FOLLOW US
Peace Education
Peace Activist Recounts Her Year with Colombian Villagers
Written by Robert Bentele, secretary general, UPF-Munich
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Munich, Germany—An Austrian peace activist who oversaw violence-free zones in Colombia was the speaker at an afternoon event presented by UPF-Munich.
Laetitia, a peace activist and student from Salzburg, Austria, who has worked with the Austrian branch of the well-known International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), gave an account of her work in the South American country.
The meeting on November 18, 2017, started with the showing of a video of interviews with people from a village that had been oppressed by violent strife.
Ms. Sengseis lived for about one year in different Colombian communities, above all in rural areas, where along with other activists, she worked as a so-called protection supporter. These communities until recently had been coerced into involvement with armed groups, sometimes leading to fatalities.
With the support of the Austrian branch of IFOR, violence-free zones were established where the local people could initiate various agricultural, educational or social projects. And these projects gained international recognition by the installation of international, of course unarmed, protection supporters who also kept protocols and reported what was going on.
Laetitia had to make her way by bus, horse and sometimes boat to the most remote areas and villages which were often inaccessible by road.
The listeners could feel her deep love for this country and its conflict-burdened people and her investment to bring a lasting peace. They gained a deep respect for the amazing courage that such work repeatedly demanded.
The establishment of peace requires not only involvement from the big political stage but also, above all, people and NGOs who are willing to make an ongoing commitment with their love, willingness to sacrifice and strong moral values. Just as international concerns often bring their problems to Colombia, so international support is needed to solve those issues and their repercussions.
Laetitia gratefully received donations from the audience for her work. Discussions and questions continued over refreshments.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Sri Lanka
UPF-Sri Lanka ‘Peace Road’ Reaches Mountain Peak
Matale, Sri Lanka—A hike to the majestic Riverston peak in the Knuckles Mountain Range was the “Peace Road” event.
Sri Lanka
UPF-Sri Lanka Commemorates UN International Youth Day
Illukkumbura, Sri Lanka—UPF and RYS, in partnership with IAYSP, organized a weeklong youth leadership project.
Canada
UPF-Canada Convenes Webinar on “Viewing the DPRK from Within”
Canada—The sixth webinar in UPF-Canada’s “Viewing the DPRK from Within” series was held.