Inclusion of gender and sexual minorities in peacebuilding

New women’s mediation network launched
Last week, Conciliation Resources’ launched an innovative new network, which will be a platform for the peer-to-peer learning of women mediators.
The ceasefire is essential – but what should happen next for peace in Afghanistan?
The recent experience of a temporary ceasefire by both the Afghan Government, and, for the first time since they were ousted from power in 2001, the Taliban, could be a first step on an incremental journey towards peace. But what should happen next and how can this gradual progress towards peace be supported?
Photography exhibition celebrates Colombian diaspora women
Imagine Peace is a new portrait exhibition that celebrates Colombian women of the diaspora living in the UK and Spain. The exhibition will take place at the London College of Communication studio in the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre from 6-8 July 2018.
Shujaat Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir
We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of long-term partner and friend Shujaat Bukhari. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Ali Wardak

Dr Ali Wardak is a Professor of criminology at the University of South Wales and Vice President of the South Asian Society of Criminology and Victimology. His main teaching and research interests focus on comparative criminology, the rule of law, and the relationships between state and non-state justice systems. From September 2006 to October 2008 he worked for the United Nations Development Programme in Kabul, and co-authored the 2007 Afghanistan Human Development Report.
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is the leader of the Hezb-i Islami political party and former mujahidin armed group. He was prime minister during the 1990s before the Taliban takeover of Kabul. After the Taliban’s fall in 2001 he was involved in an armed campaign against the Afghanistan government and the international coalition. He signed a peace deal with the Afghanistan government in 2016 enabling his return to Afghanistan after almost 20 years in exile.
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