Home Blog Page 35

How Can Libyans Counter Disinformation to Strengthen Peace?

By
Peace News Staff
-
0
Close up on the hand of young woman using a smartphone, tapping the screen in city dusk, photo via Storyblocks.

In April, Libyan youth, media authorities, and election and government officials met in Benghazi to tackle a rising threat to peace: false news around the country’s elections. From April 21 to 23, over 85 participants took part in two forums organized by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). Their goal was to “combating spread of disinformation and misinformation during elections and fostering community peace and cohesion,” UNSMIL stated in a news report.

This effort reflects a broader peacebuilding theme: involving ordinary citizens – especially youth, women, and civil society – in dialogue about disinformation and misinformation, and reducing violence in communities. Since Libya’s 2011 revolution, the country has fractured into regions and militias, and recent years of instability have left Libyan society deeply divided. 

Now, as the country prepares to resolve issues surrounding hindered elections, accurate information and social cohesion are seen as essential to prevent violence. The Benghazi meetings offered a model of inclusive dialogue: Participants shared ideas on how to combat false information and how communities can work together to avoid conflict. As participants at the forum said, “Civil society can play a critical role in promoting stability and building trust between institutions and communities.” 

Combating Election Disinformation

At the first forum, which lasted two days, participants tackled head-on the problem of fake news. Around 70 people attended, 35% of them women. Representatives of Libya’s election commission (HNEC) reviewed how misinformation and disinformation can affect the integrity and transparency of elections. For example, they examined a case study from the Al Khums district, identifying media violations during the election period.

Together, the group looked at local and international tools for spotting misinformation and disinformation, and came up with practical recommendations to address the issue. These included improving Libya’s legal framework around elections and promoting cooperation among government bodies, civil society, media, and other stakeholders at national and local levels.

Youth and Community Dialogue

The second forum brought in youth and civil society organizations from Libya’s east, west and south regions. The forum shifted the focus from media to security and community issues. Participants discussed security sector reform, and how to reduce violence from community conflicts. UNSMIL said that this was part of its mission to share innovative approaches and lessons on the role of youth and women in de-escalation and conflict prevention.

Participants  “recommended ways to strengthen social cohesion and create space for dialogue in the political process.” They even proposed an online networking platform to let citizens from across Libya share ideas and concerns with each other, and with UNSMIL and Libyan institutions. Participants also called for more engagement with civil society on security sector reform and governance, including specialized training.

Progress Made, Challenges Ahead

The Benghazi dialogues illustrate both progress and remaining hurdles. Libyans themselves are taking ownership of the peace process. By convening journalists, civic groups, and officials together, they are building a shared understanding of the problems. The recommendations from the meetings are potential steps to improving trust in the long run. 

However, disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech continue to pose a challenge to Libya. At an event for World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Libya, Hanna Tetteh warned of the dangers posed by deepfakes, AI-generated content, and the lack of regulation. Tatteh also noted that censorship and political pressure pose threats to journalists, and journalists at the event noted that those who violate journalists’ rights must be held accountable. Back in March, a UN statement warned of a misinformation campaign in Libya sewing tensions by inciting hate speech against migrants and refugees.

Yet, Libyans continue to look for ways to tackle these issues. Tatteh said that an UNSMIL initiative starting on May 7 would provide training in digital fact-checking, investigative reporting, conflict-sensitive journalism, and the impact of artificial intelligence on media and politics. She said, “At this sensitive time in Libya’s history, the media has a crucial role to play in creating a conducive environment to unify the country and its institutions and establish lasting stability and prosperity.”

Keywords: Libya, Libyan, Libyans, media, disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, fake news, peace, peace media, peace journalism, journalism, media, peacebuilding, conflict, conflict resolution

This Week in Peace #81: May 9

By
Tara Abhasakun
-
0
Still Image of High Detailed National Flag Of India And Pakistan Waving, photo by MotionbirdStudio via Storyblocks.

This week, UN and world leaders call for peaceful resolution between India and Pakistan. Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute prepares for annual training. UN extends mission in South Sudan, prepares for vote on arms embargo. 

