PBI: The work goes on – though PBI Ireland is laid down

The Irish country group of Peace Brigades International (PBI Ireland) has been wound down and no longer exists as a separate organisation but Peace Brigades International continues to work in solidarity with peace activists and human rights defenders around the world. PBI field projects play an important role in accompanying activists in the countries in which they operate, and the PBI International Office in Brussels supports and coordinates that work through its advocacy and fundraising. PBI Ireland is grateful for the support it received over many years from volunteers, other NGOs, journalists, universities, government officials, politicians, trade unions, and more to help raise awareness among people and policy-makers in Ireland about the work of PBI and the brave and inspiring individuals and groups with whom PBI works. There are on-going PBI field projects in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, Nepal, Honduras, Indonesia, and Nicaragua. Further information about the work of PBI and all of its projects can be found on its website: www.peacebrigades.org and PBI can also be contacted at: contact@peacebrigades.org

AVP / Alternatives to Violence Project

The Alternatives to Violence Project continues its work; as of early October there had been 300 participants in 28 different workshops, and the biannual community gathering took place in Limerick in September. Over the summer AVP ran 6 community gatherings in prison with more than 60 participants, reconnecting with AVPers from past workshops, refreshing skills, and offering taster sessions for those who were curious to try AVP for the first time. AVP is a network of volunteers running workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence; if you are interested you can join the next open online information session, simply send AVP an email to info@avpireland.ie and they’ll be in touch. https://www.avpireland.ie/

Corrymeela 60

Corrymeela is continuing to celebrate its 60^th anniversary and at the end of October there was a celebration in Ballycastle which included several people who were at the original dedication, performed by Tullio Vinay of Agapè, in 1965. https://www.corrymeela.org/news/267/corrymeela-celebrates-60-years A fundraising concert ‘A Season to Sing’, a choral reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons takes place, takes place in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, at 7.30pm on Saturday 22^nd November. https://www.corrymeela.org/events/267/a-season-to-sing There is much more happening, details on the website https://www.corrymeela.org/ including podcasts https://www.publictheologyireland.com/podcast

Legal observers at work

The first report from the Irish Network of Legal Observers, set up by ICCL/Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway (see NN 332) is available at https://www.iccl.ie/press-release/report-finds-that-gardai-violated-garda-policies-and-human-rights-obligations-when-policing-protest/ This came from a team observing the policing of a pro-Palestine demonstration at the Dublin Port tunnel on Saturday, 4 October 2025, when Gardaí deployed physical force and pepper spray against peaceful protesters, resulting in a broken wrist and other injuries. Gardaí responded to the report, justifying their actions by claiming protesters were forcing through Garda lines and throwing missiles. However the observers response was “…the UN Human Rights committee explicitly states that “mere pushing and shoving or disruption of vehicular or pedestrian movement or daily activities do not amount to ‘violence.’” It also states that “isolated acts of violence by some participants should not be attributed to others, to the organizers or to the assembly as such”. “

Housmans Peace Diary….. and World Peace Database

Paper diaries may have gone out of fashion for many but the Housmans Peace Diary is special for peace activists with its quotes and marking of special days for celebration or protest. The featured article this year is on modern efforts around the world to resist the war machine through non-violent means. The diary has been redesigned and the 2026 diary is in A5 format and no longer contains a world peace directory (see below). Individual copies are £9.95 from Housmans Bookshop in London, plus postage (UK postal area £2.95), with reductions for bulk orders. https://housmans.com/peace-diary/

l The invaluable World Peace Database covering peace, green and human rights or social change organisations, an edited or shorter version of which previously appeared in Housmans Peace Diary, is available online at http://www.housmans.info/wpd/ It is worth reading the background information on the site home page to get the best use out of it, whether the country concerned begins with any letter from A to Z.

White poppies for peace

In the ‘season of remembrance’ of the World Wars and other conflicts, wearing a white poppy is one way of showing remembrance of all victims but also opposing war and militarism. White poppies were first produced in Britain in 1933 in the aftermath of the First World War, by members of the Co-operative Women’s Guild, many of whom had lost family and friends in the First World War – they wanted to hold on to the key message of Remembrance Day, ‘never again’. You can buy them online from the Peace Pledge Union in Britain at https://shop.ppu.org.uk/ including packs numbering from 5 to 100. In Ireland you can buy them from Little Acorns Bookshop in Derry and from Winding Stair Bookshop in Dublin.

l On Armistice/Remembrance Day see also World Beyond War website https://tinyurl.com/yum86c95

Advancing nonviolence webinar with Nicolás Paz

This webinar will take place on Tuesday 2nd December @7/7.30pm (TBC) via Zoom. Nicolás is the chairperson of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, a programme of Pax Christi International https://paxchristi.net/cni-about-us/      He is Associate Professor and Mediator at Pontifical University of Salamanca and in his role focuses on the intersection of faith, nonviolence and social justice. Organised by Sylvia Thompson, Pax Christi Ireland member and convener of a small ‘Nonviolence Conversation Group’, and Pax Christi Scotland https://www.paxchristiscotland.org/ Further Information and to receive the link: contact Sylvia Thompson by email sylviajms11@gmail.com

Chernobyl nuclear plant attack: Statement by Adi Roche

Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International, Adi Roche, issued a statement at the start of October following a drone attack on the nuclear plant at Chernobyl. “…This war has changed everything.  Never before in the history of the atomic age have nuclear stations been used as weapons of war.  They should remain globally ‘off limits’ because of their lethal potential to destroy the planet.  The weaponising nuclear facilities has resulted in a collision between warfare and nuclear power, which is a whole new threat with potentially devastating, unimaginable consequences for humankind for centuries to come.  This is nuclear terrorism…….In the name of humanity, in the name of the children, please stop this war and declare the Chernobyl and all Nuclear Power Plants and their supportive infrastructures as ‘No War Zones’”. https://www.chernobyl-international.com/

Amnesty International on British government and legacy
Amnesty has been commenting on both the mid-October UK Supreme Court case by the British government to retain secrecy powers and from other changes made. AI-UK “welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s Remedial Order and new Legacy legislation, describing them as “a long-overdue step towards correcting historic wrongs”, but warned that retaining powers to block disclosure on so-called national security grounds risks undermining the promised “new start”. “ Their key tests for legislation are: Full compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights; No retention of the Secretary of State’s power to veto disclosure; Independent and transparent access to all relevant information; Restoration and expansion of inquest rights and civil actions; Independent appointments and adequate resourcing for the Legacy Commission; Equal rights and protections for all victims, with no political interference. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/issues/Northern-Ireland

Sperrins goldmining enquiry restarts April ‘26

It has been announced by the NI Planning Appeals Commission that the (previously botched) inquiry into Dalradian’s plans for goldmining in the Sperrins will retstart on 13^th April 2026. Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph, who visited the site, was told £250 million had already been spend by Dalradian but estimates as to the value of gold there reach £20 billion. For community resistance see e.g. https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSperrins/ including podcast links.

