Peacebuilding Statement of Purpose
Catholic Relief Services staff and partners crafted this Statement of Purpose to complement the agency's vision that solidarity will transform the world and enable it to: cherish and uphold the sacredness and dignity of every person; commit to and practice peace, justice and reconciliation; and to celebrate and protect the integrity of all creation.
Peacebuilding Statement of Purpose
Peacebuilding:
- Is a process of changing unjust structures through right-relationships
- Transforms the way people, communities and societies live, heal and structure their relationships to promote justice and peace
- Creates a space in which mutual trust, respect and interdependence is fostered
Within CRS, peacebuilding is:
- Rooted in CRS' guiding principles and engages the local church, religious institutions, organizations and other actors in a mutual process of dialogue and transformation
- Is both a broad conceptual understanding that provides guidance for changing unjust systems and practices, as well as specific activities that change attitudes and behaviors to promote peace, tolerance and reconciliation
- Essential for transforming the world through solidarity
Peacebuilding Principles
Peacebuilding:
- Responds to the root causes of violent conflict, including unjust relationships and structures, in addition to addressing its effects and symptoms.
- Is based on long-term commitment.
- Uses a comprehensive approach that focuses on grassroots while strategically engaging actors at middle-range and top levels of leadership.
- Requires an in-depth and participatory analysis.
- Provides a methodology to achieve right relationships that should be integrated into all programming.
- Strategically includes advocacy at local, national and global levels to transform unjust structures and systems.
- Builds upon indigenous non-violent approaches to conflict transformation and reconciliation.
- Is driven by community-defined needs and involves as many stakeholders as possible.
- Is done through partners who represent the diversity of where we work and share common values.
- Strengthens and contributes to a vibrant civil society that promotes peace.
