Archive: December, 2011
Commentary What is Social Entrepreneurship in Peacebuilding?
At Ashoka we’ve been exploring how we can best contribute to the peacebuilding field, we’ve spoken with a broad spectrum of Ashoka Fellows, other innovators and practitioners, academic institutions, and donors. One of the key questions that arise from these conversations is: What does innovation in peacebuilding look like? Or, how can social entrepreneurship help reduce violence? Read more >>>
Commentary 7 tips for fundraising in peace and conflict resolution
One of the biggest challenges in the field of peacebuilding and conflict resolution is finding financial support from donors. Every year, billions of dollars are invested in organizations and institutions that support conflict, whether directly or indirectly. But getting funders to think about peace, not war, is hard since the results are often delayed and connecting projects to their long-term effects can be difficult. There has never been a greater need for investments in development, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction—all areas that contribute to the promotion and maintenance of peace. Read more >>>
From the field Practical advice on peacebuilding research in Uganda
We travelled to Uganda from the beginning of May to early August 2011. We had spent months conducting research at the University of Toronto into issues surrounding youth affected by the recent war in Northern Uganda between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda. In Uganda we hoped to collect quantitative and qualitative data in the field to test the assumptions of existing research and provide answers as well. Read more >>>
From the field Young people as agents of peacebuilding in Sri Lanka
In post-war Sri Lanka it is important to acknowledge that ethnic tensions may still remain even after the end of the conflict in 2009. An end to the fighting does not target the roots of the conflict or the protracted ethnic consciousnesses of the Sinhalese, Tamils, and muslims. Thus peacebuilding which acknowledges the roots of the conflict and tries to prevent further conflict is essential in achieving a durable positive peace. It is also important that young people are part of any long-term peacebuilding and reconciliation. Read more >>>
From the field Afghanistan: prospects for the future
Heightened insecurity, coupled with a weak rule of law, widespread corruption, low development progress, and a failing peace process, have become the hallmarks of the past ten years in Afghanistan. 10 years after the US-led overthrow of the Taliban, what does the future hold for the country? Read more >>>
From the field My diary of Baghdad: sirens and music
Annet Henneman is founder, director and actress of Teatro di Nascosto – Hidden Theatre. For eight days she lived in Baghdad, working with a group of four young men from Baghdad to make a theatre reportage about the Voices of Baghdad. Here she explores what it means to live in this city and shares her experiences of her time in Baghdad. Iraq. Read more >>>
Commentary A platform for exchange on ICT in Conflict and Crisis
Understanding what role, if any, technology can play in effectively helping those affected by conflict and crises, and what makes its use successful, is crucial when faced with the sudden onset of catastrophe. This blog outlines a new platform designed for exchanging ideas and for learning about this area from the experiences of others – from success and failure and from insights gained along the way. Read more >>>
Commentary DDR in DRC: the limitations of externally led approaches
I recently researched Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) projects carried out by the international community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo, or DRC), looking at activities of the World Bank’s Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Program (MDRP). This programme brought together the Congolese Government, various NGOs and UN agencies between 2002 and 2009. I found that although a large number of ex-combatants were successfully demobilized, reintegration was less successful. Furthermore, I found that the majority of DDR projects suffered from a number of shortcomings common to externally led approaches to peacebuilding. Read more >>>
From the field SOS from a Congolese peacebuilder: rescue the young democracy of DR Congo!
There are concrete steps the Congolese political establishment can take to avert post-election violence, if external pressure helps to engender the necessary political will. Peacebuilders across DR Congo have launched an urgent call towards the international community to take preventive measures to avoid a resurgence of violence. Read more >>>
Insight on Conflict Newsletter December 2011
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 an extensive analysis of civil society in eastern DRC, a new online map highlighting the use of Information and Communications Technology in crisis and much more. To receive the email newsletter each [...] Read more >>>
