Rachel Sutton

Rachel Sutton is part of a Peace Brigades International (PBI) peace team in Indonesia. PBI aims to create greater political space for local activists and human rights defenders. International volunteers accompany local groups upon invitation, and use their political and grassroots support networks to deter violence against their clients. PBI's work in Indonesia is currently focused on the Aceh region, which has a 20 year history of conflict and human rights abuses. Rachel chose to join PBI in order to meet and be inspired by activists who strive for justice and positive change in their society, in spite of it possibly endangering their own safety. She believes the methods PBI works by are a valid way to support this struggle as a foreigner.
She will be studying Indonesian language from September to December 2003, then will be on the PBI team for one year. To receive her reports from Sri Lanka, or to offer support, contact Rachel at rachelsutton@fastmail.ca.