Practicing peace: outreach & advocacy at CPACS

The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies places great emphasis on outreach and advocacy. The paid and unpaid members of the Centre undertake a wide range of activities, including public lectures, conferences and seminars on and off the campus, research and publication on public policy issues, hosting and facilitating workshops, and promoting public awareness through media and community activity. The Centre emphasises dialogue and brings people representing diverse views together.

The Centre offers conflict resolution services and support for organisations, employees and communities, and works to support those 'building bridges' in international and intra-national conflict overseas.

There are numerous specific issues for which CPACS has undertaken research, analysis, public education, peacebuilding, facilitation and peace-with-justice advocacy. These issues include gun control, reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australia, asylum-seeker policy, and the problem of prejudice in public affairs, politics and the media in Australia (for example against Muslims post 9-11 and the Bali bombings).

The Centre conducts significant long-term projects, such as the West Papua Project, Refugee Language Program, Human Rights Education, and United Nations Emergency Peace Service.

Between 1999 and 2007, CPACS organised more than 100 events The common theme is to build peace through education, awareness and dialogue. These activities add significant educational context and intellectual challenges for postgraduate Peace and Conflict Studies students.