Research this month
Putting People First: reducing frontline tensions in Armenia and Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh
Putting people first (pdf) surveys local perspectives on the Nagorny Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Based on the findings, the report offers recommendations for reducing tensions. This research is part of People's Peacemaking Perspectives project from Saferworld and Conciliation Resources.
Media, youth and conflict prevention in Sierra Leone
Media, youth and conflict prevention in Sierra Leone (pdf) examines the role of the media and young people in conflict prevention in Sierra Leone. The research outlines both the positive and negative contributions toward securing peace in the country.
Perceptions of public security and crime in the Kathmandu Valley
Perceptions of public security and crime in the Kathmandu Valley looks at local perceptions of crime and insecurity in post-conflict Nepal. The paper seeks to inform policy and programming in public security, crime, and conflict prevention.
Engaging men for women’s empowerment in Burundi
Engaging men for women’s empowerment in Burundi (pdf) discusses the 'Abatangamuco,' a movement of rural men in Burundi. The grassroots movement is challenging traditional gender roles and promoting women's empowerment in the country.
Learning from Women's Success in the 2010 Afghan Elections
Learning from Women's Success in the 2010 Afghan Elections looks at how women candidates and voters did in Afghanistan's 2010 parliamentary elections. The paper provides recommendations on how women's participation may be improved in future elections.
Conflict trends: Issue 1, 2012
The latest issue of Conflict trends (pdf) from Accord features articles on violence in South Sudan, the African Union's response to the Libyan crisis, and more.
From the blog
Somaliland: 21 years of peace
In May 2012, Somaliland commemorated 21 years since declaring independence from Somalia. Although not recognised as an independent state by the international community, Somaliland’s self rule has provided the area with a peace and stability not seen in the rest of Somalia. Muhyadin Saed, Insight on Conflict’s Local Correspondent for Somalia, looks at the reasons for this and what lessons can be carried over to rest of the country. Read more »
Local capacity and humanitarian aid
Ed Cairns, Senior Policy Adviser for Oxfam GB, argues for a greater role for local organisations in humanitarian aid. As the humanitarian aid sector becomes less dominated by western organisations, their focus should shift toward supporting, and building the capacity of, local organisations. Read more »
Vision of peacebuilding of the Nobel peace laureates
A recent summit brought together Nobel Peace Laureates and peace organisations to rally support for human rights and global justice. Dr Abul Kalam discusses the issues raised. Read more »
Surviving our Streets – London
Josh Gryniewicz, from CeaseFire Chicago, an innovative conflict prevention project, speaks to Jason Featherstone who is replicating the project in London. Jason’s project, Surviving Our Streets (SOS), began following the riots of summer 2011. Jason shares his perspective on the riots and his experience of setting up SOS. Read more »
UK call to companies in conflict zones
Henry Bellingham MP, Britain’s Minister for Conflict Issues, explains how mining companies can improve their impact in conflict areas. Read more »
The Patriotic March and the struggle for peace in Colombia
A powerful new political movement bringing rural and urban Colombian civil society onto a common platform poses the real possibility for sustainable peacebuilding in Colombia. Hasan Dodwell, Insight on Conflict’s Local Correspondent for Colombia, discuses both the movement and how the reaction of the government to its emergence will be a path-setting moment. Read more »
Internal and external influences on Somalia’s civil war
Richard Dowden, Director of the Royal African Society and author of Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles, assesses the balance of internal and external influences on Somalia’s civil war. Read more »
Afghanistan: Where be thy burkhas and body armour now?
Paul Smith, the British Council’s Director in Afghanistan, explores the value of local arts projects in building a better future for Afghanistan. Read more »
Can the world agree to control the arms trade?
Throughout most of July world governments will meet to work out the first international Arms Trade Treaty. Ed Cairns, Senior Policy Adviser at Oxfam, looks at the prospects for an effective treaty. Read more »
