Paul is 39 and comes from Birmingham. He spent a year in Colombia working on the Bogota team and has just come to the end of an 8 month stint in Uraba.  He previously worked as a tour manager and an English teacher.  He also has an MA in Peace Studies from Bradford University and a second MA in Human Rights from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in London.

I was born in Birmingham, the oldest son of four (2 boys and 2 girls).  My mother is English, my father is from India.  As I child I developed the English side of me – playing football and eating fish ‘n’ chips.  I did OK at school without really excelling. I then went to Lancashire Polytechnic where I had a great time studying French and History and forming part of a multicultural group of friends which allowed me to develop the Indian side of me – cooking curries and watching Bollywood films. 

Eventually, after taking some time out, I got my degree, however I still didn’t really know in which direction to go career-wise.  What I did know, after taking a number of unskilled jobs as a student working in shops, factories, offices and kitchens, was that I wanted something that gave me job satisfaction.  My girlfriend at the time was from Northern Ireland, and after hearing many firsthand accounts of the suffering over there I wanted to understand the sources and solutions to the conflict.  This prompted me to do a couple of Masters degrees – Peace Studies, at Bradford University, and Human Rights at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in London.

I worked as a volunteer for a while at Anti-Slavery International but despite making several applications was unable to get a job which paid a salary within the field of human rights.  After a stint teaching English as a foreign language I decided to take a job working as a Tour Manager.  This entailed escorting groups of tourists on their travels to different countries, dealing with the logistics, problem-solving, and in general making sure they had a good time.  I enjoyed it, particularly the opportunity to discover new customs and cultures and form friendships with people from different countries.  I spent 4 years in the job travelling around Europe and then 5 years doing the long haul tours to Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  I travelled to over 50 countries in all.

Although a great experience it definitely had its down sides: dealing with the general public can, at times, be very trying and it was a very unstable lifestyle with no time for family or friends or partners.  The job made me acutely aware of the suffering and hardship of people in many parts of the world.  I formed friendships with people in many countries through my travels and felt a bond with them and their country.  It made me want to do something to help alleviate this suffering and hardship which is what prompted me to apply to be a volunteer with PBI.

Since starting with PBI I have really enjoyed simply being in the same place for a whole year (instead of having to pack my bags every 2 weeks).  It has given me the opportunity to develop friendships and work with like-minded people – something that was missing in my last job.  I have experienced many wide-ranging emotions this past year, both positive and negative, but on the whole it has been a very worthwhile experience.  Although I am more used to being away than most, I still miss my family and friends in England (and those in other countries as well), but in general if I feel comfortable ; it doesn’t matter which country I am in.

’Inner peace’ is something I value and which I would like to develop more.  I feel very concerned about the situation in many parts of the world.  I look at the Iraq war on one hand and the suicide bombings on the other and feel now more than ever the necessity to give much more support and publicity to nonviolent initiatives to bring about change. After a year of first hand experience I have witnessed the practical benefits it can bring. 

When I finish with PBI I will perhaps return to study more about different cultures.  I would also like to do some human rights work in India – possibly focusing on Peace Education, but who knows – there have been few straight paths in my life up till now…

Protective accompaniment works because we represent the international community and, since we are working within a country which wishes to be part of the international community, we can have an effect on how the government treats those who criticise it.  We have an influential support network and good contacts both within and outside of Colombia who can exert the necessary pressure when a critical situation arises.

I get so much out of working with PBI: a feel-good factor of helping other people, of learning from the same people, of developing a link or bond with like-minded people from a different part of the world.  I have a much deeper understanding of the causes of conflict in Colombia now and also of the possible solutions.  I have also learned of the important role the UK and the EU can play in either improving or worsening the situation in this country.