A monthly selection of the best new research and resources on local peacebuilding worldwide, as chosen by Insight on Conflict. This month’s edition features a collection of articles of peacebuilding in Somalia, the role of women in traditional dispute resolution in Afghanistan and more. To receive the email newsletter each month, please sign-up here or email joel@insightonconflict.org.
Somalia: Creating space for fresh approaches to peacebuilding
Somalia: Creating space for fresh approaches to peacebuilding is a series of articles by leading peace practitioners, including John Paul Ledarach. The premise of the collection is the idea that the discussion on Somalia is too focused on international and regional security issues, whereas little attention is given to local complexities and the potential for peacebuilding.
Breaking the wave: Critical steps in the fight against crime in Guatemala
Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Breaking the wave (pdf) examines the challenges facing Guatemala as it seeks to reduce its crime rate. Issues that must be resolved are identified and the dangers of a military-led approach are highlighted.
Traditional dispute resolution and Afghanistan’s women
In Afghanistan 80 per cent of disputes are resolved within traditional dispute resolution mechanisms. However these traditional practices often exclude women. Traditional dispute resolution and Afghanistan’s women is the result of a series of discussions in Kabul focused on how to provide women with greater access to justice.
Mapping police services in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mapping police services in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a detailed report on the structure of police services in DR Congo. It looks at the national, local and international factors that have influence over the police services and the formal and informal structures that govern them.
Mediating conflicts with religious dimensions
Mediating conflicts with religious dimensions is a brief paper arguing that for mediators the "key is to look for practical solutions that address the involved parties’ concerns and that are compatible with their worldviews and values."
From the blog
- For the first time a Tamil play co-directed by Tamil and Sinhalese directors is representing Sri Lanka at an international festival. Read more >>>
- USIP Senior Program Officer, Andrew Blum discusses a recent report on improving peacebuilding evaluation. Read more >>>
- Local correspondent for Pakistan, Zahid Ahmed looks at the improving relations between India and Pakistan. Read more >>>
- CeaseFire’s Josh Gryniewicz looks at peace as a prerequisite for economic development. Read more >>>
- The killing of FARC leader Alfanso Cano reveals that the conflict in Colombia needs a solution based on negotiation and justice, not military victory. Read more >>>
- Former Prime Minister's Special Representative for Peacebuilding Lord Jack McConnell recalls his experience as an election observer in DR Congo's recent elections. Read more >>>
- Evaluation is an on-going challenge for peacebuilders and has different roles to play. Are Sudanese peace initiatives able to "prove their worth" through evaluation? Read more >>>
