The Universal Peace Federation (UFP) is working to bring an end to years of violence in Thailand’s southern provinces through the promotion of the peaceful resolution of conflict. Through its Peace Network, made up of ambassadors and volunteers, UFP seeks to bridge ethnic and religious divides and provide a platform for the development of non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.
Among its aims are the adoption by all parties involved in the ongoing conflict of peaceful measures to resolve dispute; the protection and promotion of individual freedoms as laid out in the Thai Constitution, as well as UN declarations ratified by Thailand; and the fostering of peaceful relations between Thais of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. UFP also works to promote and protect all individuals’ rights to basic dignity and the right to economic and social security.
The Federation's main areas of work include the development of its ever-growing network of ambassadors and volunteers who work at the local, national and international levels. Among other roles, the network of volunteers helps to develop and support community leaders; promotes the exchange of knowledge and constructive communication between individuals and organisations from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds; and offer support and facilitate networking between civil society groups, religious bodies and governmental organisations.
The UFP is working to promote the establishment of a UN-backed inter-religious council charged with developing a forum to allow for the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. It is also focused on helping to build strong family networks and institutes, which it believes can provide the foundations for peaceful communities in the restive border regions, as well as the initiation and implementation of various other projects aimed at strengthening non-violent means for conflict resolution. The Federation also offers support and assistance to groups and work aimed at helping organisations and nations achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.
The UFP’s current and past programmes include the running of Youth Camps to educate people on the conflicts in Thailand, and overseas and measures that can be taken to help resolve them peacefully; seminars and pubic forums on peacebuilding and the conflicts in Thailand’s far south and elsewhere, as well as the establishment of a network of volunteers across the country that help to pursue the UFP’s stated goals.
