The World Council of Churches organised a peace workshop in Beirut, Lebanon from 19 to 21 June 2013 at Lady of the Mountain Conference Center. The workshop focused on training Syrian activists in the international humanitarian law, reconciliation, and post conflict recovery.
The workshop included a presentation of Mr. Basel Kaghedo from ESCWA (The UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia), on the future agenda for Syria. Mr. Melhem Mansour, who was leading the workshop, presented the potential of the Earth Charter as a foundation and ethical framework in the post conflict recovery in Syria.
Participants analysed the connection between different principles and the current challenges and needs. The Earth charter is an important document to be promoted in conflict areas and societies because it would help to inspire people in ideas towards peace and dialogue. However, it needs to be adopted at different levels and should be promoted at all levels as much as they do no harm the local efforts that take care of aid and relief services.
Melhem Mansour