Peacebuilding in Sulu, the Philippines (Stories of Reconciliation video)

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has just released a short video illustrating more than a decade of peacebuilding work in the Bangsamoro.

Communities the Bangsamoro have long been affected by various forms of violence including clan disputes and localised conflict. These challenges have had significant impacts on people’s daily lives, livelihoods and social cohesion. In response, HD Asia Pacific and the HD Philippines country office have supported mediation efforts and community-led dialogue aimed at preventing escalation and resolving disputes.

The experiences documented in this video, which features the perspectives of community members, mediators and local leaders, highlights how long-term cooperation with local actors has helped address conflict and reduce violence at the community level. “Bangsamoro’s local mediators remind us that sustainable peace depends on listening to communities and strengthening their ability to resolve conflict themselves,” shared Iona Gracia Jalijali, HD’s Country Representative for the Philippines.

HD hopes the video will build broader understanding of peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro and encourage further collaboration from donors and public sector partners in support of community-based approaches to resolving conflict.