Sunday the 21st of September marked the International day of Peace, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. Twenty years later – in 2001 – this same General Assembly designated the day as a period of non-violence and ceasefire. On this day, PBI took a moment to reflect on what peace means for human rights defenders and volunteers.
PBI has been working side by side with human rights defenders in conflict areas for almost 45 years. The brave work of these human rights defenders shows that peace is not a given, but is something that should be protected and built every day. Whether it’s about activists protecting land rights in Latin America, women’s rights in Kenya or queer rights in Indonesia: their efforts remind us that peace begins with protecting human rights.
On this International Day of Peace, the important work of PBI was recognized by the Oecumenische Basisgemeente De Duif. During a Peace Mass of this religious community in Amsterdam Zuid, PBI volunteers Arianne and Sara received a Peace Dove. Volunteer Arianne held a short speech.
Arianne and Sara share why they are volunteers with PBI.
Arianne: “Helping connect organisations to international support is my small way of contributing as a volunteer.”
Sara: “I volunteer with PBI because the rising threats to human rights defenders cannot be ignored. By sharing their work, I can stand with them.”