Following the withdrawal of African Union forces from areas affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), armed group activities have intensified in the area. Rising insecurity has complicated freedom of movement and agricultural practices. This has constrained land access and ownership which uniquely impacts women and other socially excluded groups. This policy brief provides a set of recommendations to increase security and land access and ownership among women and marginalised groups.

In mid-2016, large numbers of South Sudanese refugees began to arrive in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fleeing violence in their homeland. At various times civilians from DRC and South Sudan have migrated across their shared border seeking safety from conflict in their respective countries. Unless steps are taken to prevent escalation, the recent influx of refugees in DRC has the potential to turn existing tensions into violence. This policy brief examines these tensions and puts forward recommendations for action to reduce conflict.

As Colombia faces the task of rebuilding its historic memory in order to overcome a violent past and build a peaceful future, Colombians abroad – the country’s diaspora – sense an opportunity to be part of this collective responsibility. After three years of work, the Truth Memory and Reconciliation Commission of Colombian women in diaspora present the achievements of their efforts, and recommendations to Colombian and international policy-makers.

In June and July 2017, Conciliation Resources and the Alliance for Peacebuilding conducted the first ever national surveys of public attitudes in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) and Germany towards peacebuilding and dialogue with armed groups. The survey offered the opportunity to compare and contrast public views at a time of shifting geopolitics and multiple security challenges. The results show a striking level of consensus, with widespread understanding of and support for peacebuilding in each country, and strong support for dialogue with groups who use armed violence, in order to further peace.