culture of peace is the biggest, most complicated and most important issue in the world today, ranging from the international scenario down to the smallest family unit . The importance of the issue is shown by the prominence given to it by every organisation working for true peace and development. The Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) is one of these. They argue that, without the full participation of women enjoying equal rights with men, there can be no real peace, no real development, no real reconciliation, in fact no real hope for the world.

1.5 People Building Peace (2005)

This action agenda published by Global Partnership for the Prevention of armed Conflict outlines key priorities for a shift to prevention based on promoting human security. It addresses some of the main challenges for responding to conflict that is at risk of – or has already descended into – organized violence, as well as for addressing the consequences of war and building cultures of peace. It proposes measures to address some of the main structural causes of conflict by promoting greater human security. It suggests strategies for better focusing policies and structuring resources to achieve these aims. It concludes by highlighting key reforms and tasks.

1.6 Civil Society and Peace (2005)

The conclusion of most organizations from around the world, as they report progress toward a culture of peace during the first five years of the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, is that a global movement for a culture of peace is advancing. The richness of the reports reflects the definition of a culture of peace provided by a UN General Assembly resolution that called for a ‘transformation from a culture of war and violence to a culture of peace and non-violence’ consisting of ‘values, attitudes and behaviours that reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing based on the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation and that guarantee the full exercise of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society.’

1.7 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance (1995)

Proclaimed and signed by the Member States of UNESCO on 16 November 1995.

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