News and Insight

Un grupo de mujeres de diversos sectores de la sociedad colombiana han lanzado una nueva iniciativa para la construcción de paz: el Pacto ético por un país en paz. El pacto convoca a la sociedad, los diseñadores de políticas y la comunidad internacional a apoyar la “transformación” de la sociedad colombiana hacia una pacífica, por medio de la firma de hasta 15 acciones.

People living in conflict affected areas can often show surprising unity in trying to overcome a divide. This film highlights the impact restricted movement across the LoC has on Kashmiris on both sides on their ability to live out their faith through pilgrimages and shrine visits.

While talks progress in the Philippines, the inclusion of all parties to the conflict and the broad swathe of civil society – including women and indigenous groups – is key to transforming the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro into sustainable peace. Read about two new projects which look to address this.

As decision-makers start to consider a wider variety of options in response to the Syrian crisis, David Newton and Teresa Dumasy assert that a multi-faceted peace process – one that promotes the wide variety of non-violent peace and reconciliation initiatives already being led locally – is what can help transform society and build sustainable peace

Enhanced peacekeeping mission is a welcome development, but a lasting solution to CAR’s political problems requires coordinated national and cross-border cooperation on governance and security issues, as well as support for local civil society peace efforts.

The former Bishop of Bath & Wells, The Rt. Rev. Peter Price, has become the new Chair of the Board of Trustees for Conciliation Resources. With his long-standing interest in international affairs, Peter is well-matched to head up the organisation.

L’annonce d'une mission de maintien de la paix dirigée par l'Union africaine est bien accueilli, mais une coopération nationale et transfrontalière coordonnée en matière de gouvernance et de sécurité est necessaire pour obtenir une solution durable face aux problèmes politiques de la RCA, ainsi que le soutien pour les efforts de paix de la société civile locale.

Human rights activist Reverend Akuila Yabaki has been handed a suspended sentence of three months’ imprisonment. In response, we urge that for a peaceful transition to democracy in Fiji, civil society must be free to fulfil their role on behalf of the communities they represent.

Counterterrorism policies are constraining the ability of peacebuilders to support peace processes and dialogue to help end or overcome violent conflict – they make many forms of engagement with an armed group a crime if the group is listed as 'terrorist'. A petition to the US Secretary of State urges him to remove federal restrictions on such activities.

This presentation was given by mediatEUr Berlin Representative Dr Juan Díaz at the 'The EU as Peacemaker - Enhancing Mediation Capacities' conference in Sofia, 17 May 2013, organised by the European Policy Centre (EPC) and the Sofia Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

UK aid is helping divided communities find ways to move away from violent conflict. The Independent Commission on Aid Impact (ICAI) today published a report highlighting how DFID is providing vital support to civil society organisations, including Conciliation Resources, in their work to improve the lives of disadvantaged people around the world.

With the European Union reportedly due to meet on 4 June to discuss adding Shi’a militant group Hezbollah to its list of proscribed groups, peacebuilding NGO Conciliation Resources questions the effectiveness of using such a blunt policy tool.