What Oxfam is Doing
Oxfam's peace initiatives are built on a central tenet: conflict violates the inherent rights of all people. Oxfam’s work is designed to:
Build a Local Capacity for Peace
People affected by conflict are not helpless victims; they—especially women—are the very people who can prevent violence and resolve the issues that promote conflict. Oxfam funds training for people engaged in preventing conflict and provides the resources they need to make a difference.
Case in point: promoting peace in Africa
Oxfam-funded groups are cooling tensions between Somali and Boren ethnic groups fighting over water and grazing lands. They created negotiating groups and began a productive dialogue to address the violence.
Confront Those who Profit from Conflict
History is rife with stories of people profiting from "war economies." Such exploitation promotes conflict and fosters instability as groups vie to control natural resources or profit from the trade in arms. Oxfam promotes policies that eliminate these incentives for conflict.
Case in point: Kimberley Process
Oxfam helped governments and the diamond industry develop a system to track the origin of and trade in diamonds, thereby helping to exclude the sale of gems produced in areas where they can prolong conflict.
Advocate for Peace
Oxfam's global reach applies international pressure on governments and the UN to seek peaceful solutions, protect civilians, and respect core humanitarian principles during conflict.
News & Publications
Read the latest news and feature stories about Oxfam America's work on Peace & Security. more »