In 2016, more countries experienced violent conflict than at any time in nearly 30 years.
If current trends persist, by 2030 - the horizon set by the international community for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - more than half of the world’s poor will be living in countries affected by high levels of violence. However, much of this is due to reoccurring violence and protracted conflicts.
To mark the International Day of Peace Christian Aid, alongside 83 peace-building organisations, have signed a statement calling governments and the international community to embrace the commitments to peace, read the letter here.
In November 2016, we updated our global peace building strategy, to work towards our vision for more peaceful reality free from poverty, violence and injustice.
To do this, we believe there are six key drivers that are crucial to moving from violence to peace.
If peacebuilding processes are inclusive at all levels and actively involve the participation of people at risk of violence then the key drivers of violence and justice are more likely to be addressed.

If we can influence power holders and states to improve protection, challenge violence (including GBV) and provide access to justice then people we work with will be protected, safe and can achieve justice for human rights violations.
Judith Maldonado Mojica, former director of Christian Aid partner the Luis Carlos Perez Lawyers Collective (CCALCP), speaks about the threats she has faced as a human rights defender. Judith was a recipient of the Defender of the Year award at Colombia's first National Award for the Defence of Human Rights in 2010.
If we deliberately and intentionally work on peace, then we are more likely to transform from violence.
If we address the socio-economic inequalities that countries affected by violence face then we are more likely to sustain peace.

Participating in the training was the best decision in my life as I can now use my hand to work and provide the basic needs of my family
- Amina Issah Ebanyinle.
If those living in violent contexts are supported to survive, thrive, develop and prevent conflict then they will be resilient in spite of the risks they face.

If we work with individuals, communities, state institutions, media and others to address unequal gender and power dyanmics that lead to violence then we can build peace across society.

Find out more about Christian Aid's work on from violence to peace.
All information sourced from the upcoming report 'Pathways of transformation: From Violence to Peace': a Christian Aid policy paper.