SCI: Tackling hate and violent extremism

The Social Change Initiative (SCI – the same initials as Service Civil International – Ed) have published some learnings on community-based responses to tackling hate, based on a previous seminar; see https://www.socialchangeinitiative.com/tackling-hate-violent-extremism-what-works There will be a follow up to this on Monday 8^th December at 2pm when Eric Ward of Race Forward in the USA will speak in Belfast.

info@socialchangeinitiative.com and website https://www.socialchangeinitiative.com/

FOE: Tenants for climate justice

Friends of the Earth are now focusing their warm homes campaigning on tenants and renters in private and social housing – an issue of both climate and social justice https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/warm-homes-for-all/tenantsforclimatejustice They are campaigning for minimum BERs (Building Energy Ratings) in privately rented accommodation, something the Government committed to in 2021 but have not acted upon; a PBP motion comes up for debate on this in the Dáil on 13^th November.

End Fossil Power climate march

This will be on Saturday 15^th November at 1pm from the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin, during COP30. Organised by Stop Climate Chaos Coalition https://www.stopclimatechaos.ie/

Lex Innocentium anniversary, Palestine, videos
Lex Innocentium 21^st Century recently celebrated its first anniversary and a 14 minute video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81eFb5BIU1A and another, 12 minute, video of its involvement with the European Peace Project Manifesto for Palestine at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i_U7sN9EgA in a ceremony at the Famine Memorial in Dublin.

Our House: Human rights information on Belarus

Belarusian organisation Our House is an excellent source of information about Belarus, reports on it, and also the fate of resistance activists from there including grave difficulties in exile. https://news.house/

Church and Peace European conference

The ecumenical peace organisation Church and Peace held its annual European conference in Germany in late October and a report is available at https://www.church-and-peace.org/en/ (see under News) and there is also a call to support the nonviolent resistance in Serbia.

Irish Network of Legal Observers

This network is an initiative led by ICCL/Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the University of Galway; it is a group of people who have been trained to carry out legal observing of protests in Ireland. The Irish Network of Legal Observers is overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of international experts and academics working in the area of protest, public order policing, civic space and human rights. Legal observers are trained to monitor the policing of protest to ensure that Gardaí are operating within the law. Legal observers work to strengthen existing accountability mechanisms by having a visible presence at protests and monitoring, documenting, and filming actions of Gardaí and private security.  

Legal observers are recognised human rights defenders according to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the UN Human Rights Committee. There is an international obligation to permit legal observers to fulfil their role unhindered. Legal observers are independent and do not take part in the protest or in the organisation of the protest. Legal observers focus on the protest rights of those involved, rather than the issue that is being protested.

ICCL conducts legal observer trainings on a quarterly basis. Anyone who attends one of the trainings (three to four hours long held in different parts of the country), and upholds the terms of participation can be a legal observer; the next training is on 2^nd October in Dublin. If interested in attending training contact Emily Williams of ICCL emily.williams@iccl.ie – she is also an organiser of the Network along with Dr Illan Wall, Irish Centre for Human Rights and School of Law, University of Galway, illan.wall@universityofgalway.ie  if you want to request legal observers for a protest. For more info see https://www.iccl.ie/iccl-irish-network-of-legal-observers/

Corrymeela 60 autumn events

There are a variety of events in different places commemorating the 60^th anniversary of the founding of Corrymeela in 1965, making it the only peace and reconciliation group to pre-date the Troubles in Northern Ireland – and still going strong. Thursday 30th October: Luncheon at the Centre followed by An Anniversary Celebration in the Croí with Readings & Songs reflecting 60 years of Corrymeela. 1-2 Nov 2025: Shelter in the Storms Dublin programme in a collaborative learning experience for Corrymeela’s 60th, Glencree’s 50th, and Dublin’s North inner city community. Saturday 22nd November: Sounds Connected Fundraiser Concert featuring the premiere of ‘A Season to Sing’, a choral reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in Belfast Cathedral https://www.corrymeela.org/news/263/spectacular-choral-concert-a-season. Meanwhile Corrymeela has a summer fundraising appeal marking the 60^th anniversary https://www.corrymeela.org/donate/donate-to-our-summer-2025-appeal You can also sign up on the website to receive Corrymeela’s monthly Community News with reports and news of upcoming events – and/or visit the website to find out more.

Adi Roche at Hiroshima commemoration

Commemorations of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings were held in Dublin, Galway and Tralee, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/innateireland/54704583635/in/dateposted/ and another six photos beside that. The keynote speaker at the Dublin event was Adi Roche, Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International https://www.chernobyl-international.com/ Included in a wide ranging talk she said “Current tensions around the globe show us that nuclear escalation is not a relic of the Cold War, but an increasing clear and present danger. Recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities is a very real example of such danger. We are regressing into a world in which the ‘rule of law’ is replaced by the ‘rule of power,’ with a destabilising new nuclear arms race. There can be no compromise on the issue of nuclear weapons…we either put an end to nuclear weapons, or they will put an end to us……Let us say loudly today on this 80^th anniversary: ‘No to War! No to Nuclear Weapons! And Yes to Peace! Yes to Disarmament. Today we are taking a side. For we declare today we are taking the side of peace. No more Hiroshima’s! No more Nagasaki’s!” https://irishcnd.blogspot.com/

Amnesty International NI on criminalisation of peacful protest

In mid-August, Amnesty International (AI) NI director Patrick Corrigan said “The PSNI must uphold people’s right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza.The police must be clear that they have obligations under the Human Rights Act and international law to facilitate the right to peaceful protest. Carrying out arrests for peaceful expression on this issue would be a violation of international human rights law. Instead of criminalising peaceful demonstrators, the UK Government should be focusing on taking immediate action to put a stop to Israel’s genocide.”   This followed the arrest of a woman in Belfast for supposedly supporting UK terror law banned Palestine Action. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/issues/Northern-Ireland AI subsequently launched a global ‘urgent action’ to protect the right to protest of over 700 people arrested for peacefully protesting in the UK in support of Palestine Action.

