“Only through sustained peace talks and the commitment towards a transformative political settlement of the conflict can we achieve an improvement in the quality of life of all Filipinos, implement significant socio-economic development for conflict affected communities that are sustainable, culturally and conflict-sensitive, and resolve the long-standing conflict towards a just and lasting peace.” This is the call of the Voices of Peace on the first-year anniversary of the Oslo Joint Communique signed last November 2023 by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). As the Mindanao Week of Peace also officially begins today, PeaceBuilders Community is taking this opportunity to stand together with the Voices of Peace and echo the call to resume the peace talks between the GPH and the NDFP as a necessary step to transform the conflict nonviolently.
Who are the Voices of Peace?
The Voices of Peace is a broad and inclusive peace constituency uniting diverse organizations from across the Philippines. Rooted in Mindanao, the initiative aims to amplify the collective call for lasting peace in regions deeply affected by the longstanding conflict between the CPP-NPA-NDFP and the Government of the Philippines (GPH). This constituency serves as a platform where grassroots organizations, civil society groups, faith-based communities, and Indigenous Peoples can come together to share their experiences, insights, and aspirations. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the Voices of Peace strengthens the efforts of those working on the ground to address the social, economic, and political roots of the conflict.
The constituency’s membership reflects the richness and diversity of Philippine society, bringing together organizations that are directly impacted by or are actively engaging with communities affected by the armed conflict. Indigenous Peoples’ organizations contribute their unique perspectives on ancestral domain rights and self-determination, while faith-based groups emphasize reconciliation, justice, and compassion. Civil society organizations (CSOs), meanwhile, bring expertise in human rights, governance, and development. By uniting these various sectors, the Voices of Peace creates a dynamic and inclusive movement that champions holistic and sustainable solutions to the decades-long conflict, advocating for peace processes that are just, participatory, and grounded in the lived realities of those most affected.
The Oslo Joint Communique signed last November 2023 by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)
Statement of the Voices for Peace on the first anniversary of the Oslo Joint Communique
“The Voices of Peace commemorates the first anniversary of the Oslo Joint Communique signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) last November 2023. This milestone instills new hope in our collective efforts to transform the conflict between the two parties through nonviolent means. We applaud both parties for this comprehensive statement.
However, we remain concerned by the limited visible progress a year after the communique, particularly as the armed conflict, and other forms of violence continue to impact communities, including indigenous populations. As a network of diverse organizations, including civil society organizations, faith-based organizations and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, we continue to experience human rights violations and abuses especially among indigenous peoples.
We earnestly appeal on the Philippine Government and the NDFP to take meaningful steps aligned with the values and intentions outlined in the communique. We urge both parties to take advantage of their opening of the peace negotiation in November 2023 through the signed joint communique to push for necessary structural, political, social, ecological and economic reforms necessary in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Only through sustained talks and the commitment towards a transformative political settlement of the conflict can we achieve an improvement in the quality of life of all Filipinos, implement significant socio-economic development for conflict-affected communities that are sustainable, culturally and conflict sensitive, and resolve the long-standing conflict towards a just and lasting peace.
As peacebuilders, we believe now is the time to act. Now is the time to move the peace process forward by clarifying the framework for negotiation and immediately convening both panels. Moreover, we urge both parties to uphold and respect International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights, and ensure the safety of all peace advocates working on this conflict. These are meant to safeguard the process and those engaged with it.
Lastly, we ask both parties to recognize the importance of genuine indigenous peoples’ representation in the peace talks. As the most vulnerable and impacted population in this armed conflict whose fundamental rights to self-determination has been persistently undermined and abused, it is imperative that the peace talk includes their voices. This will pave the way for a more transparent, participatory and accountable peace process and in achieving a peace agreement that genuinely respects and safeguards the rights of the indigenous peoples in the country.
The Voices of Peace commits to accompany this peace process to its success.“
For inquiries, please contact the Voices of Peace Secretariat:
Isagani Abunda | Knowledge Management & Campaign Coordinator, Initiatives for International Dialogue +63 908 324 1195 | gani.abunda@iidnet.org
