Mediation is vital in ensuring different sides of a conflict arrive at an agreement. We improve mediation processes by providing support and advice to mediators and peace negotiations.
In order to create peace, the parties involved in the conflict need to agree on how to end the fighting and move forwards. However, these peace talks often fail or the agreements don’t last. Many peace deals are struck between elites without involving the populations, or the balance of power is strongly on one side, making negotiations difficult.
To create agreements that last, peace talks need to address the grievances driving the conflict and so be informed by the views of the wider population and complexities of each conflict. They need to be well facilitated and create opportunities for meaningful participation. We provide support and guidance to facilitators of official peace processes, and links to wider peace initiatives. Sharing our experience from other conflicts, we help inform and improve processes of mediation.
The International Contact Group, specifically Conciliation Resources, is crucial. It is indispensable and it has to actually be strengthened in its role.
