COEXISTENCE INTERNATIONAL is an initiative committed to strengthening the field of policymakers, practitioners, researchers, advocates, organizations and networks promoting coexistence at local, national and international levels. CI promotes a complementary approach to coexistence work through facilitating connections, learning, reflection, and strategic thinking between those in the coexistence field and those in related areas.
NEWS
Formation of Coexistence Leadership Group of West Africa
To strengthen coexistence practice and support complementary approaches to social inclusion in West Africa, CI is pleased to announce the recent formation of the Coexistence Leadership Group of West Africa (CLGWA).
The CLGWA will provide a forum for experienced West African partners to share ideas and knowledge, while developing a common initiative to strengthen coexistence in the region. The five members represent the fields of peacebuilding, governance, human rights, and transitional justice. News and updates on the work of the CLGWA are available here.
CI is also interested in developing national coexistence networks in West Africa. To learn more, or if your organization would be interested in starting or joining a coexistence network in your country, please email CI at: coexistenceintl@brandeis.edu with the subject line: National Networks
EVENTS
October 21st: Screening of
On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, as part of the Social Justice Leadership Series, Coexistence International hosted a screening of the inspiring documentary film Pray the Devil Back to Hell (2008). The documentary tells the story of a group of Liberian women who were instrumental in bringing peace to their country after decades of civil war, and chronicles the development of this interfaith women’s movement amidst intense violence and poverty.
The Liberian women’s peace movement provides a stunning example of the unifying power and resilience of grassroots activism.
For more information visit the event's web page.
PUBLICATIONS
Country Studies: Argentina and Colombia
CI is pleased to announce the release of two new studies, on Argentina and Colombia, as part of its "Country Studies" publication series.
CI country studies describe the state of coexistence within different countries, and compares diversity and coexistence policies from countries around the world. CI has made no attempt to assess the implementation or success of such processes, or to endorse any of the initiatives mentioned in the report. We believe, however, that the documentation of the existence and scope of such efforts can contribute to a wider understanding of the variety of approaches for addressing issues of coexistence and intergroup conflict.
The Argentina country study is available here.
The Colombia country study is available here.
For a complete list of available country studies, click here.
Accent sur la coexistence et le renforcement de la démocratie en Afrique occidentale (Focus on Coexistence and Democracy-building in West Africa)
CI is pleased to announce the release of the French translation of its latest addition to our Focus Paper Series, Focus on Coexistence and Democracy-building in West Africa.
Accent sur la coexistence et le renforcement de la démocratie en Afrique occidentale explores the relationship between a society’s ability to coexist and its ability to create a sustainable democracy. Moreover, the publication examines how democratic structures that are coexistence-sensitive support a framework for a more inclusive and peaceful society.
In the context of West Africa’s legacy of repression and exclusion, the paper highlights examples from the region that demonstrate the importance of being attentive to intergroup relationships through inclusive leadership and good governance. Accent sur la coexistence et le renforcement de la démocratie en Afrique occidentale concludes with recommendations for civil society organizations and government leaders who are committed to creating sustainable democracies and peaceful societies amidst the rich social diversity in the region.
The paper is available in French or English.
Additional publications from our Focus Papers Series are available here.
COEXISTENCE TOPICS IN THE NEWS
Language is a critical component to the formation of ones identity. This is especially true for national minorities, indigenous communities, and immigrants. Language can be perceived by stakeholders as either unifying or divisive and governments in many regions of the world grapple with coexistence issues related to language and minority rights.
Two recent stories featured on National Public Radio (US) demonstrate how these issues may emerge in public policy debate.
The first story reports on the views of the Israeli Minister of Transportation in relation to the use of Arabic and English names along side Hebrew names on street signs. He perceives these trilingual signs as a threat to Israeli national identity. In response, he is seeking to remove all but the Hebrew names in the future. Meanwhile, many Arab and Palestinian Israelis see this new policy decision as a weakening Arab and Palestinian culture and identity within Israel.
A second story, also aired on National Public Radio, describes how the Israeli Minister of Education recently banned the use of the Arabic word “nakba” (catastrophe) from Arabic language text books used in Israeli schools. The word is used to describe the founding of the state of Israel and the Minister finds this to be offensive. Yet, from the perspective of one Palestinian school principal, being able to use the term in their text books is a matter of free speech. The principal acknowledges there are differences in interpretation of the founding of Israel in 1948. However, he believes that by ignoring the Palestinian perspective on Israel’s founding allows only one side of the issue to be discussed. The principal suggested that an approach which included both perspectives, is a more inclusive, balanced, and sensible solution.
Related CI publications include:
Visit the Coexistence Topics in the News Archives to read additional media stories that reflect coexistence topics.
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