UN and World Leaders Call for Peaceful Resolution Between India and Pakistan

Following recent escalations, the United Nations and several countries urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. This development comes after the terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed at least 26 civilians, 25 of whom were Indian tourists, and wounded several others. India and Pakistan both claim Jammu and Kashmir in full. India accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack, which Pakistan denies.

On May 5, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres reiterated his condemnation of the attack, however, he also called for “maximum restraint” from both countries. Gutteres offered his offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy.

But tensions continue to escalate. On May 6, India launched a series of strikes on Pakistan, and Pakistani-held Kashmir, which the Indian defence ministry said were to hold accountable those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan’s military said at least 31 people were killed and 57 injured in the strikes. 

On May 7, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said in a statement that “Bangladesh remains hopeful that tensions will be diffused through diplomatic endeavours.” Meanwhile, the leaders of several other countries including France, Japan, the UAE, and the UK, called for both countries to act with restraint.

Midanao Peacebuilding Institute Prepares for Annual Training

The Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (MPI) announced its upcoming 2025 Annual Peacebuilding Training, scheduled for May 19 to 30, 2025, in Davao City, Philippines. The training aims to equip peacebuilders with skills and knowledge to address conflicts in their communities.

This year’s theme will focus on the interconnection between theory and real-world practice, and how it supports peacebuilders to navigate conflict in their contexts. MPI is celebrating its 25th year of training peacebuilders from across the globe.

UN Extends Mission in South Sudan, Prepares for Vote on Arms Embargo

On May 8, the UN Security Council voted to extend its mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, until April 30, 2026. Twelve member states voted in favor of the extension, with only Pakistan, China, and Russia abstaining. The council demanded that all parties to South Sudan’s conflict and other armed actors immediately end fighting, and reminded authorities of their main priority to protect civilians. 

The UN is also preparing to vote on whether or not to renew the arms embargo on South Sudan in late May. A minimum of nine votes is needed to extend the embargo. The UN first imposed sanctions on South Sudan during its civil war in 2015.

South Sudan experienced a civil war in 2013 between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. Kiir accused Machar of plotting against him, and Machar was removed as vice president. This led to brutal violence between armed groups supporting both figures. In 2018, a peace deal was agreed upon, however, many issues remain. Although the agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed over 400,000 people, talks stalled after Kiir sacked the former government delegation to the talks.

Keywords: India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Philippines, peace, peacebuilding, conflict, conflict resolution, Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam, Pahalgam attack

Can Truth Commissions Heal the Wounds of War? Here’s What Victims Think

By
Amélie Godefroidt
-
0
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, a country which has established a truth commission but delayed the commission's progress. Photo by Alexey Komarov via Wikipedia.

Truth commissions have become a hallmark of post-conflict justice — a tool used by countries emerging from violence to reckon with the past, acknowledge victims’ suffering, and lay the groundwork for peace. Guatemala, Nepal, and Northern Ireland each endured decades of internal conflict marked by mass violence, disappearances, and deep societal division. In the aftermath, they turned — at least to some extent — to truth-seeking initiatives to uncover what happened and begin the process of healing.

But did those efforts bring peace, or were they just words on paper? And what do victims themselves think of truth commissions?

Truth Commissions: A Path to Healing, or More Harm?

War and repression leave deep scars — not only physical, but psychological. Even years after violence ends, many survivors continue to suffer the effects of trauma. Truth commissions are often promoted as mechanisms to process that pain. By offering a space for testimony and official recollection of the past, they are thought to help individuals and societies find closure.

However, recent evidence suggests that truth commissions may not always bring relief. For some, truth-telling reopens old wounds, especially when commissions fail to deliver justice or bring meaningful change. Moreover, truth commissions often lack the time, resources, and therapeutic support required to address psychological trauma. Without sufficient support or follow-through on recommendations—like prosecutions or reparations— truth commissions risk deepening disillusionment rather than providing relief.

