Reconciliation is not only possible but needed in all stages of conflict

Libya is a country that has seen violent conflict and political gridlock since the revolution in 2011. Despite continuing high levels of violence and the absence of a formal peace settlement, local mediation efforts are taking place. These processes are contributing to pockets of stability and strengthening local capacity to handle conflict – reconciliation is not something that can only happen once a peace settlement has been reached.

Reconciliation in focus: Approaching reconciliation in peacebuilding practice

Working on reconciliation is critical for peacebuilding and conflict prevention as it focuses on (re)building and transforming relationships damaged by violent conflict and oppression. Unless action is taken to repair harm resulting from past violence, and to work toward a fair and interdependent future, peace will remain elusive. This briefing paper distils learning from the extensive available research and practice on coming to terms with the legacies of past violence and the complex subject of reconciliation. It provides explanations, diagrams, suggestions and examples for policymakers and practitioners working on reconciliation in conflict-affected contexts or considering such work.

Annual Review 2020

2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed fragilities and fissures across the world, transforming patterns of work and family life, and highlighting inequalities globally and locally. The past year has seen peacebuilding characteristics of adaptability and resilience at the heart of Conciliation Resources’ work.

Fighting for survivors in Ethiopia

Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed, commonly known by his birthplace, ‘Darusalam’, was raised in the rural heartlands of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. It was here that the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) were, for more than two decades, fighting for self-determination for Somalis in the Ogaden region, against the government of Ethiopia.

Online event: Youth and armed conflict

Young people are not just victims or perpetrators of violent conflict. They are key actors in processes of conflict transformation and socio-political change. It is however important to understand their aspirations for change and what influences their decisions to take a violent or nonviolent path.

Dr Mercy Masta

Dr Mercy Masta

Mercy is an Associate within the Southeast Asia and Pacific programme, specialising in policy and learning initiatives. Her journey with Conciliation Resources commenced in May 2021 when she assumed the role of Manager for the Pacific Programme. Prior to this, Mercy contributed her expertise to Australian DFAT programs in PNG and collaborated on the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program. In the Pacific region, she has dedicated her efforts to diverse areas such as health, HIV, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and youth development programs.

Supporting diverse youth engagement in peacebuilding

The unanimous adoption in 2015 of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security marked a step-change in, and opportunity for, international efforts to increase the meaningful participation of youth in peace processes and conflict resolution. The 2018 Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security acknowledged the important and positive contribution of youth in efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. The recognition of youth as the ‘missing peace’ is part of a growing policy consensus that inclusion matters for peace; the consequent challenge being to determine what this means in practice.

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