Manifesto for Peace and Recognition for Palestine

The European Peace Project (EPP), a loose network of groups and individuals, is organising a Manifesto for Peace and Recognition for Palestine to be read or declared across Europe at 5.00 p.m. on the 3rd of October.  Again, Lex Innocentium will arrange a public event to read this manifesto (as it did with the Declaration of a Manifesto for Peace in Europe on 8^th May). See https://europeanpeaceproject.eu and you can contact Lex Innocentium 21^st Century at lexinnocentium21@gmail.com

Ireland must join the Hague group – Afri and Comhlámh

Afri and Comhlámh are asking all civil society organisations to sign up to an urgent open letter to TDs and Senators calling on Ireland to join the Hague Group to end complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian People. A coalition of nations, the Hague Group led by South Africa and Colombia, has pledged to take concrete steps to end complicity in genocide and uphold international law, with specific concrete steps to end arms transfers, stop military transit, enforce shipping control, cut state support for occupation, pursue justice and enable domestic prosecutions. Thirteen countries have already signed up. Your organisation can sign the letter before 10^th September with 20^th September a deadine for Ireland to join. Go to https://www.afri.ie/ and then to ‘News and events’ on the home page, or go to https://comhlamh.org/ and scroll down to ‘News’.

Foreign military bases are spreading – as is resistance to them

World Beyond War (WBW) has issued a new report on foreign military bases https://worldbeyondwar.org/basesreport2025/ “While U.S. bases are in 95 foreign countries all over the globe and virtually encircling the borders of Russia and China, the nation with the second-most foreign bases, Türkiye, has them all near Türkiye, with the exception of one base in Somalia, and the majority of them in Syria and Iraq where Türkiye has been waging wars. During U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States added, and later closed, hundreds of bases. Türkiye and the U.S. are allied members of NATO and weapons traders, and the United States maintains a military presence at nine bases within Türkiye, at one of which it keeps nuclear weapons. The only other nation on Earth with even a tenth as many foreign military bases as the United States is the United States’ very closest military ally, the United Kingdom, some of whose bases are joint U.S.-UK operations. The combined foreign military bases of the top three nations on the list, NATO members all, total 1,127. The fourth nation on the list, NATO’s raison d’être, Russia, has 29 foreign military bases. These are all found in 10 countries, all of which are near Russia, apart from one base in Sudan.”

As WBW states “Bases are often on stolen land and often perpetuate systems of segregation and colonialism. They do incredible environmental damage, tend to increase sexual violence and drunkenness, cost a financial fortune, prop up brutal governments, and facilitate drone attacks and wars.“ The full report is available at the above link, with other news on their website including their #NoWar2025 conference, 24th-26th October on Zoom, exploring abolition movements.

Tools for Solidarity: In the van-guard

Global solidarity organisation Tools for Solidarity is crowd-funding to acquire a new electric van as they use a van for ‘everything’ and their old one’s durability has van-ished. Tools for Solidarity is a not for profit voluntary charitable organisation based in Belfast and relies on donations of tools, sewing machines and volunteers to sustain the work of supporting artisans in sub Sahara Africa to increase their income generation and improve the quality of their lives and that of their communities. They are also involved in other work locally. See https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tools-for-solidarity-3

FOE UK: Planet Protectors pack for children

Friends of the Earth UK has a Planet Protectors Pack for children with activities, games and stickers, and plastic free. It is available for a donation at https://friendsoftheearth.uk/donate/have-fun-together-get-your-planet-protectors-pack-today?dm_i=78W4,2O2ZK,1RRHI4,7BK2U,1 and any profits go to FOE work. If ordering from outside the UK postal area please be aware of high UK international postage charges, or enquire about postage.

PCI: Materials on the conflict in Sudan and role of women

The conflict and war in Sudan with its huge and devastating effects trundles on, mainly unreported in the media, mainstream or social. Materials from Pax Christi International programme about the situation, “Sudan Speaks: Voices from a Forgotten Crisis and Hopes for Peace” can be found on the Pax Christi International website with video and downloadable slides; the final webinar of the series of three is on 22^nd September. Go to https://paxchristi.net/webinars-sudan-speaks The Pax Christi annual report for 2024 is also available on their website at https://paxchristi.net/2024-annual-report-standing-together-for-nonviolence-and-just-peace/ while you can also read about the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative by clicking that title on the menu bar of the home page.

FOE NI: A5, Lough Neagh

Friends of the Earth in Northern Ireland welcomed the court judgement on the A5 upgrade and argue that “Nearly £2 billion is far too much money to waste on one new road project. That money should be used in a more clever and strategic way. Around £1 billion can fund better transport. Firstly to upgrade the existing A5 and secondly to open up new rail and bus services to connections to the west of Northern Ireland.” The dire state of Lough Neagh and political ineffectiveness in dealing with the issue is the subject of a petition to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister demanding community ownership and real protection and restoration https://action.friendsoftheearth.uk/petition/help-save-uks-largest-lake-lough-neagh?dm_i=78W4,2O4TS,1RRHI4,7BQX5,1 And see https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-ireland

Neutrality and Triple Lock session at Desmond Greaves

The Desmond Greaves weekend summer school in central Dublin, 5^th – 7^th September, sees the session on Saturday afternoon, 6^th September at 2.30pm, on the future of Irish neutrality with representatives of political parties opposing the abolition of the Triple Lock, and the chair for the session will be Stephen Kelly, chair of PANA/Peace And Neutrality Alliance. Individual sessions are €10, concessions half price. See https://www.greavesschool.ie/ for details.

CRIS fun and fundraiser

CRIS/Community Relations in Schools has a fundraiser at the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on Friday 17^th October with a fancy dress quiz and disco and night of trivia, dancing, themed decor, treats and prizes; proceeds will support CRIS’ ongoing peacebuilding work. See https://www.tickettailor.com/events/communityrelationsinschools/1826574 and the CRIS website is at https://www.crisni.org/

• Please note this is a relatively short supplement with mainly time-limited or immediate information, not a full issue (the next one will appear at the start of September)

Pre-legislative report before Government demolishes Triple Lock

The Irish Government has announced its intention to proceed with its removal of the Triple Lock on deployment of Irish troops overseas in the autumn following the publication of a committee report on the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025. On 30^th July the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security, chaired by Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh, published its Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025, which makes 27 recommendations for inclusion in the draft legislation. The Joint Committee has recommended a number of safeguards if the current ‘Triple Lock’ requirement for a UN mandate is removed including a formal legal review by an independent body in advance of any deployment of Irish troops with an international force with this review being made public, and defining the purposes for which Irish personnel can be deployed with an international force as ‘peace keeping, peace enforcement or duties of a police character’ rather than ‘peacekeeping, conflict prevention and/or strengthening international security’.

However how much of the committee’s recommendations will make it into final legislation, and how much it would limit the Irish government deploying troops for any particular EU or NATO military mission remains to be seen (‘peace enforcement’ could cover a multitude of scenarios). And the fact remains they could do so without UN authorisation.

The report is available at https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/34/joint_committee_on_defence_and_national_security/reports/2025/2025-07-30_report-on-pre-legislative-scrutiny-of-the-general-scheme-of-the-defence-amendment-bill-2025_en.pdf

Hiroshima Day events:

1) ICND: Annual commemoration of Hiroshima, Dublin, 6^th August
On the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, which took place on 6th August 1945, Irish CND (campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) will be holding the customary annual commemoration in Merrion Square in Dublin. 

