a selman project

It’s no secret that every nation has its own unique culture, demographics, and associated social issues. Unfortunately, sometimes our perception of many countries is shaped most by the negative issues which bubble up in the media. Worse still, is that many countries go both unheard of and unheard by the larger world.

Thankfully, every nation equally produces individuals who devote and sacrifice themselves to the principles of peace, freedom, and equality. The Peace Post project began as a means to shine a light on individuals from around the globe who are champions of peace.

As a starting point, we determined that every sovereign nation should be represented in the project with a few key disputed states entered at our discretion. As a referential guide for each illustration, we profiled each country with a keen eye on the progression of traditional and contemporary visual styles associated with the art and culture.

In choosing which individual to profile for each country, we first referenced Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, notable omissions, and various other international peace awards looking for potential candidates. In several cases when a nation was not represented by a winner of a major peace award, we used our own research to find an individual who represented associated ideals and actions of peace advocacy.

We elected to represent the chosen individuals as a series of stamps for several reasons. Stamps have a long history of commemorating important people and events. Stamps are collectible and shareable. Perhaps most importantly, stamps represent a vehicle of correspondence and dialogue.

Our goal was to learn more about these countries, the positive people there, and share their stories with you.

For more information please contact:
chris@selmandesign.com
peacepost on instagram:
@projectpeacepost
Copyright and disclaimer
The content of this web site contains information, photographs, and media intended solely for educational purposes.

Filter by

Activist Type
Region

Aminetou Mint El Moctar

  • Mauritania
  • Children's Rights, Human Rights, Women’s Rights

Aminetou Mint El Moctar is a Mauritian feminist and human rights activist who has been recognized for her work defending women’s rights and combating slavery in Africa. In 2006 she received the Human Rights Prize of the French Republic and was shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.

At the age of thirteen, like many young people in Mauritania, Aminetou was forced into an early marriage. Rather than accept the situation, she chose to speak out against the practice which she has called “a barrier to enhancing women’s leadership and development.” Labeled a rebel at a young age, El Moctar would go on to dissent against human rights violations such as human trafficking and slavery.

As the president of the Association of Association of Women Heads of Family, Mint El Moctar has used her platform to give a voice to those who have none. Because of her activism Aminetou has been targeted and attacked numerous times by her opposition. In addition to being wrongfully arrested and tortured, a fatwa was issued against her in 2014. Despite this declaration, threats against her family, and the physical abuse she has endured, Mint El Moctar continues to campaign for legislative reform ensuring that laws and rights are within the reach of all people, particularly women and children.

Mauritania

  • Population
    4,067,564
  • Capital
    Nouakchott
  • GDP (PPP)
    $4,404
  • November 28, 1960
  • Total Area
    1,030,000 km2 (29th)
  • Demonym
    Mauritanian
  • Government
    Unitary Semi-Presidential Republic

Artwork

This illustration is based on a portrait of Aminetou Mint El Moctar and is intended to express the quiet and peaceful aura exuded from her expression in the simplest way possible.

  • Illustration by
    Stephen Lim