IFOR meets with Peace Comunity reps in Geneva / IFOR rencontre les représentants de la Communauté de Paix à Genève / IFOR recibe a los representantes de la Comunidad de la Paz en Ginebra

#nonviolence #HumanRights #PeaceCommunity

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR had the privilege to welcome to its office in Geneva on Monday October 10th -at the Ecumenical Center- two representatives of the Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.

The Peace Community is a great 25 yrs outstanding practice of nonviolent resistance in a highly violent context.

Accompanied by the former director of Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, IFOR's guests presented the ongoing concerning situation that the Peace Community faces on a daily basis in #Colombia.

The meeting has been an opportunity for further planning on solidarity actions in continuity with IFOR supporting initiatives.

IFOR has also shared this visiting opportunity with other partner organizations in Geneva such as Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

IFOR's Main Representative, Zaira Zafarana, with the visiting guests of the CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra and Roviro Lopez Rivera and RIDHI Ramon Munoz in IFOR office.

Ecumenical Center in Geneva, headquarter of World Council of Churches, where the IFOR office is located in Geneva

IFOR's guests together with the Main representative of Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII at the UN.

You are welcome to share on social media.

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#non-violence #droits de l'homme #communauté de paix
Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation - MIR a eu le privilège d'accueillir dans ses bureaux à Genève le lundi 10 octobre - au Centre Oecuménique - deux représentants de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
Accompagnés de l'ancien directeur de Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, les invités d'IFOR ont présenté la situation préoccupante à laquelle la Communauté de Paix doit faire face quotidiennement en Colombie.
La réunion a été l'occasion de planifier des actions de solidarité dans la continuité des initiatives soutenues par IFOR.
L'IFOR a également partagé cette opportunité de visite avec d'autres organisations partenaires à Genève, comme l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

Zaira Zafarana, représentante principale d'IFOR, avec les invités du CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra et Roviro Lopez Rivera et RIDHI Ramon Munoz dans les bureaux d'IFOR.

Centre oecuménique de Genève, siège du Conseil oecuménique des Eglises, où se trouve le bureau d'IFOR à Genève.

Les invités d'IFOR avec le représentant principal de l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII à l'ONU.

https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFellowshipofReconciliation

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#noviolencia #DerechosHumanos #ComunidadDePaz
International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR tuvo el privilegio de recibir en su oficina de Ginebra el lunes 10 de octubre -en el Centro Ecuménico- a dos representantes de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
La Comunidad de Paz es una gran práctica de 25 años de resistencia no violenta en un contexto altamente violento.
Acompañados por el ex director de la Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, los invitados de IFOR expusieron la preocupante situación que la Comunidad de Paz enfrenta cada día en #Colombia.
El encuentro ha sido una oportunidad para seguir planificando acciones de solidaridad en continuidad con las iniciativas de apoyo de IFOR.
IFOR también ha compartido esta oportunidad de visita con otras organizaciones asociadas en Ginebra como la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

La Representante Principal de IFOR, Zaira Zafarana, con los invitados de la CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra y Roviro Lopez Rivera y RIDHI Ramon Munoz en la oficina de IFOR.

Centro Ecuménico de Ginebra, sede del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, donde se encuentra la oficina de IFOR en Ginebra

Los invitados de IFOR junto con el representante principal de la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII en la ONU.

Puedes compartirlo en las redes sociales.

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 19th -23rd 2022

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) is glad to invite you to participate in the 3rd edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within the UN system.

This year's program is titled “Strengthening civil society engagement within UN system” and is funded by the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

The aim is to provide a learning opportunity to civil society representatives, with particular focus to human rights defenders from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups, to take action as human rights advocates within the UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 19th to Friday 23rd 2022.

It will run during the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Participants will also learn about IFOR work on the right to conscientious objection to military service and about the draft resolution negotiation expected to take place at the UN Human Rights Council on this topic.

Participants will have the opportunity to address other Human Rights topics and thus explore how civil society can fully engage at the UN and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here and at the second edition here.

Due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic.

APPLICANTS

We look for participants who are linked to a civil society organization and are willing to engage in human rights.

Priority will be given to those from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups.

