Peace Direct

“We are still getting used to our new life...”

This is Liiana. She is from Ukraine 🇺🇦

Her life was turned upside down when the war in her country began four years ago.

“I woke up to a call from a friend … 10 minutes later I heard an explosion. It was a missile which hit my city.”

After fleeing from Ukraine, Liiana and her mother made their way to France. They hoped things would soon return to normal - so they could safely return home.

But after many months living in France, Liiana has come to terms with her new normal. She has started studying at university, is learning French and getting used to life in the city of Tours.

“I felt the support of people even though I didn’t discuss [the war] with them and what my family has experienced … We are masters of our lives [now].”

Liiana and her mother have built a new life for themselves in France. They feel supported in their local community, and are looking forward to one day returning home to Ukraine.

We are forever grateful to all the peacebuilders around the world who are welcoming people like Liiana and helping them find safety and security as they rebuild their lives 💛💙

‘My hometown was turned into a battleground…’

This is Jamila. She’s a peacebuilder from Mindanao, Philippines 🇵🇭

Jamila has felt the horrors of war firsthand. 26 years ago, she was forced to flee from her home and take refuge in an evacuation center. Whilst there, she and her family narrowly escaped an aerial bombardment. It took more than a year for them to resettle.

These experiences ignited Jamila’s passion for peace. In time, they helped her connect and begin working with her fellow survivors. Soon, they were channeling their shared trauma in a positive, transformative direction.

“[My experience of] trauma would become pivotal … propelling me towards collaborating with fellow survivors of this conflict.”

In 2017, Jamila founded Women Empowered to Act for Dialogue and Peace (WE Act). A local organisation committed to rebuilding the lives of internally displaced people across Mindanao.

“Fueled by a [desire] to assist fellow survivors of war … we galvanised support … and resources to aid internally displaced persons.”

WE Act doesn’t just provide immediate, short-term aid. They are champions of long-term, inclusive peacebuilding. They’re restoring people's lives and helping to create economic opportunities for local communities.

Thank you, Jamila, for all you’re doing for survivors of conflict ❤‍🩹

“The question those days was “are you staying or leaving the country?”

Meet Luis. He’s a peacebuilder from Venezuela 🇻🇪

The 2016 conflict in his country caused of deep humanitarian crisis. Dozens of people died because of a shortage of food and medicines. 7 million Venezuelans fled the country, including Luis’ brother.

“I was sure that I wanted to stay, but in a [situation] like that ... I had to take action.”

Later that year, Luis founded Fundación Váyalo - a youth-led organisation created to confront the crisis and build long-term peace. With a focus on protecting human rights, Luis has worked tirelessly with local communities across Venezuela ever since.

In the nine years since, Luis and his organisation have helped deliver more than 1,500kg of humanitarian aid. They’ve reached thousands of people through community dialogue sessions, and helped 120 young people leave criminal gangs behind.

“The end of an armed conflict can mean the beginning of a new one if the wounds are deepened, remaining for a long time without being treated.”

Thank you, Luis, for your courage and all you do to bring hope to Venezuela 🕊