editorial
An approach to the promotion and building of a Culture of Peace in the Middle East civil society
The Movement for Peace -MPDL-, due to its deep commitment to the defence and fulfilment of Human Rights, held last April an International Seminar on "Civil Society and Culture of Peace" at Madrid’s Círculo de Bellas Artes.
The seminar focused on several geographical areas where there are conflicts that prevent the full development of human rights and where our organization is pro-actively involved in supporting processes of Culture of Peace. We approached the reality civil society in the Middle East is currently living in, within the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role it represents in the promotion and building of a Culture of Peace.
During the seminar, various presentations reflected on the importance of deconstructing the biased information we receive from the media and the need for a genuine process of actively listening to the voices of those who work with the goal of achieving peace in civil societies at national and international level.
One conclusion shared for conflict resolution, is that this should begin by the end of Israeli occupation and given this situation, Education for Peace becomes an essential tool. In this context, it is indispensable that both territories implement both formal and informal educational systems that modify the syllabus explaining the history of the area and promote respect and understanding and acceptance of others.
In this line of dialogue, meetings between young Palestinians and Israelis are really innovative and positive initiatives with a great individual impact on the dismantling of entrenched stereotypes and perceptions towards the other. The use of alternative spaces and means helping the community to learn and be productive while respecting the human condition are valuable tools in the process of building a Culture of Peace.
The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict goes beyond the commitment of governments, although it is recognized as a fundamental step. It takes a comprehensive and effective process of dialogue initiated by the civil society to build strong bridges of peace and solidarity to enable a genuine coexistence, based on respect and tolerance.
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