CCTS: Presentation by Michael Hammer

This presentation by Michael Hammer of Conciliation Resources elaborates on the organisation's support of local partners promoting peace monitoring in West Africa.

In a region struggling with issues such as discrimination and armed violence, the peace monitoring system has been important in building trust through community-based conflict identification and mediation.  

Peace monitors establish relationships with parties to a dispute and then organise small and large group discussions.  The progressive characteristics of this method include its inclusiveness of women and youth and also its willingness to deal with small conflicts with a view to preventing their escalation.

Mr Hammer also addresses the sensitive question of whether this is a form of policing, and if so, whether this is appropriate.