Preventing wars and atrocities while promoting peace is a complex and multifaceted issue. Here are some steps that can be taken to promote peace:
Invest in prevention and peacebuilding: Investing in peacebuilding and development to address the root causes of crisis and fragility is critical for reducing the enormous humanitarian needs. The trend we are currently seeing of reduced funding for long-term development, therefore, is extremely unfortunate, at a time when long-term and sustained investments in prevention and peace are needed the most 1.
Respect human rights and international law: Human rights and international law are under assault; decades of development gains are being lost, and conflicts and violence are pushing millions of people into poverty and hunger. It is essential to ensure that the rule of law is respected, all human rights are protected without discrimination, legitimate and accountable national institutions are established, corruption is eliminated, diversity is managed constructively, and a strong and diverse civil society and a pluralistic media are supported 2.
Reduce poverty: Global economic institutions and trade agreements should be changed so that they create less poverty and death. Lobbying for Congress and the White House to pursue policies that minimize civilian deaths, rethinking national defense and foreign policy priorities can also help reduce poverty 3.
Resolve disputes nonviolently: Resolving disputes nonviolently is one of the approaches to preventing war. This can be achieved through dialogue, negotiation, mediation, or other peaceful means 4.
Reduce the root causes of war: Reducing the root causes of war is another approach to preventing war. This can be achieved by addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, lack of access to education or healthcare, among others 4.
Build infrastructure for peace: Building infrastructure for peace involves creating an environment that supports peacebuilding efforts. This can be achieved by establishing institutions that promote peace, such as truth commissions or reconciliation committees 4.
Promote diversity: Managing diversity constructively is essential for preventing conflict. It involves recognizing differences among people and respecting them while promoting social cohesion 1.
Support a strong civil society: Supporting a strong civil society is critical for promoting peace. Civil society organizations play an essential role in promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance 1.
Eliminate corruption: Corruption undermines good governance, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Eliminating corruption is essential for promoting peace 2.
Support a pluralistic media: A pluralistic media provides diverse perspectives on issues affecting society. It promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance while reducing the risk of conflict 2