The ceremony will take place at the memorial cherry tree in Merrion Square Park, at 1.10 p.m. There will be short speeches by Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin John Stephens, Japanese Chargé d’Affaires in Ireland, Mr Norimasa Yoshida, and Irish CND vice-president Adi Roche (CEO of Chernobyl Children International). There will also be contributions of music and poetry, and a wreath of flowers will be laid at the tree at the close of the commemoration. 

ICND go on to say “An estimated 80,000 people were directly killed by the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, with casualties reaching 140,000 within a year. Approximately 12,500 nuclear weapons remain in the world today, more than enough to destroy life on earth as we know it many times over.

Sadly, the dark shadow of the possibility of nuclear war looms more grimly than perhaps ever before. Within the past month, the stationing of US nuclear weapons in the UK has resumed. Spending on nuclear weapons reached more than $100 billion last year, a shocking new high. Nuclear weapons states are all engaged in modernising their arsenals and delivery systems. Five of the nine nuclear-armed states have engaged in international military attacks in the past three months alone. It would only take a moment of madness to plunge the world into an irreversible nuclear war.

Yet there are positive signs of progress. More countries continue to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons each year. The number of companies with significant investments in nuclear arms companies has dropped by a quarter since the TPNW entered into force in 2021. International support for disarmament is growing, even in apparently unlikely quarters, such as US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s recent statement. Here in Ireland, 23 local authorities are now members of Mayors for Peace, with 16 new councils joining following the visit to Dublin last October of the Mayor of Hiroshima, Mr Kazumi Matsui. Light overcomes darkness. “ http://irishcnd.blogspot.ie/

2) Hiroshima commemoration, Galway, 6^th August

The Galway Alliance Against War (GAAW) Hiroshima Day commemoration will be held at the Spanish Arch on Wednesday, August 6th, at 8pm with the theme “Hiroshima 1945; Gaza 2025: Stop the Killing”, and draws a stark parallel between past and present atrocities, condemning the ongoing genocide in Palestine and beyond. The speaker will be Tadhg Hickey.

GAAW states “Cork comedian and political satirist Tadhg Hickey has become a social media sensation for his unwavering advocacy for Palestine. With 300,000 followers on Instagram and a massive YouTube audience, his sharp, skit-based commentaries—delivered in his distinctive Cork accent—have resonated globally. But his growing influence is not welcome in certain quarters: in May 2025, Instagram abruptly shut down his account, and months earlier, YouTube demonetised his channel. Meanwhile, his gigs in Britain have been accompanied by a heavy police presence. These acts of censorship underscore the challenges faced by outspoken voices……The gathering is free and open to the public, offering a space for reflection, solidarity, and resistance. Join Tadhg Hickey and GAAW to honour the victims of war and demand an end to these never-ending war crimes. ” https://www.facebook.com/groups/312442090965/

3) PANA webinar: Lessons after 80 years

A webinar entitled “The Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings: Lessons After 80 Years” will be taking place on Wednesday, 6th August at 7pm Irish time. The event will be online and the Zoom link will be circulated to attendees, who can register for free. The event will hear an interview with Nagasaki survivor Kazuo Maruta; famed historian and World War II expert Geoffrey Roberts; and President of World Beyond War Kathy Kelly, who has been a leading peace activist spanning decades. PANA (Peace And Neutrality Alliance) states “As European spaces for de-escalation and non-proliferation continue to shrink, with Finland and Sweden now in the nuclear-armed NATO alliance, and the recent suggestion that Austria could follow suit, it is more important than ever that the dwindling number of non-nuclear states bind together.” See www.pana.ie or click on box at https://www.pana.ie/posts/hiroshima-80-years to register.

l A video of PANA chair Stephen Kelly, along with Niamh Ní Bhriain of the Transnational Institute, who were witnesses at an Oireachtas session on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of Triple Lock Bill, on 3^rd July, is available at https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/video-archive/committees/10447/ (go to 0.23.24) and a Journal report of the same meeting is at https://www.thejournal.ie/defence-committee-tetchy-scenes-6751758-Jul2025/

Climate Justice, Militarism, and Palestine: Dublin workshop

Friends of the Earth and Afri have a workshop on “Climate Justice, Militarism, and Palestine: Unlearning Empire, Rooting Resistance “, facilitated by Afri coordinator Katie Martin on 13th August. This workshop is a part of Friends of the Earth’s Global Citizenship Education project, in the effort to promote action for global solidarity but unfortunately is fully subscribed so no longer open. Irish FOE is at https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/ and Afri at www.afri.ie

MNI ‘Difficult conversations’ and other courses

A one day course on Constructive Professional Dialogue – Handling difficult conversations with confidence takes place in Belfast on 23^rd and online on 24^th September. Other courses in the autumn include Group and systemic mediation practice, Principled negotiation, Workplace conflict management, and Mediation theory and practice. Mediation Northern Ireland/MNI website is at https://mediationni.org/

Civilian based defence systems

A short, just under 7 minute, video introduction by Risteárd Mac Annraoi to civilian based defence appears at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2kX_LqYRKc ……. with backdrops of Cork. This is a subject which the Irish government’s ‘Consultative Forum on Security Policy’ in 2023 refused to learn about…..

The EU is on a war path

Excellent analysis of the militaristic path being followed by the EU, and its convergence with US and NATO military might, appears in a short article by Niamh Ní Bhriain published by World Beyond War (WBW) at https://tinyurl.com/4wm7tyn2 If anyone is in doubt about the direction ‘we’ are heading, this is a piece to read or share. WBW is at https://worldbeyondwar.org/

Week of Action for Peace & Climate Justice

The second annual Week of Action for Peace & Climate Justice, backed by a wide variety of groups, is taking place from 15^th – 21st September and will address the links between war, militarism/militarisation and social, economic and climate injustice. It will promote grassroots action and policymaking to confront both genocide and ecocide – for peace and a just systemic transition. This important area is beginning to come into focus. See https://climatemilitarism.org/weekofaction/ Source: War Resisters’ International www.wri-irg.org

Legacy Act demo at ICRIR

Relatives for Justice, the Pat Finucane Centre, CAJ and Amnesty UK, victims and families gathered outside the Belfast offices of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) in Belfast to mark the first anniversary of the Conservative government in Britain’s Legacy Act, which came into effect on 1^st May 2024 – which they branded as bringing in a shameful legacy of betrayal. But they were also calling for action. In writing about this Grainne Teggart of Amnesty International wrote “The Labour Party pledged during the general election campaign to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. But recent signals from Westminster suggest that promise is wavering, with partial reforms now replacing firm commitments to repeal.” See page 6 of the June edition of CAJ’s ‘Just News’, downloadable at https://caj.org.uk/publications/our-newsletter/just-news-june-2025/

Síolta Chroí

Síolta Chroí has a series of Gardening for Biodiversity Family Days on the second Saturday of the month – 9^th August, 13^th September etc – and you will have missed a Lúnasa community meal and conversation on food the evening of 1^st August. For a full list of courses and events see https://sioltachroi.ie/courses-and-events/ Síolta Chroí is at Aghacloghan, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan.