So, as post-conflict societies weigh the costs and benefits of truth commissions, it’s crucial to listen carefully to the voices of those most affected. And that’s exactly what we did.

Support for Truth Commissions in Nepal, Northern Ireland, and Guatemala

In a recently published article, Karin Dyrstad and I explored how conflict exposure and trauma shape public support for truth commissions. We surveyed nearly 2,700 people in three countries that experienced prolonged internal violence.

Guatemala’s 36-year civil war (1960–1996) left over 200,000 people dead or missing, many of them Indigenous civilians. Nepal experienced a decade-long Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) that resulted in more than 13,000 deaths and widespread human rights abuses. Northern Ireland’s 30-year ethno-nationalist conflict known as “The Troubles” (1968–1998) claimed over 3,500 lives and left communities fractured. Each country pursued truth-seeking differently. Guatemala completed two commissions. Nepal established two commissions, but their progress has been stalled and delayed. Northern Ireland relied largely on grassroots initiatives.

Our study focused on what citizens — and especially victims — think about these processes. Across all three countries, we found broad public support for the idea of truth commissions. Most people, whether directly affected or not, agree that it is important to document the past and give voice to those who suffered. 

Trauma, however, influences support in nuanced ways. In Nepal and Northern Ireland, people experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress were more likely to support truth commissions — but only if those commissions had real power. They wanted perpetrators’ names to be revealed and victims to be compensated. In short, they wanted “truth with teeth.”

In contrast, in Guatemala, where official commissions had completed their work years before our fieldwork, trauma had no clear influence on support. Many respondents were children during the war or born after it. This suggests that when a commission’s work lies in the past, those still living with trauma may no longer see truth-seeking as a path to closure.

Peace Needs Prospects, Not Just Processes

One key takeaway from our study is that victims want closure — but only when it still feels achievable. People do not automatically turn to truth commissions as a means to cope with trauma. Instead, they assess what commissions might realistically achieve. When closure feels within reach — when a commission might still deliver answers, recognition, or reparations — support grows, especially among those carrying psychological scars. 

But if a commission is perceived as “toothless” or merely lip service, support wanes. A truth commission that does not reveal names or does not lead to compensations is less likely to win the trust of those it aims to serve.

This is especially urgent in places like Nepal, where formal commissions remain stalled, and in Northern Ireland, where the 2023 Northern Ireland Troubles Act has been highly criticized for obstructing the rights of victims to justice and reparations. Policymakers must understand that the truth can heal victims and society. Many victims are willing to confront the past—but only when they believe it could lead to answers, accountability, and meaningful change.

The lesson is clear: Truth commissions can help build peace — but only when people believe they will work. That belief, our research shows, depends on timing, credibility, and the promise of justice and closure. 

It’s not just about telling the truth but about making the truth matter. 

Policy Message

If we want truth commissions to contribute to lasting peace, we must design them with victims in mind. This means:


– Empowering commissions with the authority to reveal perpetrators and recommend reparations.
– Prioritizing closure—not just for society, but for individuals— by providing answers to specific questions and in specific cases.
– Avoiding empty gestures. Without justice and follow-through, truth commissions risk deepening disillusionment. 

Keywords: truth commissions, truth, Guatemala, Nepal, Northern Ireland, The Troubles, conflict, conflict resolution, transitional justice, justice, peace

Is ‘Green Reconciliation’ Coming to the Island of Ireland?

By
Juneseo Hwang
-
0
Still Image of Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Ocean, most famous landmark in Ireland, photo by one Studio one via Storyblocks.

The signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998 undoubtedly marked a new chapter in the history of the island of Ireland. Yet, the natural environment has remained a forgotten victim, not only of the violent conflict known as ‘the Troubles,’ but also as a marginalised aspect of the peace process. While the agreement established a framework for political settlement and social reintegration, the environmental degradation stemming from centuries of colonial occupation and decades of conflict continues to pose significant challenges to both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Consequently, neglecting the environmental dimensions of violence and peace has obscured the potential for sustainable development and reconciliation.

Peace that opened a new door for polluters?

