Approximately 300,000 child soldiers exist worldwide, and in conflict-affected regions, landmines still claim the lives of innocent people on a daily basis. These are not distant problems confined to faraway lands. In today’s globalized world, the repercussions of conflict transcend borders and affect even those living in peaceful societies. Issues such as the refugee crisis, terrorism, and the widening economic divide all stem from the absence of sustainable peace.

In 2001, Masaya Onimaru founded the certified NPO “Terra Renaissance”. As a university student, he visited landmine clearance sites in Cambodia and witnessed the deep scars left by conflict. Through continued fieldwork, he encoun- tered people who had lost limbs due to landmines, and, most significantly, former child soldiers who bore profound psy- chological wounds. These encounters changed the course of his life. For over 24 years, Terra Renaissance has worked toward creating a society where all lives can live in peace.

Its activities, currently carried out in ten countries, have yielded the following outcomes:

● Landmine and UXO Clearance Support

In Cambodia and Laos, the organization has contribut- ed to the safety of approximately 200,000 residents. In addition to clearance operations, risk education programs have empowered communities to protect themselves from future threats.

● Reintegration Support for Former Child Soldiers and Conflict Survivors

In Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, Terra Renaissance provides comprehensive support ranging from trauma care and vocational training to microfinance. To date, over 2,000 former child soldiers have been reintegrated into society. The organization also addresses the basic human needs of those affected by conflict—including medical care and food aid—tailored to local conditions.

● Promotion of Peace Education

In Japan, peace education programs have reached over 200,000 people, raising awareness that every individual is a bearer of peace. Terra Renaissance also conducts global citizenship education programs for high school students in Japan and Taiwan to cultivate the next generation of peacebuilders.

Building on these achievements, Terra Renaissance is now planning new initiatives with a vision toward 2050:

Former child soldiers undergoing vocational training in northern Uganda

The work of international NGOs in landmine clearance in Cambodia

● Expansion of Comprehensive Reintegration Programs for Former Child Soldiers

The organization will establish a one-stop service that integrates psychosocial care, access to education, vocational training, and entrepreneurial support. By 2030, it aims to assist 10,000 former child soldiers annually. A specialized care program for female former child soldiers will also be developed to enhance gender-responsive support.

● Global Standardization of Peace Education

Terra Renaissance will develop experiential peace educa- tion programs using VR and online platforms and create standard curricula that can be implemented in schools worldwide. By 2050, it aims to provide 100 million children with opportunities to learn the value of peace.

In collaboration with diverse support organizations, the Inochi Forum will co-develop capacity-building programs to cultivate the next generation of peacebuilders who can lead peace initiatives in their own communities. Grounded in the principles of the Inochi Declaration, this collaboration also aims to establish an international platform that brings together governments, international organizations, NGOs, corporations, and civil society to build a peaceful world. Peace is not merely an ideal—it is an achievable goal through the concrete actions of individuals. We will stand with those affected by conflict and never cease our efforts to create a world in which every Inochi is respected and every Inochi unleashes its radiant light.

[References]

・Certified NPO Terra Renaissance
https://www.terra-r.jp/

・UNICEF Report on Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups

https://www.unicef.org/protection/children-associated-with-armed-forces-and-armed-groups

・ICBL Landmine Monitor Report

http://www.icbl.org/en-gb/finish-the-job/landmine-monitor.aspx

・UN Peacebuilding Commission
https://www.un.org/peacebuilding/

[Action Platform]

Peace and Human Rights

[SDGs]