Connecting the voices of refugees to the negotiation table: mediatEUr’s VOICES of Syria project

mediatEUr has worked to support peace processes since 2007 and provides conflict prevention and mediation support to the European External Action Service (EEAS). We strongly advocate for creative and inclusive peace processes that generate sustainable outcomes. Our “VOICES of Syria” project was devised in 2019 to connect the voices of Syrian refugees to the processes determining the conditions and visions for peace in Syria.

Mediation training and deployment

Conciliation Resources has extensive experience of bringing together and supporting conflict resolution and mediation professionals. Through providing resources, skill development and deploying experts, we have helped to advance the professional practice of international peace mediation and dialogue.

Peace in the Central African Republic: a tale of two cities

Bossangoa is adjusting to a new era of peace. The town, situated in the north west of Central African Republic, lies 300 kilometers from the capital Bangui, where one year ago today, the Government signed a peace deal with the leaders of 14 armed groups. It was the latest in a succession of peace deals since 2013, but unlike its predecessors, where ceasefires were broken in a matter of months, this deal is making some headway.

Strategic Plan 2020-2025: Building Better Peace

Over the next five years, through our Strategic Plan, we will focus on improving the quality of peace processes and support to peace initiatives. This means applying, testing and learning from approaches that are inclusive, sustainable and transformative, and advocating the adoption of effective international policy priorities.

It's time to make building better peace a priority

When Conciliation Resources was set up 25 years ago, peacebuilding was in its infancy. The term itself had only come into widespread use two years before, and the UN Peacebuilding Commission wouldn’t be established for another 10 years. This was a time when the ideas that continue to guide our organisation today were born. Our conviction that people living in areas of violent conflict must be involved in its resolution. Our belief that committed, two-way partnerships would be the cornerstone of everything we do. And our understanding that through dedicated research, analysis and learning we could constantly improve the process of peace.

Laura Aumeer

Laura Aumeer

Laura joined Conciliation Resources in October 2019, and is Director of the Europe-Asia Department, overseeing work in the South Caucasus and South Asia regions, as well as our cross-regional peacebuilding work. Laura brings expertise on adaptive peacebuilding management and led our work with the Smart Peace consortium, an innovative consortium integrating research and implementation to address complex conflict problems. She also worked closely with the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth Team, providing secretariat support to the network. 

7 reasons to be positive about peace in 2020

"The New Year has begun with our world in turmoil.” Just days into 2020, UN Secretary General António Guterres called for restraint, dialogue and international cooperation as tensions rise around the world. He warned of the terrible human suffering caused by war, and spoke of our common duty to avoid it.

But despite the turbulent start to the new year, there are reasons to be positive about peace in 2020. There are brave, passionate and creative people working around the world and joining forces to prevent conflict and build more peaceful societies. By working collectively, we can all move towards a more peaceful future.

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