PeaceKeepers to launch in the UK

In 2006, the British Crime Survey found that 80% of all crimes are committed by males. With more than 3,700 people caught with knives in 2008 and an 11.7% rise in robberies in 2011, it is only right that we welcome a group of males and females who desire to pull men away from these crimes.

The PeaceKeepers are an organisation which has devised an action plan set out to lower the percentage of males involved in criminal activity and create an environment for peace. Launching the UK programme this Friday, the PeaceKeepers aim to lower street crime by using street level intervention with young people.

Captain Dennis Mahdi, the founder of PeaceKeepers seeks to establish new norms for men by supporting them to become protectors and providers. The PeaceKeepers believe that men have a role to play as protectors of their women, children and elders and seek to encourage all men to take on this responsibility.

By volunteering in communities, training, recruiting and organising men to protest, the Peacekeepers aim to lower the rate of gun violence and criminal behaviour within the communities. Their initiatives include mentoring, mediation between gangs and positive street presence. They do not punish those who are lawbreakers, but work as a bridge between the police and the youth.

The PeaceKeepers are located in 6 cities in America and with growing support are now expanding internationally.

Concerned with the high rate of crime in the UK, the PeaceKeepers will be holding a large intervention on the 16th September at 7.30pm to launch the programme. The launch event will bring attention to the effects these crimes have had on communities as well as provide solutions. With 277 deaths from stabbings in England and Wales in 2007-8, the highest recorded figure in 30 years, the PeaceKeepers are keen to draw youths and men away from any criminal involvement and instead support them to become protectors of their streets. They believe that peace is essential for a community to get along regardless of any differences, whether they are racial, religious or political.

The PeaceKeepers aim to do this by creating an environment of peace, therefore free of conflict and violence. The initiative aims to encourage young people to see that they have other options away from the streets and wants to lead troubled young men to a better way of living by being positive mentors.

Russell Simmons, pioneer of Def Jam, who funded the pilot project in the US said, " Anyone can be a Peacekeeper...you just have to give one hour a week. One Hour Of Doing Something Is Better Than 24 Hours Of Nothing!"

The UK launch event will take place at the Battersea Arts Centre, London and is a free event for all to attend. Tickets are available at www.thepeacekeepersuk.org.

Shanice Louis