News and Insight

In the Pacific Islands, communities are seeing their climate and environment change around them. Climate change is causing sea level rise, changes in rainfall, coral bleaching, and increased intensity of natural disasters. This is affecting ecosystems and the rich biodiversity of the land and ocean, while impacting upon food and water security, and livelihoods. Environmental change is invariably affecting the social, spiritual and relational wellbeing of communities across the region.

The people of Paoua sub-prefecture have lived in the shadow of conflict and insecurity long before the Seleka coup d’état in 2013 that marked the beginning of the most recent crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR). An important border area in the north west of CAR, Paoua has played host to a succession of armed groups and militia, bringing with them waves of violence, abuse and displacement. For most of the young people of Paoua, peace, education and the possibilities of a secure livelihood have been absent their entire lives. For many, joining one of the multiple armed groups in and around Paoua has been a matter of survival.

Conciliation Resources is excited to announce that we have signed a recognition agreement with Community Union who will represent a large proportion of our UK employees. This partnership means that Community will negotiate pay, terms and conditions for their members as well as being consulted on working practices.

This month the United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for a global ceasefire. Resolution 2532 recognises that COVID-19 is already exacerbating existing issues in conflict-affected countries, and demanded a cessation of hostilities as the only way to ensure an effective response to the pandemic. However, in many countries, the resolution is yet to have an effect and COVID-19 is continuing to have a negative impact on prospects for peace.

Reimagining Victory is a digital series, developed by Conciliation Resources in partnership with the IWM Institute. The series sees leading journalists, peacebuilders, artists and academics discuss the concept of victory, and look at some of the most pressing issues surrounding conflict and peacebuilding in today’s world. As we mark 75 years since the end of the second world war, what does it really mean to ‘win’ a war today?

The Covid-19 pandemic has not paused conflict around the world – despite calls for a global ceasefire, researchers have found.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not paused conflict around the world – despite calls for a global ceasefire, researchers have found. The data comes from a new digital tracking tool developed by the University of Edinburgh, with support from Conciliation Resources and our strategic partners mediatEUr.

From North America to South Asia the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated societal conflicts promoting a rise in militarised responses from governments. But behind the headlines and stark images, community leaders, including women peacebuilders are stepping in to mediate and deescalate tensions.

If we want to see societies win the peace we need a concept of victory that is about justice and reconciliation, inclusion and equality.

For the second year running, mediatEUr assisted the Mediation Support Team of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to convene its Community of Practice on Peace Mediation through its Framework Contract for Mediation Support.

Across Nigeria, the Sahel and other parts of Africa, many communities seem locked in a worsening cycle of herder-farmer violence. The pain, suffering and loss from herder-farmer conflict is immeasurable and on a devastating scale.

For the second year running our Brussels-based strategic partner mediatEUr has assisted the Mediation Support Team of the European External Action Service (EEAS) to convene its Community of Practice on Peace Mediation through its Framework Contract for Mediation Support.