Promoting Peace in Times of Conflict
The World Organization of the Scout Movement has a long and proud history of promoting peace, justice and human rights all around the world, including many places where conflict is a reality.
As the global Scouting community continues to witness the tragic loss of lives and unprecedented level of violence in Gaza, Palestine and Israel, our hearts and thoughts go out to the many innocent children, young people, families and Scouts who are going through immeasurable suffering.
As a global youth movement, our commitment to peace, justice and human rights is unwavering and we stand in solidarity with the international community calling for an immediate end to hostilities and violence to ensure the safety of all people and communities.
Our Regions have connected with both National Scout Organizations in Israel and Palestine to support them in these most difficult of times, and strengthen their commitment to peace and safety for all.
When violence erupts in communities, Scouting can have an important role to play in promoting peace. Indeed, for more than a century, Scouting has made significant contributions to empower hundreds of millions of young people to create a lasting culture of peace in their communities.
Around the globe, the Scouting programme offers important opportunities for Scout leaders and Scouts to engage in peace-building activities, take part in dialogue and international exchange, and encourage the promotion of diversity and inclusion for everyone.
Scouting also provides a safe space for young people to talk about the difficult issues they may be facing from mental health concerns to climate anxiety to conflict affecting communities.
Over the years we have worked with members to develop many resources such as this Scout’s guide to talking to children about war or this Safe from Harm e-learning course for first-responders in humanitarian action which aim to support Adults in Scouting to have challenging conversations with young people, and support them in times of need. These resources are freely available in multiple languages for Scout Leaders and National Scout Organizations to use.
We hope together with the global community and Scouts around the world that a lasting peace can be achieved, and we remain committed to creating a more just, equal and peaceful world for all.
