Section V: Recovering from War – Post-Conflict Regeneration and Reconciliation

Moves beyond the stereotype of "justice vs. peace" and proposes that applying a perspective of human rights brings conflict transformation closer to its aims by forcing greater emphasis on structural conditions, especially the role of the state, systems of governance and issues of power. It discusses the practical demands and dilemmas of an integrated approach, focusing on asymmetric conflicts, resistance to change and role clarity. It offers examples from the author's own work in South Africa, Nepal and Northern Ireland. It also includes an annex with an extensive review of past literature on human rights and conflict resolution.

Adds a new regional perspective to the Handbook. The author introduces local projects and initiatives, reflecting on the role of community-based organisations and NGOs vis-à-vis the state, their achievements and shortcomings in the face of international and regional political developments and the integration of Islamic traditions and modern techniques for conflict resolution.

Argues that (re-)integration of refugees and displaced persons is one of the main challenges and a precondition for conflict transformation. In this process, joint efforts are needed that combine development, economic perspectives and empowerment of local actors for civil-society engagement, peace education and social work. Lessons from the Balkans illustrate that coordination of activities is crucial. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Available translations:

Sinhala / සිංහල
Tamil / தமிழ்
Russian / РУССКИЙ

Discusses theories of trauma by drawing on practical experience in Latin America and the Balkans. It argues that trauma concepts need to be continually reinvented, relating them to the specific context. The author suggests that trauma work should be part of an integrated approach in crisis regions and should address psychological, pedagogical and economic dimensions. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Available translations:

Sinhala / සිංහල
Tamil / தமிழ்
Russian / РУССКИЙ

Explores different approaches to investigating and regulating past injustices in the aftermath of armed conflict. The author reviews the potential and risks associated with tribunals, community courts and truth commissions, and discusses how amnesty, reparation and grassroots initiatives for reconciliation can contribute to conflict transformation. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Available translations:

Sinhala / සිංහල
Tamil / தமிழ்
Russian / РУССКИЙ

Deals with the challenges of linking theory, research and practice, and offers strategies for doing so in all relevant areas of social change. The author argues that the structural sources of conflict have been relatively neglected in conflict analysis and in the design of intervention processes. Until this situation is reversed, it will be difficult to generate stable, peaceful and just relationships. (revised for 2004 print edition)

Available translations:

Sinhala / සිංහල
Tamil / தமிழ்
Russian / РУССКИЙ
Turkish / Türkçe
Spanish / Español

Presents the case study of the UN-sponsored War-Torn Societies Project, which promotes a multi-level approach in order to facilitate conflict transformation on the ground and empower local/indigenous actors. (For current developments and projects, please refer to the website of the NGO Interpeace, which WSP has now evolved into: http://www.interpeace.org.)