15 July 2011 - It is with deep sadness that we join with many others in grieving the loss of our dear colleague Dekha Ibrahim Abdi, who died yesterday following a tragic road accident. We remember her through the thoughts she chose to share with us, a contribution we will cherish and continue to integrate into our work:
"For a wider societal process of forgiveness in north Kenya, we have blended religious, cultural and administrative approaches, sometimes using legal approaches backed by Somali and Islamic traditions of restorative and healing justice. Violence induced trauma cries out for justice; persons who have experienced traumatic violence want to reclaim their sense of humanity. Reconciliation and forgiveness are processes to help in reclaiming humanity as well in seeking to address the need for both justice and security for all. Real security rests on the promotion of just and peaceful relationships among individuals, groups, and nations...
...Breaking the victim-perpetrator cycle and moving towards the journey to healing and collective security: the process towards reconciliation needs to deal with unresolved trauma in society affected by violence. If cumulative societal trauma is not dealt with, it re-surfaces, even from generation to generation, in ways such as: acting against the self, helplessness/hopelessness, an unchanging story, a desire for revenge, acting out against others, continuous violent conflicts. Finding collective security through trauma healing; building and transforming relationships; working beyond the hurt of today toward a desired future that promotes the security of our neighbors, friends and enemies alike; moving beyond ‘fight, flight or freeze’ reactions - all of these processes require attention to healing body, mind and spirit. Breaking the cycle is more healing than chasing the enemy and becoming the perpetrator."
Dekha Ibrahim Abdi (1964-2011)
Click here to read more of Dekha's thoughts
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