Our approach
At ICIP, we understand peacebuilding as a collective task that requires coherence, commitment, and a critical perspective. That is why our way of working is grounded in clear principles that guide both what we do and how we do it.
We place at the centre the people and communities most affected by injustice, we promote dialogue and alliances among diverse actors, and we act with a transformative vision, rooted in care and public responsibility. This approach is the guiding thread of all our actions, both in Catalonia and internationally.
Our guiding principles
1 – We place victims and marginalised groups at the centre
Those who suffer most from injustice must be able to play a leading role in preventing fresh injustice within a framework of respect for human rights.
2 – We act with care in our relationships
Our working methods must be consistent with our aims. One way to achieve this consistency is to place care at the centre of our internal and external relationships with the actors we work with.
3 – We promote dialogue between people and organisations with different perspectives
A focus on dialogue requires what we call “attitudes of social care”: curiosity to understand the reasons of those who think differently; respect for all people, regardless of their positions; and critical self-analysis, as nobody can claim the absolute truth.
4 – We act to achieve change at the local and global level
The challenges to building peace are global, but individual expression is needed within each context. We must demonstrate fairness and solidarity worldwide while remaining consistent to transform our society.
5 – We foster critical thinking, innovation and creative tension
We must leave our comfort zone, ask questions, establish relationships that may be uncomfortable, and find new perspectives and answers.
6 – We are inspired by the perspectives of feminism, environmentalism, decolonialism and the defence of human rights
We share the need to transform unjust power relations.
7 – We forge alliances and promote participation with and among social, institutional, academic and cultural actors
The transformation we seek is inclusive, plural and radical. Consequently, the broader and more diverse the collaborations, the more transformative power they can have.
8 – We are a public service
We are committed to society as a whole from a position of complete independence of action and collective and communal service.