Conflict and peace

Conflict does not finish with a peace agreement. Whatever caused the outbreak of tension or armed conflict often continues to exist long after a peace agreement has been signed

In the five years immediately after a conflict, the risk of returning to war is estimated at around 40 per cent. So, ensuring the fundamental rights of those involved and their communities will be respected and protected is crucial.

To this end, our work tackles the root causes of conflict - whether political, economic, social, cultural, or environmental - in order to build a just and sustainable peace.

Priests and sisters from our partner Caritas Sri Lanka stand in solidarity alongside thousands of forced to flee their homes during the ongoing conflict in that country.

Bishop Thomas of Jaffna says: “My priests and sisters have told me they will not abandon the people but move with them wherever they are going. I am a Christian and God has taught us that not through violence, but through love we can bring about peace."