The Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation (NCfR) hosted women and men leaders, peacebuilders, human rights defenders, village elders and chiefs in Chabai, North Bougainville, on Saturday 21 September, to celebrate the International Day of Peace (IDP).
Marking the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, the International Day of Peace has been designated a day of non-violence and ceasefire worldwide since 2001.
Welcoming participants, NCfR Director Sister Lorraine Garasu, said, “Our women, girls and children play a critical role in cementing peace for the future. It is up to us to lead change from within, and we express our deepest gratitude to the Australian Government for their continued support, which allows us to guide our communities towards a future without violence.”
Australian High Commission Counsellor for Bougainville and Kokoda, Daniel Wells, opened the event by reflecting on the importance of committing to long-term peace:
“The journey towards lasting peace in Bougainville has been achieved by integrating traditional knowledge and practices with modern peacebuilding strategies and research. NCfR exemplifies this approach, drawing on pasin kastom to help communities and families resolve trauma and conflict,” he said.
Minister for Community Development, the Hon. Morris Opeti, affirmed the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) commitment to the Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, Peace and Security agenda and its importance in ensuring equal access to resources, freedoms and opportunities for women and girls throughout Bougainville.
Addressing the 2024 IDP theme ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’, panellists Agnes Titus (NCfR Advocacy Coordinator), Rose Pihei (peacebuilder) and Barbara Tanne (President of the Bougainville Women’s Federation) spoke of the pivotal role of women in sustaining peace and the need to mentor a new generation of peacebuilders.
Delphine Kenneth, a peacebuilder and Chair of Haku Women’s Collective was happy to be part of the celebrations, “The International Day of Peace is an especially relevant celebration in Bougainville because it recognises the hard-working peacebuilders who work tirelessly at the grassroots to resolve issues that arise in communities. We appreciate the support that the Australian Government is giving in this space, it is a much-needed area of work that needs to be supported more than ever.”
NCfR peacebuilding activities include building community leaders’ capacity in conflict prevention, mediation and resolution. NCfR is currently working with communities in North Bougainville, Paruparu in Central region and Lenoke in the South.
In partnership with the ABG Department of Community Development, the Australian and New Zealand Governments are supporting NCfR with a K3 million grant to deliver community-based peacebuilding activities and expand the organisation’s geographic and demographic footprint throughout Bougainville.
Peacebuilders, local leaders and government members at the Bougainville International Day of Peace celebration.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100