“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”- Martin Luther King Jr.
Around 1.5 billion people live in countries experiencing situations of fragility and armed violence, and another 200 million people are affected by the slow or sudden onset of disasters. Conflict and catastrophic events are triggered by a variety of factors that can impact differently on societies and livelihoods. Most migration today is linked directly or indirectly to the search for decent work opportunities. Even if employment is not the primary driver, it usually features in the migration process at some point. There are an estimated 258 million international migrants. The International Labour Organization estimates that there are roughly 150 million migrant workers. Among migrant workers, 56 percent are men and 44 percent are women. Migrant workers account for 4.4 percent of all workers and have higher labor force participation rates than non-migrants globally (73 percent and 64 percent respectively).
February 20th is the World Day of Social Justice, which is observed to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle issues, such as poverty, exclusion, and unemployment. This year’s theme is “Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice”. Children and young women are most often the victims of community displacements. It is vital to protect their identities and their cultural settings to avoid social isolation and fear. Play for Peace trainers excel in creating a holistic environment that promotes equality and excitement. Our trainers work with children who are vulnerable to social evils and atrocities throughout the world. Through play, we can open up a child's mind to endless possibilities and unlock their true potential.
Through programs such as the Play for Peace Global Games to End Xenophobia, Compassion Games World Interfaith Harmony Week, Compassion Games Youth Giving Games, and regular Practice Peace Sessions, we expose children to the idea that peace is possible in any setting and environment. At a session in Nepal, young children were introduced to the idea of Sustainable Peace; peace is an important aspect of environmental stewardship. Together these programs encourage people to shift from a place of isolation, fear, and violence to a place of inspiration, collaboration, and connection. Entire communities begin to unlearn previously held biases and take action together. It is a playful action that inspires people from different cultures to reach across barriers and boundaries. In the realm of play, pure creativity exists and transformation occurs. From this place of transformation, communities have the foundation to generate new avenues for building peace.
