ABColombia, a coalition of organisations supporting human rights in Colombia, will host a public conference in London next month in association with Conciliation Resources.
This year, to celebrate the International Day of Peace, we’re sharing the inspiring thoughts, ideas and stories of people who are working for peace across the globe. Behind the scenes, people in regions of conflict are working to bring peace. Real people on the front-line who are overcoming extreme challenges, demonstrating creativity, courage and resilience to prevent violence and resolve conflict in their communities.

Viola is from Yambio County, South Sudan. Four months ago, she started volunteering with the Self-Help Women Development Association (SHWDA), which works in five counties affected by the Lords Resistance Army.
Sofia Vinasco-Molina is part of the Truth, Memory and Reconciliation Commission of Colombian Women in the Diaspora (TMRC). The initiative brings together women in London and Barcelona to share their stories and memories of conflict and migration, and to claim a voice in Colombia’s peace process.

Albert Atama lives in Aru, a territory in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Uganda and South Sudan. The region has long been affected by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), which moves between the porous borders of the three countries. Albert is the coordinator of peace and reconciliation activities in Aru, and supports young people to find paths away from violence.

Ten years on from the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Nepal that ended a decade-long civil war, Conciliation Resources’ latest Accord spotlight publication explores gender relations and equality in the country’s transition from war.
Helen Padua is a volunteer at the Teduray Lambangian Women’s Organisation (TLWOI), a federation of 35 community-based women’s organisations of indigenous peoples in the province of Maguindanao in the Philippines. The organisation aims to support the inclusion of indigenous women in decision-making processes, community development projects, and justice and peace.

John Demi has been chief of his township in Nimba County, Liberia, for over 20 years. His town borders Cote d’Ivoire, and as a town elder, John helps to mediate community and cross-border disputes.

Darwisa Jamilon, is a Tausug* from the island of Mindanao in The Philippines. She is a community organiser at the Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA), which leads relief, rehabilitation and development projects in areas affected by the conflict between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Government of the Philippines.