RSSSection V: Recovering from War – Post-Conflict Regeneration and Reconciliation
In the fifth section of the Handbook the emphasis is on regeneration, rehabilitation and reconciliation in post-war situations and war-torn societies: what are promising transformative approaches? How can civil society actors be supported? How can structural stability be built? How can the legacy of a violent past be addressed? And what are particular challenges in linking theory and practice?
| Author | Title / Description | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Martina Fischer 
|
Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: Theory and Practice
Outlines two major strands of activity aimed at helping societies come to terms with the legacy of a violent past. The emerging paradigm of transitional justice is broadened out to incorporate gender justice and the many different aspects of truth recovery. The concept of reconciliation is discussed in light of its relevance to conflict transformation, also addressing the problems posed by selective remembrance, denial and victimhood. The author identifies open questions and stresses the need for more practice-orientated research.
|
2011 09 2011 | ||
| Michelle Parlevliet
|
Human Rights and Conflict Transformation: Towards a More Integrated Approach
Moves beyond the stereotyped dichotomy 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 pursuing an integrated approach, focusing on asymmetric conflicts, resistance to change and clarity of roles. It offers examples from the author's own work in South Africa, Nepal and Northern Ireland. (updated for 2011 print edition; a longer version including an extensive literature review was first published in Dialogue Series No 9)
|
2011 08 2011 | ||
| Oussama Safa |
Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in the Arab World: The Work of Civil Society Organisations in Lebanon and Morocco
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.
|
2007 08 2007 | ||
| Martina Fischer |
Recovering from Violent Conflict: Regeneration and (Re-)Integration as Elements of Peacebuilding
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)
|
2004 08 2004 | ||
| David Becker |
Dealing with the Consequences of Organised Violence in Trauma Work
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)
|
2004 08 2004 | ||
| Gunnar Theissen |
Supporting Justice, Co-Existence and Reconciliation after Armed Conflict: Strategies for Dealing with the Past
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)
|
2004 08 2004 | ||
| Kevin Clements |
Towards Conflict Transformation and a Just Peace
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 / සිංහලTamil / தமிழ் Russian / РУССКИЙ Turkish / Türkçe Spanish / Español |
2004 08 2004 | ||
| Agneta Johannsen |
Participatory Action-Research in Post-Conflict Situations: The Example of the War-Torn Societies Project
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.)
|
2001 08 2001 |