Participants should be:

-        at least 18 years old

-        fluent in spoken English

-        available for the entire week period

-        directly involved in the current work of a civil society organization

-        inclined to teamwork

-        motivated with regards to the human rights and international affairs agenda

-        ready to follow up within their own organization

PROGRAMME OF THE WEEK

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 19th at 3 pm.

During the week the participants will attend working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives.

The program will conclude on Friday 23rd at noon.

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition, there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs (round trip travel to Geneva and personal leisure) shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations.

Participants will need to take care of possible Visa requirements as well.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, interested people need to fill in the online form here.  

Deadline for application is August 30th 2022, at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to:

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) members of vulnerable or minority groups

For further information you are welcome to contact the coordinator of the program at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Applicants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

You can download the call here.

You are welcome to share on social media here.

READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either personal or within an organization." - Iskra

CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

IFOR is gladly inviting to the 5th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

IFOR is pleased to invite you to the 5th webinar in the series

"CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM"

Organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

This 5th webinar will have a particular focus on conscientious objection and asylum.

We will start from the basic question "Why do people object?" and listen to some first-hand answers, and then we will address the issue of asylum which concerns many objectors who have to flee their countries because of persecutions and violations, as a consequence of their choice to refuse to serve in the military.

• International Fellowship of Reconciliation will share about some of its members testimonies on conscientious objection.

• War Resisters' International will present its publication on Conscientious Objection in Turkey, including contributions from conscientious objectors from Turkey who sought asylum in Europe.

• The Quaker United Nations Office will present their recent report "Conscientious Objection to Military Service and Refugee Status Determination.

This webinar will offer an opportunity to know more about the experience of objecting to military service and to explore ways to support objectors who are seeking asylum in different countries around the world. Participants will get insights on legal background, international standards and national context and will get information on further available resources.

Register here to get the link to connect and participate:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLT...

The event will be in English and last 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a Q & A section.

The webinar will be followed by a 30-minute community forum allowing a space for attendees to share any relevant updates about their work and countries and to inform on upcoming initiatives. 
Check the Facebook event here and spread the word.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 16th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLTHz2LtX1fbclid=IwAR2X_uY6LyFwcyjGKgDbhsinpDzD6WY_4rvBt79FzNvYvjEoXbLaTmS8jgo

We invite you to share the invitation!
-through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: International Solidarity - the Case of Turkey webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

Este evento también se impartirá en español y turco, entra aquí para inscribirte.

Haz clic aquí para descargar el folleto en español y leer más sobre este evento.

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IFOR is gladly inviting to the 4th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International .

This new webinar will take place on May 14th 2021 at 4:30pm CEST and will focus on

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
The Turkey Case

In Turkey the condition of conscientious objectors is defined as civil death because they are excluded by social, political and economic life.

We will hear from the Turkish organization for conscientious objection and from objectors who will share about their personal experience.

Guest Speakers Include:

• Dr Mine Yıldırım, Head of the Freedom of Belief Initiative, Norwegian Helsinki Committee

• Merve Arkun, Coordinator, Conscientious Objection Association, Turkey

• Seyda Can Yılmaz, Conscientious objector

• Onur Erden, Conscientious objector

• Ercan Jan Aktaş, Conscientious objectorWar Resisters' International

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English and in Spanish.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 14th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-2vrjktH9OKOVFc7g8q3k2sRCmOKYaC

We invite you to share the invitation!
-through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: PUBLIC AWARENESS", webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

Lea aquí sobre el seminario web sobre la Objeción de Conciencia al Servicio Militar que se llevará a cabo en inglés y español el 30 de marzo de 2021 y regístrese aquí.

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IFOR is gladly inviting to the 3rd webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International .

This new webinar will take place on March 30th 2021 at 5pm CEST and will focus on “PUBLIC AWARENESS” because conscientious objection to military service is a human right and wherever there is any form of military service conscription people must be able to refuse to participate on grounds of conscience; moreover, because conscientious objectors around the world are still persecuted and jailed.

We will listen from activists around the world and particularly from:

• Murat Kanatli, Activist, Initiative for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus

• Esa Noresvuo, Organizational Coordinator, The Union of Conscientious Objectors, Finland

• Amnon Brownfield Stein, International Solidarity Coordinator, Mesarvot, Israel

The webinar will be run in English and in Spanish.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the March 30th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have:https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZIlduitqzIrHdcKWOroaMiHCanio...