Organic Centre, Rossinver

You can check out upcoming programme at the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim on their website at https://www.theorganiccentre.ie/ This includes courses on dry stonewalling which is sold out, ‘Autumn in the Polytunnel’, Korean natural farming, wild mushroom foraging, and fermentation. You can also give gift tokens, an ‘ideal zero waste gift’ as they say. Much more including their seed and organic range is on their website.

Invest NI funds arms production including F-35s….as used in Gaza

This detailed and shocking 30-page report by Act Now on ‘Invest NI, F-35s and Israel: Public Money for War Crimes?’ is available at https://www.actnowni.org/invest-ni-f-35s-and-israel-public-money-for-war-crimes-report As the report states “Invest NI used nearly £20 million of public money to fund four NI-based companies who produce components for the F-35 programme…….F-35s are being used by Israel to bomb and massacre Palestinians in Gaza.” The report includes looking at Invest NI’s lack of accountability and transparency, the firms involved, and concludes by mentioning a forthcoming judicial review brought by a member of Cairde Palestine.

Deirdre Duffy the new CEO for FOE

Irish Friends of the Earth has a new CEO, Deirdre Duffy, who will take up the post in late August, replacing Oisin Coghlan who moved on from the post earlier this year. Deirdre Duffy is currently Director of Impact, Grants and Donor Care at Community Foundation Ireland; she was also Campaign Manager for Together for Yes, which successfully worked for the Repeal of the 8th amendment, and she also held senior roles in the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, drawing on her background as a civil rights lawyer.   An interview with her appears on the FOE website at https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/an-interview-with-our-new-ceo/

World Peace Gathering in Dripsey, Cork

From 18 – 20 July there is a 3 day gathering “uniting global voices for peace, healing, cultural exchange, and Indigenous wisdom” taking place at Dripsey Castle, Co Cork. It will feature indigenous leaders from the Americas and elsewhere “all joining with the Indigenous People of Ireland and European communities to walk a path of healing, solidarity, and shared purpose” and be “a call for Ireland to rise as a bridge between worlds, cultures, and peoples”. Further details at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/world-peace-gathering-2025-tickets-1236838038869 As this approach is different to what most peace activists are familiar with, we asked Helen Henderson (not involved in organising the above) to write something about her approach in this area and her article, Duchas, appears in the email and web editions of this issue.

Corrymeela 60

Corrymeela has been planning a variety of events to mark its 60^th anniversary – it was founded in 1965 and the only ‘pre-Troubles’ peace and reconciliation group in the North. There will be a residential reunion in late August for those who have been part of the Corrymeela story over the years, a special service in the Croi on 30^th October, Dublin programme on 1^st and 2^nd November (held jointly with Glencree for their 50^th anniversary and Dublin north inner city community). On Saturday 22nd November there will be a ‘Sounds Connected’ Fundraiser Concert featuring the premiere of ‘A Season to Sing’ in Belfast Cathedral. Look out for more details and you can sign up to receive the monthly Corrymeela newsletter on their website at https://www.corrymeela.org/

Amnesty International report on threats to journalists in NI

Northern Ireland is the most dangerous place in the UK to be a journalist and AI’s recent report “Occupational Hazard? Threats and violence against journalists in Northern Ireland” https://www.amnesty.org.uk/resources/occupational-hazard-protect-journalists-northern-ireland-report gives the details. The threats are from paramilitaries and organised crime groups. Research for the report revealed 71 incidents of threats or attacks on journalists in Northern Ireland since the start of 2019 – but that is only part of the picture. Recommendations in the report include coordination of state responses, effective investigations and prosecutions, home protection and police training.

AVP Ireland: 50 years of AVP internationally

Three members (Charming Claire, Dazzle Donna, and Gentle Jenny in the adjective naming style of AVP) represented AVP Ireland at the AVP 50th Anniversary Gathering in New York in May. “Over five inspiring days, they joined AVP facilitators from around the world to exchange best practices, reflect on AVP’s past, present, and future, and explore the evolving role of AVP International.” As Dazzle Donna reported “What stood out most were the testimonies of how AVP workshops have been adapted and delivered in a wide range of communities (prisons, youth, migrants, communities, justice systems) with each having their own unique challenges and strength. What unites all of these different settings is the belief in the power of experiential learning, deep listening and nonviolent communication to unlock empathy and change.” Meanwhile at home there have been over 180 participants workshops this year, and in the last quarter three Training for Facilitators workshops. Enquiries about volunteering with AVP welcome, see the website https://www.avpireland.ie/ or email info@avpireland.ie and there is a link to make financial donations to support the work on the website.

Equality Coalition report on local councils and equality in NI

“Screened Out Without Mitigation – Returning Equality in Northern Ireland to the Margins” is a new report, written by Robbie McVeigh, from the Equality Coalition in Northern Ireland critically examines how Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils implement their statutory equality duties nearly three decades after the Good Friday Agreement and highlights serious gaps between equality obligations on paper and actual outcomes on the ground. Findings include persistent inequalities in workforces, equality screening failures, misuse of equality mechanisms, and weak oversight. Recommendations are made on a centralised database, screening and reforming the interpretation of “good relations” to ensure it does not override equality obligations, among other points. See https://caj.org.uk/publications/reports/screened-out-without-mitigation-returning-equality-in-northern-ireland-back-to-the-margins/ The Equality Coalition is a civil society body with over a hundred NGO and trade union members. https://www.equalitycoalition.net/

CGE podcast: Joe Murray on peace, justice, demilitarisation

The Centre for Global Education’s ‘Reimagining Development’ podcast series includes one with Joe Murray, former coordinator of Afri, as he reflects on his career as an educator, activist and campaigner for social justice, peace and sustainability.  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cge-belfast/episodes/Peace–Justice-and-Demilitarisation-with-Joe-Murray-e31mjmo and CGE is at https://www.centreforglobaleducation.com/

Glencree

Glencree CEO Naoimh McNamee and Community & Political Dialogue Manager Pat Hynes were were in Zagreb in May invited by the Croatian Foreign Ministry to discuss issues arising after 30 years since the Dayton Accords that ended the Balkan wars. The team also shared Glencree’s experience of the Northern Irish peace process and implementation of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement. Meanwhile Glencree’s podcast on their dynamic dialogue approach is available on their website at https://glencree.ie/resources/podcast-3/ where Barbara Walshe talks to Ian White, Geoffrey Corry and Pat Hynes abut this approach and its use in their work.

