CRS’ justice and peacebuilding programs engage local leaders at all levels of society to foster inclusion, equity, and accountability. We support healthy relationships that uphold the dignity of each person and all people. Our programs – including those integrated with other development and relief sectors – focus on social cohesion strengthening and violence prevention as well as post-conflict recovery and reconciliation. They are conflict sensitive, aiming to minimize potential harm and maximize social benefits for all. They are also gender responsive and youth inclusive, helping to reduce inequities between and among women, boys and girls at the individual, household, community, national and international levels.

Cultivating just and peaceful societies is a central part of CRS’ mission, and a priority goal area under our Vision 2030 strategic framework. As much of our work takes place in fragile and conflict-affected countries, we emphasize systematic and deliberate integration of social cohesion and justice approaches across all program sectors. This helps to ensure that we and our local partners consistently reinforce the healthy social relationships and just institutions that support sustainable peace while protecting the most vulnerable.

CRS’ justice and peacebuilding programming strengthens relationships across diverse, often divided groups while also transforming relations between people and the state, market, and traditional authorities to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of each and every person. Working to change institutions while also improving relationships responds directly to the social injustices that often drive violent conflict. CRS and our partners work to prevent violence whenever possible; where violence has already erupted, we mitigate, resolve and transform conflict by strengthening local institutions and indigenous mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation.

Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.

With a team of Communications staff around the world, we can provide real-time updates during emergencies and on a wide variety of current issues and events facing the developing world and the international community.