Mediation & Peace Support Infrastructures
Approach
In this programme, we aim to address two dynamically inter-related, but distinct components of conflict transformation:
- mediation and dialogue facilitation that focus on processes and
- supporting infrastructures for peace that focus on structures.
One key requirement for a successful peace process is the provision of effective assistance in mediation and dialogue. We offer mediation and dialogue services to conflict parties as well as approaches for enhancing local capacities in mediation, negotiation and problem solving.
Based on long-term experience, we have further refined our approach into two specific clusters of activity:
- process design and
- reflection on past negotiation efforts, including examples of successes and failures.
When undertaking this type of work, we often suggest a comparative approach that refers to other relevant conflicts.
Our experience in mediation and dialogue processes includes support for the national dialogue process in Lebanon, dialogue workshops in the Caucasus and building a network of “insider mediators” in South and Southeast Asia. It also includes facilitating dialogue opportunities with diaspora communities.
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Supporting infrastructures for peace
Peace infrastructures, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, peace secretariats, peace committees and networks of professional peace organisations, are crucial for any peace process to succeed. We offer advice, capacity building and technical assistance to help develop these peace support structures and ensure that they function as effectively as possible.
Support for peace infrastructures covers a wide range of activities. This can include helping to create broader public participation in peace processes or through contributing to the design and development of negotiation strategies and peace policies. It can cover supporting organisations for capacity building as well as helping the establishment of communication channels between conflict parties.
Working in close cooperation with local partners, our experience reflects these diverse activities:
- supporting the Ministry for Peace and Reconstruction in Nepal.
- helping set-up a Peace Secretariat for Muslims in Sri Lanka.
- advising the Reparations Programme and an initiative for a virtual museum for historic memory in Guatemala.
- engaging in peace culture activities with government structures and civil society networks in Bolivia.
- supporting ministries in Bolivia with their conflict management and monitoring structures.
- focusing on improving international responses to conflict and peace processes by supporting Groups of Friends and Donor Working Groups: for example, our regional work in South and Southeast Asia.
- engaging both diaspora groups and donors to facilitate a better understanding of the diaspora’s role.
On the conceptual side,
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