Research this month
Security integration in conflict-affected societies: considerations for Myanmar
In this publication Saferworld draws on the experiences of a number of countries around the world focusing on three themes: sustaining security sector negotiations and making them more inclusive; the institutional features of security sectors in federal countries; and the integration of non-state armed groups with national security bodies. It discusses how Myanmar can effectively learn to employ inclusive peacebuilding as like many divided societies Myanmar has experienced conflict along ethnic and religious fault lines. Read the publication →
Borderlands and peacebuilding
In the second article, from Conciliation Resources, the subject of interest is building peace across borders with a particular focus on the often forgotten and complex borderland regions and the interests of communities living there. The paper draws on seven case studies to highlight the tendency of policymakers focus on central governments and regions due to access to power and influence. Read the publication →
Unity and reconciliation in Rwanda
In the third article, International Alert examines the role of social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts in Rwanda. This article specifically analyses community perspectives on how the National Policy on Unity and Reconciliation can be utilised by decision-makers, to address not just the existing gaps within the policy itself, but other conflicts and tensions that continue to hamper unity and reconciliation in the country. Read the publication →
Caught between two cultures
The final article, from swisspeace, examines how the division and management of aid and aid-related resources in conflict countries can, if not managed properly with a balance of standards and best practice but also respecting and understanding local norms, do more harm than good. The author focuses on South Sudan as a case study where local, traditional social security mechanisms are vital for the survival of South Sudanese in times of crisis and are based on concepts and longstanding practices of mutual support, social obligations and vulnerability that can be seen to conflict with ideals of transparency and accountability. Read the publication →
Funding opportunities
Commonwealth Foundation grants programme
The Commonwealth Foundation works to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development with effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels of participatory governance which implies creative and constructive engagement between civil society and other governance stakeholders. The funding available is £200,000 over four years in support of innovative project ideas and is open to applications from registered organisations in the Commonwealth. Deadline: 7 January 2019. Find out more
Sydney Peace Prize 2020
The Sydney Peace Foundation is seeking nominations for its Sydney Peace Prize 2020, Australia’s only international prize for peace to inspire and empower people from all walks of life to make peace with justice a reality.The recipient is awarded a $50,000 prize to further their cause of peace with justice. The application is open to applicants from around the world. Deadline: 30 June 2019. Find out more
A.J. Muste Memorial Institute Social Justice Fund
The A.J. Muste Memorial Institute is inviting applications for its Social Justice Fund to support grassroots activist projects in the US and around the world, giving priority to those with small budgets and little access to more mainstream funding sources. The grant is available to smaller organisations with a with annual expenses of less than $500,000. Deadline: 4 March 2019. Find out more
From the blog
Why grassroots peacebuilding? Is ‘inclusive peacebuilding’ a more sustainable recipe for peace?
The Colombian Peace Agreement (CPA) is known as being the most inclusive peace deal to date, as several civil society organizations partook in the negotiation process and helped in drafting the final agreement. Two years later into the peacebuilding process, how inclusive is the implementation of Colombia’s peace?Read more »
The privilege of not listening: How international support is undermining the sustainability of local civil society
Peace Direct's Senior Research Officer, Megan Renoir, shares the lessons learnt through Facilitating Financial Sustainability (FFS), our joint USAID-funded research project in collaboration with LINC and Foundation Center.Read more »