The Good Friday Agreement was primarily established to settle the ‘constitutional question’ of Northern Ireland and to reduce sectarian violence and political terrorism by creating a power-sharing government between what are broadly defined as ‘British communities’ and ‘Irish communities.’ However, while the peace deal focused largely on the equal recognition of civil and political rights, it barely addressed arrangements for tackling the socio-environmental harms that had been caused, which were often overlooked or left unaddressed. Rather, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland paved the way for their own path towards economic development, continuing predatory policies and practices that destroy the natural environment.

The prominent patterns of ‘environmental violence’ in the history of Ireland are extensive and encompass a range of issues, including land appropriation, corruption, deregulation, biodiversity loss, environmental crimes committed by criminal gangs and paramilitary groups, among others. Adding to this landscape, large-scale development projects have emerged in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; However, environmental safeguards have not kept pace with this growth. For instance, the Irish Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss highlighted in 2019 that the island of Ireland is experiencing a significant decline in biodiversity and inadequate climate protection measures.

The ramifications of historical environmental mistreatment from both sides of the island of Ireland are more evident than ever. The algal bloom in Lough Neagh, the largest waterbody on the island, poses a hazard to aquatic ecosystems and threatens the livelihoods and health of local communities, such as eel fishing families, who depend on these waters and value their relationship with nature. The Mobuoy illegal dump, known to the public as one of the largest illegal dumpsites in Western Europe, is situated alongside the River Faughan. Its location consistently raises concerns about the potential for contaminants to flow into Lough Foyle, a shared body of water between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Gold mining in the Sperrins has been promoted by politicians in Northern Ireland but has since been paused and evolved into a cross-border issue due to its detrimental impacts on the natural environment. Data centres are mushrooming across the island of Ireland, consuming up to 21% of the total electricity produced in the island as of 2023. Ancient woodlands, like Prehen Wood, and peatlands are being lost to massive industrial development.

Peacebuilding through environmental cooperation: Ups and downs 

Once again, these practices of environmental violence signify a continued legacy of the past and present obstacles to sustainable peace. However, if these challenges are addressed through robust transboundary cooperation at multiple levels, there is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for mutual trust and sustainable peace in light of the planetary challenges people commonly face. As the island of Ireland operates as one ecological entity, there is not only room for manoeuvre for both governments but also an imperative for them to engage in peacebuilding through environmental cooperation, often referred to as ‘environmental peacebuilding’. Communities have already forged new social relationships through grassroots environmental activism that transcends the traditional sectarian divide.

One noteworthy ‘success’ story in the realm of environmental peacebuilding is the ongoing restoration of the Ulster Canal. Originally constructed between 1825 and 1842, the canal was abandoned by the UK government in 1931 following the Irish Partition. The restoration of the Ulster Canal has been undertaken by Waterways Ireland (Uiscebhealaí Éireann), which was established as one of the cross-border implementation bodies under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1999. Connecting different counties and waterways across the Irish border, politicians praised the Ulster Canal as a symbol of ‘peace and reconciliation’ on the island of Ireland. The project concluded its second phase in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2029, currently serving as a space for leisure and community development. 

Seeing environmental peacebuilding like a state, however, may replicate the fragile architecture of peace. While the idea of reconnecting divided communities through nature is commendable, it must be practised by empowering and protecting the communities that have defended the natural environment and fostered shared identities at the grassroots level. Communities that have long been separated alongside their ethno-religious background have stood up together to fight for climate action, the protection of Lough Neagh, natural heritages, public health, and the recognition of rights of nature, and so on. Although environmental issues have seldom been incorporated into the peace agenda on the island of Ireland, grassroots environmental activism has demonstrated the potential for bottom-up reconciliation, in stark contrast to the stalemate observed in mainstream politics.