80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki: PCI webinar

A recording of the recent Pax Christi International webinar marking 80 years since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and looking at the commitment to nuclear disarmament and lasting peace, is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcaxUQkgoWE and runs for 99 minutes with speakers from different Pax Christi sections and from ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons). https://paxchristi.net/ https://www.icanw.org/

FOE continue data centres campaign

Irish Friends of the Earth are continuing their data centres campaign with astounding figures about data centre electricity, water and land use. They report that “With over 80 data centres currently, Ireland now accounts for 25% of the European data centre market. Data centres use a whopping 21 per cent of Irish electricity compared to an EU average of around 2 per cent (the next highest country is the Netherlands at 5 per cent).” This is more than all urban homes in the country and is forecast to grow to 30% by 2030; it also puts a huge demand on an area’s water supply. Half their energy comes from fossil fuels but they also gobble up renewable energy – “One data centre in Wicklow, Echelon, which is positioning itself to plug into the Arklow bank wind farm, is estimated to use 50% of all the renewables produced there.” Friends of the Earth is calling for a moratorium on new data centre developments and expansion until data centres can operate within climate limits, and wants strict limits on electricity consumption used by existing centres, not only new connections. Go to https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/act/data-centres/ for more info.

The website of FOE in the North is at https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-ireland

All Island of Ireland Interfaith Gathering for Peace

This inclusive online gathering, organised by Dublin City Interfaith Forum and the Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum, takes place on Tuesday 16^th September from 7.00 – 8.30pm. Facilitators are Adrian Cristea, Edwin Graham and Lynda Morissey. Details at https://tinyurl.com/3mkezh3s Source: Eco Congregation Ireland https://www.ecocongregationireland.com/

Input to Dáil Joint Committee on Defence and National Security

Input by Karen Devine, John Maguire, and Ray Murphy to the above committee and its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Defence Amendment Bill 2025 – intended by the government to remove the Triple Lock on deployment of Irish troops overseas, can be found at https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/joint_committee_on_defence_and_national_security/2025-06-12/ and go to 27 minutes in.

l A letter from 409 academics to the Taoiseach, written in March this year, urging the retention of the Triple Lock can be read on the PANA website at https://www.pana.ie/posts/open-letter-from-irish-academics-on-triple-lock

Death of Sunny Jacobs

We regret to record the death of Sunny Jacobs and her carer, Kevin Kelly, in a house fire in Co Galway on 3^rd June. Sunny was a well known humanitarian and human rights activist. See more at https://www.afri.ie/category/tribute-to-sunny-jacobs/ and through an online search.

INNATE’s posters on peace, green issues and human rights

A new A4 size mini-poster on the economic cost of militarism has been issued by INNATE; go to https://innatenonviolence.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cake-anti-militarist.pdf This is one in a set of over 120 mini-posters which are intended for home, school/college and office use and can easily be run off on a computer printer. https://innatenonviolence.org/wp/posters/

Forthspring plan Belfast-based Institute for Nonviolence

Forthspring https://www.forthspring.org/, a cross-community centre at the Catholic-Protestant interface on the Springfield Road, Belfast, is transforming to an Institute for Nonviolence.  New Director, Dr Kate Laverty, is bringing to the fore her work with the Martin Luther King Institute for Nonviolence in the USA https://www.nonviolenceinstitute.org/ Her experience in promoting nonviolence principles in her youth work practice will serve as a springboard to launch the new methodology in Forthspring as it enters its 30th year later in 2025. For anyone interested in being part of this evolution, get in touch. Contact: Dr Kate Laverty, Director, 07746984833, director@forthspring.com     See also article by Kate Laverty in email and web editions of this issue.

Resistance continues to Triple Lock axe

The ‘Save Irish Neutrality, Save the Triple Lock’ campaign involving a wide variety of groups continues to work in opposition to Irish government plans to axe it. While a Social Democrat motion in the Dáil to hold a plebiscite/referendum on the issue was voted down through a government counter-motion, the government plans to move legislation through the committee stage so there is still time for citizen pressure to work. A comprehensive rebuttal of government arguments is made in various resources including the August 2024 document from the Transnational Institute https://www.tni.org/en/publication/saving-the-triple-lock

Mothers Against Genocide manhandled at Dáil

There were eleven arrests and three legal charges, plus some police cautions, on 30^th March at the end of a Mothers Against Genocide all night Mothers’ Day vigil on Palestine outside the Dáil in Dublin. The group had already announced their intention to leave a couple of hours later. What some found particularly distasteful was that photos of dead Palestinian children were treated like dirt by by the Gardaí. See coverage at https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=mothers%20against%20genocide and other media.

Missing Peace toolkit

The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation (Glencree), together with its consortium partners from five different countries in the Missing Peace project, have launched a new resource to help youth workers, educators and community practitioners engage young people in peacebuilding and reconciliation. The 68-page Missing Peace Project Toolkit, developed as part of the EU-funded Missing Peace project, provides 12 interactive activities designed to foster dialogue, critical thinking and conflict resolution skills. Further information and a link for downloading can be found at https://glencree.ie/homepage-highlight/missing-peace-toolkit/

Mairead Maguire in Gaza fast

Nobel Peace laureate Mairead Maguire is undertaking a 40 day liquids only fast for Gaza and the world’s children suffering from the violence of hunger and war. “Refuse to hate, refuse to kill each other and demand instead dialogue and negotiation.  Today in Gaza, the policy of starvation of 2.5 million people, by Israeli policies, is continuing and it is killing the children,  we see it and it is breaking our hearts!!!”. https://www.peacepeople.com/nobel-peace-laureate-maguire-starts-40-day-fast-for-gaza-and-the-worlds-children-for-peace/

Frank Aiken lectures

There has been a change of date for the Frank Aiken Evening previously announced (e.g. in last issue) to take place on 27th March. This will now take place on Wednesday 2nd April. “The Legacy of Frank Aiken – The Role of Small Countries in Times of Danger and Uncertainty” – An Evening of Talks and Discussion hosted by Lex Innocentium, 21st Century  and  the Irish School of Ecumenics now takes place on Wednesday, 2nd of April 2025, at 7.00 p.m. in Room G16, Loyola Building, Trinity College Dublin Speakers include Dr. Stephen Kelly, Dr. Patrick Bresnihan, and Dr. John Maguire. Lex Innocentium, 21st Century website is at https://lexinnocentium21.ie/

Thales to open third NI site

With war in Ukraine and rearmament in many countries, business and profits are booming for the lagest arms company on the island of Ireland, Thales. They have announced new investment and the intention to set up a third site in Northern Ireland, recruiting 200 more workers. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgl0z7gxpg2o See also Thales fact file in email and web editions of this issue.

