The peace service of EIRENE is based on the values of non-violence, the respect for human dignity and a deep sense of solidarity and unity in the world. We want to live our daily lives committed to these values and we want to implement them professionally in our programs.

In situations of injustice and social exclusion, of hatred and violence EIRENE advocates social and political participation, a fair distribution of resources and non-violent transformation of conflicts.

Our concept of peace

To us, peace means more than the mere absence of war and armed force. Peace means a world in which a good life is possible for everyone – for today’s as well as future generations. Peace means wholeness of each individual, of the human society and of our one world. Such peace is not conceivable without justice and the conservation of the environment in its planetary boundaries.

We are far from the ideal of a peaceful and just world. However, we do not want to be daunted by injustice and social exclusion, hatred and violence. Instead, they urge us to act. Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy said: “The opposite of war is not peace, but peace service”. Peace is not a static condition, but a dynamic process supported by everyone which we have to strive for every day anew. We understand peace work to be a holistic, permanent task.