"The peace process established in Oslo has not just stalled; it is going backwards fast."
A vote for the Palestinian statehood resolution at the UN General Assembly will help safeguard the two-state solution, write Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter in the International Herald Tribune.
“This new outbreak of violence is heartbreaking – and all too familiar." Desmond Tutu
As violence escalates in Gaza and Israel, the Elders call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and for the international community to renew efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict.
“I do this because I feel I have a responsibility to use the experience I have. All conflicts can be solved.” Martti Ahtisaari
From behind-the-scenes advocacy to occasional "blasts of indignation", Sophie Grove, writing for Monocle, examines what makes the Elders effective after observing them at work during their trip to South Sudan in July 2012.
With ongoing conflicts in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and worsening relations between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders made a series of visits in 2012 to both nations, to highlight the growing humanitarian crisis and encourage further peace talks between the two leaders. This summary report provides a brief analysis of the visits and the impact of The Elders’ renewed engagement in the region.
“We know of the talent that Lakhdar can bring to this peace mission, and hope that all of those in a position to help end this deadly conflict will speak and work with him.” Desmond Tutu
The Elders congratulate Lakhdar Brahimi on his appointment as peace envoy for Syria and wish him success in this crucial role.
Dans une tribune publiée dans Le Figaro, Graça Machel et Desmond Tutu s'inquiètent des revers démocratiques en Afrique de l'ouest. Ils exhortent les dirigeants africains à se mettre au service de leurs concitoyens et non pas à agir en maîtres.
Writing in Le Figaro, Desmond Tutu and Graça Machel describe their sense of pride in the economic, political and social progress across Africa. They warn, however, that if Africa is to fulfil its rich potential, its leaders must understand they are the servants, not the masters, of their people.
Mary Robinson and Bineta Diop reflect in The Huffington Post on the ten-year anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Noting that women across the world have the potential to become effective agents of change, they argue that the inclusion of women is crucial for post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation.
Reflecting in The Guardian on the one-year anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan conflict, Desmond Tutu and Lakhdar Brahimi caution that genuine peace is more than simply the absence of fighting.
Commenting in The International Herald Tribune, Jimmy Carter argues that the criticism of Israel in the Goldstone report is justified and that the international community must take immediate steps to help rebuild Gaza.
