Peace is not merely the absence of war… Rather it is founded on a correct understanding of the human person and requires the establishment of an order based on justice and charity.
The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights reports more than 95 active conflicts across five continents, involving a mix of state and non-state actors, including national armies, rebel groups, terrorist organizations and criminal gangs. This widespread violence has had serious consequences for civilian populations, who are always the first victims conflict.
Several factors are at the root of these conflicts. Among the main ones are:
Competition for access to and control over natural resources such as oil, gas, minerals and precious metals
The struggle for control over geographical areas that are crucial for the transit of goods and minerals to the global market
The growing influence of private companies in government affairs, particularly neoliberal policies advocating the privatization of state assets and market deregulation
Social inequalities exacerbated by the deepening of neoliberal policies, leading to social fragmentation and the rise of insurrectionary movements seeking to challenge the status quo and address their grievances through violent means
The erosion of democratic values and overt political exclusion
Disinformation that can spread rapidly, shape public opinion and stoke tensions
Armed conflicts around the world have a disproportionate impact on the lives of civilians, who bear the brunt of the violence, displacement and deprivation.
The adoption of attacking civilians as a strategy of war has resulted in:
Approximately 90% of the victims of conflicts being civilians
Forced displacement within and outside conflict-affected countries
Widespread human rights violations, including war crimes, genocide and ethnic cleansing
Violations of international law, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure, illegal detention, torture and other forms of abuse
Civilans suffer lasting physical and psychological trauma, which impedes them from rebuilding their lives and communities long after conflicts have ended.
The majority of civilian casualties are:
The work of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) is anchored in a deep commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering environments where peace and life can flourish.
To effectively meet the needs of conflict-affected populations, it is essential to understand their vulnerabilities and realities. With our local partners, we support programs that aim to:
Promote peaceful conflict resolution by equipping communities with the resources, skills and power they need to take action
Prevent and mitigate the effects of conflict on the most vulnerable populations by strengthening communities’ resilience against immediate and long-term impacts
Foster sustainable peace and reconciliation by promoting human rights and supporting transitional justice processes (truth and reconciliation commissions, reparation mechanisms, legal reforms, etc.)
Prevent escalation to violence by supporting local peace initiatives and facilitating dialogue and mediation
Transform conflicts through education and social cohesion to foster critical thinking, tolerance and a culture of peace
Support reconstruction and the livelihoods of affected populations by combating gender-based violence and addressing the impacts of climate change
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