Adi Roche on 14 years after Fukushima

Adi Roche, Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International (CCI), in a statement issued for the 14^th anniversary of the Fukushima disaster, said “It’s devastating to see that patterns laid down by Chernobyl are being mirrored now in Fukushima.  Any potential explosion or meltdown at any nuclear power plant, by accident or design, would cause irreversible damage to the environment and human life that will last for thousands of years. Though Fukushima happened because of a natural disaster, and Chernobyl was a man-made disaster, their long lasting impact are the same.  Now, recent attacks in Ukraine have shown us how little mankind have learned about the fragility of nuclear power and now innocent children are, once again, paying the highest price.” See https://www.chernobyl-international.com/fourteen-years-after-fukushima-the-unfolding-nuclear-nightmare-and-parallels-with-chernobyl/

lMeanwhile CCI reports that, not being the recipient of any state aid, they are unaffected by governmental aid cuts but that “However, in the communities where we work, the effects of these cuts are devastating and we anticipate that we will see a knock-on effect in the demand for our support over the coming months. “ https://www.chernobyl-international.com/

Good Relations Awards 2025

The Northern Ireland Good Relations Awards presentation event took place on 25th March at Shankill Shared Women’s Centre, Belfast. Here are the six award winners: CRC Exceptional Achievement Award – Kathy Wolff: Volunteer of the Year – Cooper McClure; Youth Award – Emma Baptista; Community Champion – Jonah Atos; Connecting Communities – Jubilee Community; Housing for All – Portstewart Community Association. Full details are available on the CRC website at https://www.community-relations.org.uk/news-centre/good-relations-awards-2025-winners-announced

ICCL petition on facial recognition use by Gardaí

ICCL/Irish Council for Civil Liberties have a petition opposing the Minister for Justice giving the Gardaí permission to use facial recognition technology (FRT). They state “FRT has been shown to exhibit significant racial bias leading to wrongful arrests, surveillance and discrimination. Studies have shown that these technologies are less accurate in identifying people of colour. This can result in severe consequences for innocent people. This is not just a technical issue but a systematic injustice built into these technologies that reinforce racial inequality. Recent developments in Hungary have also highlighted the dangers that FRT holds for minorities, where attempts are being made to ban pride events. FRT has been proposed to track members of the LGBTI+ community who gather publicly, which will also disproportionately affect racial minorities within that community.” See https://www.iccl.ie/i-do-not-consent-to-frt/

CAJ human rights news

You can catch up with valuable insights on various human rights issues in Northern Ireland with the March issue of the CAJ/Committee on the Administration of Justice newsletter Just News which is available at https://caj.org.uk/publication_type/our-newsletter/ (where you can also subscribe for updates). Issues covered include the Irish government and legacy issues, extremism, the ongoing effort to get the NI Executive going on an antipoverty strategy, racism and Sperrins goldmining.

Voters in Republic want more climate action

A poll taken in January shows a clear majority of voters in the Republic, 55%, want the government to take more action on climate change than the last government, compared to only 21% who want less action. This includes 59% of Fianna Fail voters and 55% of Fine Gael voters. Interestingly there was little difference between urban and rural voters; three in every four rural voters want the same or more climate action, 72%, compared to 81% of those living in cities. See https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/new-poll-shows-fianna-fail-and-fine-gael-voters-want-more-cl/

Major German peace congress

A major online German-language peace congress takes place at Easter time. See https://friedenistmoeglich.de/ Entitled “Wie geht Frieden? “ (‘How does peace go?’) with a wide variety of speakers and activities…..as some of those involved speak in English (German subtitles added) those reading this but not speaking German may still view videos with interest. The Northern Ireland peace process, and history, feature along with a myriad of other situations.

Church and Peace call on justice and peacebuilding

Church and Peace, the European church peace network, has called for an orientation to justice and peacebuilding in the current environment. Their statement includes “The European Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the welfare of its peoples. For that reason it is irresponsible, according to the Board of Church and Peace, to declare a ‘pre-war situation’ and so legitimize massive armament, especially as this might be a self-fulfilling prophecy.” https://www.church-and-peace.org/en/2025/03/in-view-of-current-developments-church-and-peace-calls-for-clear-orientation-to-justice-and-peace/

Inclusion in the Northern Ireland peace process

An academic article “Inclusion in the Northern Ireland Peace Process: A ‘History of the Present’ “ by Catherine Turner (Professor of Law at Durham University) is available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/17502977.2024.2365512?needAccess=true appearing in the Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding. This 21 page article has some useful insights on the peace process, the resultant consociational form of government, the role of civil society, and how narratives have narrowed.

Corrymeela 60

Corrymeela, the only existing peace and reconciliation group to predate the Troubles, is approaching 60 years at work. While the group that became the eponymous Corrymeela identified the site they wanted to purchase outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim, a former Holiday Fellowship venue, at the start of 1965, it was the summer of that year that they took possession and it only became an incorporated charity in December 1966. There will be Corrymeela Sunday events at Coventry (15th-16th March) coming up to St Patrick’s Day and then in the period 22nd – 31st August this year anniversary ‘open’ events will be held at the Corrymeela Centre that they hope will allow the generations who have been a part of the Corrymeela story to reunite and learn with people interested in carrying that story forward. 

Also look for more information to come around a planned trip to Taizé in early autumn; events in Dublin at the end of October 2025; a service in the Croí on 30 October to mark the anniversary of the centre’s 1965 dedication; a special anniversary concert in Belfast Cathedral on 22 November 2025; a service in Exeter Cathedral on 23 November; and a conference on Reconciliation for Easter 2026. Other events and ongoing programmes will also take place. Up to date information is available at www.corrymeela.org

Féile Bríde: Justice and Solidarity

Afri’s Féile Bríde takes place on Saturday 8^th February at Solas Bhríde, Tully Road, Kildare with the title “Brigid’s Light: Illuminating paths of justice and solidarity”. Speakers are Niamh Ní Briain on Brigid’s call to action today: Defying militarism and protecting the Triple Lock, James Hennessy on Solar lights and the work of Development Pamoja, Catherine Cleary on Pocket Forests and Raghad Abu Shammala on Solidarity is key; musicians are Emer Lynam, Dee Armstrong, Lughaidh Armstrong, Gráinne Horan, Kate Moore and the Resistance Choir. The programme runs from 10.15 am registration and finishes after the final programme item at 4.20pm. Full price for the day, including lunch, tea and coffee is €35, concessions €25 (further donations to costs welcome). Bookings via https://www.afri.ie/category/feile-bride-2025/ or to Afri at 8 Cabra Road, Dublin D07 T1W2.

