Peace and Security

In a year when millions of people in Africa were not able to grow enough food to eat, or were violently driven from their homes in acts of social and political violence, the whole continent received in aid a small fraction of the money that was allocated to the ongoing conflict in Iraq.

What is Oxfam Canada doing?

Oxfam Canada believes that the right to life and security belongs to all people, not just those living in countries of strategic interest to wealthy countries.  Oxfam provides aid to people affected by war and natural disasters, supports communities to prevent human rights abuses and advocates on issues that threaten people's safety. 

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.
   
• 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.
   
• 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.