Peace, Goodwill and Much More

by David Turner

So the beginnings of peace may have come at last to Bosnia. The recent history of this conflict tells us that more than a treaty and more than goodwill is needed to sustain a peaceful resolution. These alone will not overcome the ethnic hatred and unequal distribution of power and resources, often two key factors in the many wars this world has witnessed.

In the perceived reality of our cutthroat global economy, many governments and corporations choose to maintain docile and cheap workforces. Racism, propaganda and fear of poverty are often used in this exploitation. This also results in animosity towards "outsiders" (people who are culturally and socially different), fear for their own survival and the widening gap between rich and poor. These are ingredients for serious conflict all over our world: no country is immune.

Peace on earth and in our nation cannot be left up to leaders in politics or business. More than our goodwill and seasonal greetings are required now and year-long. We must act upon it.

Each of us must find ways to reach out to our fellow human beings, especially to outsiders and the poor in the spirit of welcome, support and conciliation.

In our families, how long has it been since we tried to talk out our differences between members?

In our schools and workplaces, when did we last try to include lonely students or difficult colleagues in our social activities?

On our streets, when did we last meet with complaining or isolated neighbours?

In our communities and neighbourhoods, when did we reach out to troubled youth, poor families, lonely or sick, elderly unemployed or unattached single people, the homeless, mentally ill or racial minority person?

In our city and province, when we see inequality, poverty and injustice, when did we last speak out publicly or challenge our civic and provincial leaders to take action?

In our nation when groups such as the poor, aboriginal people, gays and lesbians, children, the elderly, women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities are being oppressed and discriminated against and their human rights violated, do we protest politically and offer support? In the world when did we try to cross the barriers of difference and intolerance and connect with our global sisters and brothers? We must all reach out to each other in any way we can, to share the human condition of our dreams and burdens of hurts and pain. We must promote non-violent ways of conflict resolution in our families, in our schools and at work, on our streets, in our communities, in our nation and on our globe.

Sustainable peace demands this of all of us.

David Turner is a professor of Social Work at the University of Victoria and is a director of the Conflict Resolution Centre.

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