History

Saferworld has been preventing violent conflict and building safer lives for over 35 years.

Saferworld began life as a politically-independent research organisation on effective arms control. In the 1990s we pioneered work for more effective arms controls, and we also began examining the broader elements underlying conflict – such as governance, power, marginalisation, access to resources and development. Our guiding principle – which remains to this day – is that people should be at the heart of all responses to conflict.

In 2000 we expanded our policy work and started in-country programming in Kenya and the Western Balkans. We have grown significantly since then: we now work in countries and territories across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In all cases, partners form the backbone to our programme. Our policy and programming covers a range of issues at local, national, regional and international levels including community security, gender, peace and security, justice and development.

Today, operating through a global network of four distinct entities – Saferworld (UK), Saferworld USA, Saferworld Europe and Saferworld Africa – we remain one of the world’s leading organisations on conflict prevention thinking and practice.