We invite you to share the invitation!
-through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

IFOR stands with human rights defenders and addresses the case of Buenaventura in Colombia, at the 46th Human Rights Council

El 15 de marzo de 2021 el Movimiento Internacional de Reconciliación - International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR ha abordado la situación en Colombia y ha pedido a los Estados miembros del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU y a la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos que presten atención a las violaciones en Buenaventura.
La declaración ha sido pronunciada en el plenario de la 46ª sesión del CDH por María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, una defensora de los derechos humanos colombiana que ha recibido recientemente amenazas por su trabajo; María Eugenia colabora con Presencia de Paz Peace Presence y es miembro de Conpaz.
Puedes ver la declaracion grabada aqui.

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On March 15th International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR addressed the situation in Colombia and called on the member States of the UN Human Rights Council and on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights "to give attention to the violations in Buenaventura (Colombia), an area where there are many foreign economic interests and to urge the national government to implement the peace agreement, to dismantle the surviving structures of paramilitarism, to fulfil the Acuerdo del Paro Cívico de Buenaventura and to prioritise social investment and not militarisation."
The statement has been delivered in the plenary of the 46th session of the Human Rights Council, by María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, a Colombian human rights defender who has recently received threats for her work; María Eugenia collaborates with Peace Presence and is a member of Conpaz.

Human Rights Council, 46th session
Geneva, 15 March 2021
Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention
Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Madam President,

The Final Peace Agreement was an important step towards overcoming the social and armed conflict. However, the government's unwillingness to implement it has made the human rights situation increasingly deplorable.
According to the report presented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, "In 2020, 76 massacres were documented, involving the death of 292 people, and 248 peace signatories have been killed". 1
My name is María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, family member of a victim, human rights defender and member of the Association of Victims Communities Building Peace in Colombia 2.
In this opportunity we present a situation that requires the Council's attention, the case of Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, where human rights violations, threats, assassinations, forced disappearances, extortion, displacement, dismemberment, confinement, recruitment, sexual violence and expropriation of collective territories are on the rise. Terror is imposed by paramilitary-type structures that operate despite heavy militarisation.
In this context, in January I received threats 3, which are directly related to my work of accompaniment and defence of human rights in this part of the country.
We call on the Member States and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to pay attention to these situations of violations in Buenaventura, an area where there are many foreign economic interests; to exhort the national government to implement the Peace Agreement, to dismantle the remaining paramilitary structures; to comply with the Acuerdo del Paro Cívico de Buenaventura 4, to prioritise social investment and not militarisation.

Thank you.

 [Translated from the original in Spanish]

1. https://www.hchr.org.co/documentoseinformes/informes/altocomisionado/HRC46-Informe-anual- 2020_traduccion-no-oficial.pdf

2. CONPAZCOL https://comunidadesconpaz.wordpress.com/

3. FOR Peace Presence y otras organizaciones escribieron una carta pública sobre estas amenazas

4. https://www.mininterior.gov.co/content/gobierno-logra-acuerdos-para-levantar-el-paro-civico-en-buenaventura

• You can download the English version of the statement here

• You can download the original statement in Spanish here

• You can watch the recording of this General Debate of the session of the Human Rights Council here (IFOR's statement is at 02:35:59)

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IFOR collaborates with both organizations for the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of peace.

CONPAZ - Comunidades Construyendo Paz en Colombia is a network of 140 victims’ organizations, present in 14 departments where the armed conflict still continues. Apart from its challenging work to strengthen community processes CONPAZ has presented decisive contributions to the peace negotiations in Havana, and is worried about its security situation.

In the framework of the peace negotiations CONPAZ proposed an alternative model of transitional justice, restorative justice, focused on reconciliation and investigation of the truth.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence (FORPP) is a non governmental organization dedicated to providing international accompaniment to communities and individuals at risk in Colombia who are working to promote human rights, peace and justice.

FOR Peace Presence provides physical safety, political visibility and solidarity by accompanying communities and organizations that embrace active nonviolence to defend life, land and dignity. FORPP started as a program of IFOR's U.S.A. branch and then, in 2014, FOR Peace Presence constituted itself as an independent organization.