April 2013

Research this month

Understanding peacebuilding as essentially local

The art of peacebuilding thus lies in pursuing the appropriate balance between international support and home-grown context-specific solutions.

Understanding peacebuilding as essentially local argues for a rethink in the way the concept of local ownership is understood by internationals. The author makes the case that local ownership is generally viewed as a top-down process, and that a bottom up approach is needed if the concept is to be meaningful.

Local First in peacebuilding

A “Local First” approach looks primarily for the capacity within the country or society and only brings in external assistance where no local capacity can be found. But, Local First does not mean local only – very often the most effective solution involves a partnership between internal and external organizations.

Local First in peacebuilding outlines how a "Local First" approach works in the peacebuilding field.

Communication for peacebuilding priority grant program learning group report.

The overwhelming consensus that came out of the workshop and seemed to undergird all of the discussions was that gaining an in-depth, nuanced understanding of the target population’s needs and desires is essential to both the immediate success and long term sustainability of projects.

Communication for peacebuilding is the result of an initiative to better understand the impact and potential of communication technology for peacebuilding. Three projects were funded in DR Congo, Central African Republic, and Kenya. This paper summarises experiences, chanllenges, and lessons learned.

Losing the Syrian grassroots: local governance structures urgently need support

The danger is that without adequate and consistent support from the international community, local grassroots organizations are in danger of becoming merely a voice and not a meaningful actor.

Losing the Syrian grassroots details the development of local governance structures amidst the Syrian civil war. The paper urges more international support be given to these organisations in order to ensure they remain a powerful voice for building a democratic Syria.

Accord Insight: Women building peace

The case studies illustrate how women have found innovative and creative ways to contribute to peace through both formal and informal processes. They also show how women’s peace efforts play a role in addressing the structural changes necessary for sustainable peace.

Women building peace is a series of nine case studies highlighting the work of women peacebuilders in conflicts around the world.

Too little or enough? Peacebuilding in small spaces

Peacebuilding in small spaces is a collection of articles looking at the idea of "smalls spaces" in peacebuilding - situations where opportunities for peacebuilding may be constrained, shrinking or expanding. Articles include civil society access to the UN, women activists in the Balkans, and ecumenical accompaniers in Israel an Palestine.

From the blog

Make love not war: sex and peacebuilding in Mindanao