Este blog formula parte de un proyecto por un curso que estoy estudiando por el internet de la Universitat de Barcelona y una fundación creada por un grupo de trabajadores por la paz que se llama la Carta de La Paz. El curso postgrado (de un año) explora nuevas maneras de crear las condiciones para la paz, ofrece las sugerencias para las comunidades que quieren venir a los términos con conflictos del pasado y promueve la creación de un mundo más justo para todos. Si tienes interés en el curso hay información en castellano aqui http://www.cartadelapaz.org/portal_cp/enoticies_detall.php?id=813
La investigación académica referente a construcción de la paz es relativamente una nueva disciplina. Hace mas que diez años estaba estudiando aspectos diversos de la cultura de paz en el Reino Unido, Australia y España y en mi opinion este curso ofrece algo un poco diferente del perspectivo tradicional. La Carta examina aspectos de la construcción de la paz en, el contexto de la no-culpa y sugiere caminos para una introspección verdad y una práctica inclusiva para las sociedades del poste-conflicto.
This blog is part of a project for a course that I have been studying through the University of Barcelona and a foundation created by a group of peace-seekers called Carta de la Paz or The Peace Letter. The year-long online postgraduate course explores new ways of creating conditions for peace, offers suggestions for communities trying to come to terms with past conflicts and promotes the creation of a more equitable world for all. If you’re interested in the course, there’s a summary in English here
http://cartadelapaz.org/portal_cp/anoticies_detall.php?id=825
Academic investigation relating to peace building is a relatively new discipline. I’ve been studying various aspects of peace in the UK, Australia and Spain for more than ten years now and I think this perspective offers something a little different. The Carta examines aspects of peace building in a practical, no-blame context and suggests pathways to honest, inclusive introspection for conflict and post-conflict societies. It builds on the incredible work of renowned peace practitioners such as JP. Lederach and Johan Galtung. The principles offered by the Carta cross all academic disciplines, political differences and geopolitical borders. It has been signed by thousands in more than 80 countries across 5 continents.
You can read the content of the Carta in English here. http://www.cartadelapaz.org/index_eng.htm
It originated in Barcelona in April 1993 and takes the form of a plea for peace to the United Nations. It is comprised of ten points sandwiched between an introduction and conclusion with a postscript. The Carta offers a radical peaceful framework for seeing the world. It asks supporters to consider the obstacles to peace and then offers a foundation on which peacebuilding can be built.
I plan to apply the principles of the Carta to make some practical suggestions for journeys toward reconciliation and peace-building in Australian society today. Since the arrival of the British in 1788 Indigenous Australians have suffered terrible atrocities – successive governments have implemented policies promoting racism, genocide, child-removal, discrimination and slave labour. When we examine the extent of these policies and practices it is hard to believe that any nation of people could possibly survive. But Indigenous Australia is one of the oldest, strongest and most “developed” societies (in the sense of structured, holistic sustainability) on earth. As is the case in many other indigenous cultures, respect for the environment, for one’s place in the community and responsibility for one’s actions are key elements for social participation.
My personal feeling is that most Australians would like to see the nation participate in a practical process of reconciliation but many are unsure as to what they can do as individuals. For decades Australia has been locked in a debate about how to come to terms with the short history of the nation post-1788. With a left wing government currently sitting comfortably in power and the Prime Minister’s popularity at more than 60%, now is the time for decisive, positive, practical action. So will Australia demonstrate its maturity as a nation? Or will fear win over?
This blog will begin with an overview of the current situation and the most relevant conflicts regarding indigenous policy in Australia. It will then examine each of the principles of the Carta in detail and apply (where practical) to the Australian situation. Finally I will conclude with a summary of practical measures. As in the case of the Carta, this is document in process is designed to be radical, thought-provoking and controversial J Let the opinion gathering begin!
Moo Baulch, Qld, Australia – October 2009.
Moo Baulch's Blog 