Conflict Resolution 2008

Working to promote security, stability and peace, this award is for campaigners who tackle the root causes of conflict and strive to bring people together.

Sponsored by Peace Direct.

Winner

Nick Wilson

Conscience- the Peace Tax Campaign

Nick is campaigning for the rights of taxpayers who have a conscientious objection to war. He believes they should have the right to opt for their taxes to be spent on non-violent peace building activity rather than military funds. The campaign promotes alternative means of dealing with conflict, including the use of peace workers to monitor military agreements. Conscience strongly supports those who risk jail by refusing to pay tax. They have also formed the Peace and Security Liaison Group which brings military officials and politicians together with NGO's to work on peace building and conflict resolution. Nick's ultimate aim is a world where taxes are used to nurture peace, not pay for war.

Finalists

Cathy Elliott

Merseyside Young Transformers Programme, Community Foundation for Merseyside

Cathy launched this campaign to tackle anti- social behaviour to divert young people away from crime. Young Transformers aims to develop a long-term approach to look at factors that contribute to young people getting involved in anti-social behaviour, gang culture and gun crime. The campaign believes it is essential to provide positive experiences and activities for young people to help address the root causes. Cathy is working to raise the campaign's profile with local and national government.

Azar Majedi

Women's Rights in Muslim Communities, Women's Liberation-Iran

Azar is president of Women's Liberation-Iran (OWL) and has spent the last thirty years campaigning for freedom of expression and women's rights in Europe and the Middle East. She has played an active role in protesting against the veil and violence towards women and children. OWL aims to raise public awareness of women's discrimination in Muslim communities through the use of media coverage and international conferences. Azar writes for several feminist journals and produces and hosts TV programmes broadcast by satellite in Iran and neighbouring countries. The charity works continuously to awaken people to the injustice suffered by women under Islamic rule.