Certainly, positive stories do not emerge without their challenges. Brexit has fuelled debates about the meaning of ‘peace,’ particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions surrounding a border poll. Persisting violence against nature and communities remains a significant issue in Ireland, with environmental defenders in regions such as the Sperrins, who have experienced various forms of intimidation including cyberbullying and even death threats. While predatory development projects are being approved by both governments, these struggles are exacerbated by a lack of trust and accountability in public institutions, along with political resistance and negligence concerning North-South cooperation, particularly from the unionist bloc in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, a ‘green’ approach to social reconciliation has been already practised on the ground, gradually creating a wave for socially and ecologically sustainable peace.

Keywords: Ireland, Northern Ireland, The Troubles, peace, green peace, environmental peacebuilding, peacebuilding, Irish, conflict, conflict resolution, green reconciliation, reconciliation

This Week in Peace #80: May 2

By
Tara Abhasakun
-
0
Russia President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire which was met with suspicion. Screen grab via Al Jazeera video.

This week, Myanmar’s earthquake survivors face renewed violence amid ongoing conflict. Russia declares unilateral ceasefire amid Ukraine conflict. Gaza ceasefire talks show signs of progress, Qatari PM says. Will Rwanda and DRC reach a peace agreement?

Myanmar’s Earthquake Survivors Face Renewed Violence Amid Ongoing Conflict

One month after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the nation grapples with compounded crises. The quake resulted in over 3,770 deaths and more than 5,100 injuries, leaving survivors in dire conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and shelter.

Despite initial ceasefire declarations to facilitate relief efforts, reports indicate that the country’s ruling junta has continued airstrikes, complicating aid delivery and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. On April 28, the London-based Centre for Information resilience reported that it had documented 80 air attack incidents across Myanmar between March 28 and April 24. The CIR also reported several paramotor attacks. 

Myanmar has remained in a cycle of conflict and oppression since the junta took over the country in a coup in February 2021. The country’s various ethnic groups have been fighting for autonomy, and those who openly oppose the junta often face persecution and violence.

Russia Declares Unilateral Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict

On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, set to coincide with Victory Day commemorations from May 8 to 10. The Kremlin described the pause as a humanitarian gesture and urged Ukraine to reciprocate.

However, Ukrainian officials expressed skepticism, questioning the timing and sincerity of the ceasefire, and called for an immediate and genuine cessation of hostilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the ceasefire as an “attempt at manipulation,” noting that Putin had not accepted the 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine had agreed to.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” adding that Ukraine was ready for a “lasting, reliable and complete ceasefire” for at least 30 days. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that while US President Donald Trump welcomed Putin’s willingness to pause the conflict, Trump has been very clear that he wants a permanent ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Show Signs of Progress, Qatari PM Says

Negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza have reportedly showed some signs of progress. The talks are said to be witnessing a “a bit of progress” according to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. After Hamas rejected Israel’s most recent ceasefire over a week ago, the group now seems set on an agreement involving the release of all remaining hostages as part of a deal to end hostilities for at least five years, BBC reported.

However, the PM noted that the two parties still disagree on what a ceasefire would entail, and that while Hamas had agreed to hand over the remaining hostages in exchange for an end to war, Israel wanted the hostages released without a vision for an end to the conflict.

Israelis and Palestinians have suffered painful losses due to the war since October 7, 2023, when over 1,200 people were killed in Israel. On April 27, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that 52,243 Palestinians had been killed within the past 18 months. 

Will Rwanda and DRC Reach a Peace Agreement?

After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 25, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) aim to draft a peace deal by May 2, committing to respect each other’s sovereignty and refraining from militarily supporting armed groups.

This development comes just after the government of the (DRC) and the March 23rd armed movement (M23) signed a joint declaration on April 24, committing to work to restore peace after years of violence in the DRC’s eastern region.  Rwanda has actively backed M23, as revealed in an investigation commissioned by the UN Security Council, however, Rwanda denies supporting the group.

Some analysts are taking a cautious approach to the planned agreement, saying that it is not yet clearly agreed  whether M23 rebels must withdraw from occupied territories. It remains to be seen whether the two countries will reach a peace agreement.

Keywords: Myanmar, earthquake, humanitarian crisis, Russia, Ukraine, ceasefire, Gaza, Israel, Hamas, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, DRC

1...343536...188Page 35 of 188