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September 21, 2024 – Santo Domingo
An international summit, titled the “Bilateral Summit for Peace in Haiti: Peace Journalism in the Dominican Republic and Haiti,” took place in Santo Domingo, bringing together diverse sectors to discuss peaceful journalism as a tool to resolve regional conflicts. The event was organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light (HWPL), a non-governmental organization focused on promoting peace globally.
Held at the Barceló Santo Domingo Hotel, the summit aimed to equip journalists from both the Dominican Republic and Haiti with the skills and knowledge needed to report on sensitive issues through a peace-focused lens. The approach, known as Peace Journalism, encourages the careful framing of stories and the use of language that promotes understanding and conflict resolution, especially along the shared border.
Promoting Peace through Journalism
Regan Durkin, HWPL’s Director in Washington, highlighted the importance of Peace Journalism by referencing the work of researchers Lynch and McGoldrick, stating, “Peace Journalism is a practice where editors and reporters make decisions that enhance prospects for peace. These decisions, including how stories are framed and the careful selection of words, foster an environment that supports peace initiatives without compromising journalistic integrity.” Durkin emphasized that this form of journalism amplifies the voices of peacebuilders, making non-violent solutions more visible and feasible.
Rummel Santos Díaz, HWPL’s Peace Ambassador, underscored the organization’s decade-long efforts in fostering peace and noted that similar summits are being held simultaneously in various countries around the world. He also expressed concern over the challenges faced by journalists from both nations in covering the ongoing Haitian crisis, suggesting that journalism can play a crucial role in promoting stability and development for the entire island.
Calls for Bilateral Cooperation
Aurelio Henríquez, President of the Dominican Journalists’ Association (CDP), called on the media to remain committed to peace when addressing bilateral issues. Henríquez’s message resonated with the event’s overarching goal of fostering peaceful relations between the two nations, which have often faced tensions over migration, security, and political instability in Haiti.
Representing the Instituto Duartiano, Dominican lawyer and politician Pelegrin Castillo, also spoke, asserting that the Dominican Republic is deeply invested in peace for the region. Castillo stated, “The message of peace must be based on truth. We cannot discuss migration or human rights issues without addressing the international implications of security.” He also dismissed international claims of xenophobia or racism in the Dominican Republic, while recognizing the complex relationship between the two countries.
Declaration of Peace
A significant moment during the summit was the signing of a Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). This document outlines 10 articles and 38 clauses, which HWPL describes as a comprehensive approach to addressing the causes and conditions of war. The declaration emphasizes that global peace and the cessation of conflict are the most critical issues facing the world today.
The document stresses that the interconnected nature of global conflicts requires solutions that transcend ethnic, religious, and national boundaries. The DPCW, according to HWPL, not only aims to end wars but also seeks to prevent future conflicts and establish lasting peace.
Regional Impact
The summit comes at a crucial time for both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as tensions remain high due to the ongoing political and social crisis in Haiti. Dominican media has reported widely on the event, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation to address security, migration, and humanitarian challenges posed by the Haitian situation. There is hope that initiatives like this summit can pave the way for more peaceful relations and cooperative solutions to the issues that affect both nations.
