heks

HEKS works in many countries where violence is the norm and violation of human rights is part of everyday life. The adverse effects are evident, with the great suffering of the people compounded by violence and human rights abuses which impede the development efforts of the HEKS partner organisations and absorb resources which would be needed to safeguard the survival and development of the people in the project regions. The result is a lack of funds to make investments in education, health, commerce and trade.

A peaceful co-existence is made difficult when everyday life is scarred by violence. This is the backdrop against which HEKS supports specific initiatives started by local and regional civic organisations with an interest in promoting peace, and also facilitates their integration and participation in wider peace processes. HEKS and its partner organisations also analyse the different expressions of violence, and their project work includes finding ways of recognising potential points of conflict with a view to avoiding conflict altogether or working through the issues.

The growing socio-economic divide, the discrimination against minorities and the rise in inequalities within communities lead increasingly to domestic conflicts. By way of response, HEKS campaigns with its partner organisations for more justice, defence of human rights and social development. Communities learn to resist acts of injustice and to fight for their rights. This can lead to confrontational situations, possibly with state or para-state organisations. HEKS and its partner organisations therefore investigate the possible consequences of any courses of action before action is taken and look for ways to enable conflicts to be settled without resorting to violence and to facilitate the development of a culture of constructive conflict resolution.

Nowadays there is an appreciation of the significance of religious beliefs and religious communities and their influence on the secular order and the state. On the basis of Christian values HEKS takes the role of an impartial outsider in promoting the peaceful and constructive co-existence of people, cultures and religions. HEKS encourages ecumenical dialogue and a meeting of minds across religious groups and cooperation between different religions, ethnic groups and cultures.