Sperrins gold diggers inquiry halted

The public inquiry into gold mining by USA-owned Dalradian in the Sperrins near Greencastle, Co Tyrone, was abruptly halted after two days in mid-January. Opponents of the mining were there in strength but Dalradian have been working on site since 2009 and first submitted plans to mine in 2017. Their commitment, under pressure, not to use cyanide there may hold but does not cover other toxic and environmental effects, or the possible use of cyanide elsewhere. The inquiry was halted over the failure of the Department for Infrastructure in the North to give the required notice across the border but may resume in late March. The NI Executive makes the final decision on mining. https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=save%20our%20sperrins

Another miraculous appearance by St Brigid

In a stupendous and recurring miracle, around her feast day every year St Brigid puts in an appearance at the Department of Foreign Affairs at St Stephen’s Green, calling on the Irish government to act for peace (in accord with St Brigid herself), and, currently, to protect the Triple Lock which requires UN approval for Irish troops deployment overseas. https://swordstoploughsharesireland.org/ and https://youtu.be/hl4LHqSVU4o?si=4J4YiOaFBm7cpJRn

ICCL on new government programme

ICCL/Irish Council for Civil Liberties has looked at both negatives and positives in the Programme for Government with the former including the retention of the Special Criminal Court and the extension of police powers, and the latter comprehensively reviewing the criminal justice system, modernising the Coroner Service, and tackling the use of recommender algorithms. www.iccl.ie

Transformative approaches to housing

Housing is a critical issue in wellbeing. Housing ourselves in the wellbeing economy is an in person and online event on Friday 14^th February taking place at WeCreate Centre, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co. Tipperary, E53 VP86 and online from 10am – 5pm. It aims to explore transformative approaches to housing that prioritise sustainability, inclusivity, and community resilience and is hosted by Cloughjordan Co-Housing in collaboration with the Irish Hub of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance which Feasta co-ordinates. Details at https://cloughjordancohousing.coop/making-neighbourhoods/housing-ourselves-2025/ and Feasta is at https://www.feasta.org/

Glencree on 50 years after Feakle talks

It is 50 years since Protestant church leaders bravely met the IRA in secret talks at Feakle, Co Clare, setting a pattern for dialogue which eventually paid dividends. Glencree marked this anniversary with an event in December. https://glencree.ie/events/feakle-1974/

CRIS/Community Relations in Schools at 40

Belfast-based Community Relations in Schools is marking 40 years work with schoolchildren in building understanding and friendship. They will be celebrating with a gala fundraising dinner on Saturday 15^th March from 6pm to late at Titanic Centre Belfast, tickets £75. More details and about CRIS’s work at https://www.crisni.org/40-years-of-cris

WRI on Israel-Hamas ceasefire

A statement from the Executive of War Resisters’ International (WRI) on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire can be found at https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2025/wri-exec-statement-israel-hamas-ceasefire

Oisín Coghlan moving on from FOE

Oisín Coghlan who has been at the helm of Irish Friends of the Earth for 20 years has decided it is time to move on but with many achievements under his/their belt. https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/news/announcement-oisin-coghlan-to-step-down-as-ceo-of-friends-of/

WBW course on Unarmed Civilian Defense

Among others, World Beyond War (WBW) has a 6 week online course (time recommendation 3 – 6 hours per week) on Unarmed civilian defense instead of war beginning on 12^th May, course fee $100, concession as little as $25. It has a focus on the role unarmed civilian defense can play in resisting military force, invasion, occupation, dictatorship, and warfare. See https://tinyurl.com/84j96z3p for details. The WBW website is at https://worldbeyondwar.org/

Diasporas and peacebuilding

The January 2025 issue of Peace in Progress from the International Catalan Institute for Peace looks at the role of diasporas in peacebulding. https://www.icip.cat/perlapau/en/magazine/42-2/

Global Day of Action to #CloseBases, 23 February

World Beyond War, backed by many other organisations, is organising a global day of action to close military bases since they are “a critical piece of the war machine that must be dismantled. “ https://worldbeyondwar.org/closebases/

Organic Centre Rossinver

The Organic Centre in the heart of rural Rossinver, Leitrim looks forward to 2025 with the hope of brighter days ahead. As an educational charity, it specialises in promoting all things organic, sustainable living and biodiversity. The Organic Centre was founded in 1995 by local organic growers, and farmers. Developed on a 19-acre green field site at the foot of limestone hills beside Lough Melvin, it became a pioneering organisation, at the forefront of organic growing, and action for climate change. In the beginning there were 6 weekend courses which took place in 1997. Now, the centre looks forward to almost 40 courses ranging from growing to recycling workshops, stone wall building, cheese making, pizza oven building and more.

The calendar year now hosts a multitude of free seasonal events, including one to mark Brigid’s Day, Apple Day, Samhain, a Green Christmas fair, a large range of activities in Biodiversity Week in May and Heritage Week in August, to name but a few.  And coming soon is Potato Day, a free family friendly event, on Sunday 2th March from 12-4pm, with demonstrations, tours, and an onsite craft and food market. Regarding training for growers, the centre also hosts a now adapted, part time, funded course in organic horticulture, an opportunity to learn and be part of a movement, as policy makers nationally and internationally start to recognise the importance of organic agriculture for planet and health. The MSLETB Level 5 in Organic Horticulture closes for applications on Feb 10th https://www.theorganiccentre.ie/Learn/now%20part%20time%20horticultural-course

You can organise a tour of the centre as an away day with your work, school or family – just ring 0719854338.  You can go for a walk on the new Fowley’s Falls trail that links up with the Organic Centre, and end at the Grass Roof Cafe for tea and coffee. Check out the Organic Centre’s website and social media channels for more information on courses, events, and the onsite and online shop. https://www.theorganiccentre.ie/

Death of Ken Mayers

We regret to record the death of US peace activist Ken Mayers. Edward Horgan writes: “Ken Mayers, peace activist, member of Veterans For Peace US, and VFP Ireland Chapter, passed away at his home in Santa Fe New Mexico on 27th January. Many of you will have met Ken while he was virtually imprisoned in Ireland for almost 9 months after the peace action that he and Tarak Kauff undertook at Shannon airport on St Patrick’s Day in 2019. Ken was an inspiration to peace activists in Ireland, in the USA and worldwide, and in addition to his activism in Ireland he also attended and helped to organise peaceful protests in the US, Palestine, Korea, Japan and elsewhere. I have no doubt that Ken in Resting in Peace and the world is a better place because of his life’s work.” For photos of Ken Mayers in action, see e.g. https://www.flickr.com/photos/innateireland/48187813206/in/album-72157616378924274 and https://www.flickr.com/photos/innateireland/48863510693/in/album-72157616378924274

Principles and practices of peace education

The Open University has a free introductory short course (12 hours study) produced in collaboration with Quakers in Britain on how peace might be built in everyday classroom practice. It introduces layers of peace education for children and young people, including inner-peace and wellbeing; interpersonal peace through positive relationships and constructive approaches to conflict; and critical thinking about the world beyond the classroom. See https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/principles-and-practices-peace-education/content-section-overview?active-tab=description-tab for details.