War does not respect political or territorial boundaries. It forms part of wider, regional conflict systems through dynamics that cross borders: refugee flows, mobile armed groups, narcotic or criminal networks, blood diamonds, or psychosocial ties. We recognise the need to analyse, understand and respond to conflicts regionally rather than through the traditional country-by-country basis of many interventions.
Our work
Regions and Conflicts
East and Central Africa:
Caucasus:
Southeast Asia:
South Asia:
South Pacific:
South America:
West Africa:
Themes
Without the engagement of armed groups in a peace process, a sustainable resolution to conflict is unlikely to be reached. At Conciliation Resources we provide policymakers with essential guidance on the available options, challenges and tactics for engaging with armed groups at different stages of a peace process.
Poor governance is often both a root cause of conflict and a major obstacle to building lasting peace. Similarly, conflict's legacies – such as polarised societies with high levels of distrust and weak institutions – create further barriers. We work to help people in conflict-affected societies voice their needs and engage effectively with politicians and policymakers in decision-making that impacts their everyday lives.
We work with the different sides involved in a conflict to help them develop an understanding of what can be done differently and we create opportunities for the people involved in the conflict to come together for discussion. The foundations for a just and sustainable peace are laid when those in conflict agree on how to resolve what has divided them and how they will live together peacefully in the future.
Those living in the midst of conflict often have the greatest insight into its causes and also its resolution. However, most peace negotiations aim to broker agreements between the main belligerent groups, who don’t necessarily represent the interests of wider society. We work collaboratively with civil society to ensure that peacebuilding activities are inclusive and reflect the views of all sections of society.
