AUSTCARE (Australians Caring for Refugees) working as Australia's specialist refugee agency since 1967 has assisted thousands of refugees and displaced people overseas in a multitude of ways. AUSTCARE understands that long-term help is needed, and provides education for children, work skills for adults, agricultural training, landmine clearance and environmental rehabilitation.

AUSTCARE supports the World Peace Forum and The Earth Charters core principles. AUSTCARE recently launched their peace chain fundraising campaign to support reconciliation and healing in one of the world's conflict zones in a very practical way. Those who buy and wear the peace chain stand firm in their vision for peace. Linked together in a chain of unity, the power and beauty of great religious symbols shine even more brightly - each major religious symbol is represented as a charm on the peace chain.

Proceeds from the sale of the peace chains will fund humanitarian work for refugees undertaken by the people of Neve Shalom-Wahat al-Salam in Israel, a jointly established village of Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israeli citizenship. It is here that peaceful and respectful coexistence has inspired joint Palestinian/Jewish kindergartens, schools, peace forums and a number of other peace initiatives over the past twenty years. The medical care that they provide is desperately needed in a part of the world where innocent bystanders are caught up in bloody conflict every day.

The peace chain is a symbol of respect, dignity and hope and by purchasing one Australians can actively support these principles. To purchase a peace chain in bracelet or necklet style log on to AUSTCARE's web site: www.austcare.org.au for distribution outlets.

AUSTCARE supports the World Peace Forum and believes it is the right of all peoples to be able to live in peace and harmony while at the same time respecting nature in all its glory.