This month marks one year since Elijah Buol OAM took on his role as CEO of Act for Peace, a not-for-profit organization, and 40 years since his birth in South Sudan. His life began amid the turmoil of the Second Sudanese Civil War, one of the longest civil conflicts in history, which claimed more than two million lives through combat, disease, and famine before ending in 2005.
Despite spending seven years as a displaced person in a Ugandan refugee camp, Buol remains optimistic and committed to spreading hope. To him, hope is the belief that somewhere, support and care exist, paving the way for a better future.
Buol, who know lives in Springfield, with a background in Logan City, credits this sense of hope with giving him the strength to survive. As a child, he walked for weeks through the bush with his cousin to escape Northern Sudan, eventually reaching a refugee camp in Southern Sudan. He endured seven years in the camp, pursued an education, and, in 2002, was granted a humanitarian visa to Australia. Arriving homeless, orphaned, and with few belongings, he enrolled at Coorparoo Secondary College. During his studies, he worked to send money to his four sisters, whom he had been separated from as a child and only managed to locate in 2002.
Today, he proudly declares, “I stand for peace.” He reflects on his mission, asking, “When I’m no longer in this world, what will be the impact I have made as a peace-maker?”
A criminologist, father of four, and former displaced person, Buol's experiences shape his philosophy and actions. His work allows him to walk in the shoes of the vulnerable, a position he knows intimately. “I was one of them,” he says. “I was born into war. Humanity needs our compassion, daily care, and hope.”
With firsthand knowledge of global crises, Buol has traveled to conflict zones and disaster-stricken regions, including Gaza, Jordan, and Vanuatu. In Jordan, he saw how Act for Peace’s funding helped women establish social enterprises, empowering them to build stronger lives. He considers climate change one of the world’s greatest challenges, with disasters destroying lives and livelihoods. Yet, he also sees resilience. “In Vanuatu, they have adapted, making plans and preparations. But that doesn’t mean the impact isn’t still devastating.”
Before his current role, Buol mentored young African migrants and refugees, establishing initiatives to celebrate and support disadvantaged youth. He served as President of the Queensland African Communities Council and the Sudanese Youth Association, always focusing on ensuring African youth felt settled and empowered in Australia. In 2019, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions.
Buol’s academic achievements include a Master of Law, a Master of Justice in Intelligence, and a Bachelor of Human Services. He is currently completing a Juris Doctor at the Australian National University. His advocacy and community service have earned him numerous accolades, including the Australian of the Year’s Queensland Hero Award in 2019.
“People who are displaced are not just numbers,” he says. “They are real people with dreams, hopes, and aspirations. It’s up to us to create meaningful impact, to provide safety so they can realize their potential.”
Buol believes advocacy is crucial. “Displaced people don’t have a voice. We need to be that voice.” He emphasizes an inclusive and collaborative approach to address the unprecedented numbers of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and natural disasters. “If we work together to mobilize and share resources, we can create positive change. How do we build a unified global village? How do we elevate our humanitarian spirit? How do we strengthen the resilience of displaced people? It starts with listening, building on their skills, and creating space for inclusive decision-making.”
Act for Peace’s mission—to create a world where people uprooted by conflict and disaster have a safe place to belong—resonates deeply with him. “Belonging is what allows people to feel they exist in society, that they are not alone.”
“Humanity is limitless,” he says. “The world is calling us to support people in need. It’s time to reflect and take action. If there’s one impact you can make, what would that look like? We are the creators of the future. It’s up to us to build a world where everyone belongs.”
FACT BOX Act for Peace is an international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches Australia, dedicated to empowering displaced people through locally led protection policies, advocacy, and programs. Its mission is to create a world where those uprooted by conflict and disaster have a safe place to belong.
According to UNHCR, more than 114 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. Children make up 30% of the world’s population but account for 40% of all forcibly displaced people.
