Peace Monitor 2011

THIS REPORT IS PUBLISHED BY THE SWEDISH PEACE AND ARBITRATION SOCIETY

Inspiring examples from several African countries.

Examples of peaceful conflict resolution in Afghanistan are seldom told. We tell them!

AND COVERAGE ON Trends in armed conflicts today Peace initiatives in Manipur, India The Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, Colombia

A call for proper conflict analysis to be carried out before any peace initiative is launched.

Parents Circle, Israel/Palestine Interviews with Margot Wallström and Peter Wallensteen

www.peacemonitor.org

A report published 2011 by the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society

It is time to change the perspectives!

and made possible through the sup-

10 years after 11/9 we need to change the perspectives and change the direction towards a new culture of peaceful conflict resolution. There needs to be a shift in the thinking of how media, research and politics approach conflicts and peacebuilding. Our vision is increased peace monitoring!

port of the Folke Bernadotte Academy.

The views expressed in this report are not necessarily shared by the publisher.

Editorial Committee: Christoffer Burnett-Cargill Olle Svahn Malin Nilsson Christina Eriksson Sebastian Dahlgren

Many books and annual reports focus on the number of conflicts and wars in the world,

Gabriel Holmbom

as well as military spending and arms trade. Media reports from conflict and war zones mostly convey the bad news about the number of casualties and the injured, as well as

publisher:

misery among people and failed political processes. At the same time, we know that

Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society

many people work hard, especially on local levels, to find peaceful resolution for conflicts; several peace initiatives are taken and many peace projects are actually success-

Authors:

ful in its implementation. However, these stories are seldom told to a major audience.

Christoffer Burnett-Cargill Linnea Åhs

Our vision with Peace Monitor is to have an annual book published, which e.g. lists

Malin Nilsson

peace agreements and peace initiatives around the world in the past year, gives ex-

Johan Brosché

amples of preventive actions where wars have been avoided due to peaceful conflict

Olle Svahn

resolution and shows inspiring examples of successful peace projects on local levels.

Emma Elfversson

Our vision is also that the perspectives will change increasingly and that focus be more

Christina Eriksson

on positive examples. Instead of mostly viewing what went wrong and learning from the mistakes, one also needs to study the positive examples to learn the lessons from the

Layout: E&G Design

successful outcomes as well.

egdesign.gabriel@gmail.com We can all become better in telling the success stories of peaceful conflict resolution.

Print: Lasertryck

We need to communicate this better and we need to show the alternatives to military

ISBN: 978-91-979192-2-7

solutions. If we can tell all the positive stories, this might outweigh the predominantly negative reporting from conflicts and counter the thoughts that only military solutions can prevail. We hope this initial Peace Monitor will inspire a change of perspectives and

Svenska Freds- och Skiljedomsförenin-

contribute to a change of directions towards increased peaceful conflict resolution.

gen (Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society) Box 2088 103 12 Stockholm, Sweden

Christoffer Burnett-Cargill Secretary General Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society

Tel: (+ 46) (0)8-558 031 80 E-mail: info@svenskafreds.se Web site: www.svenskafreds.se

contents page 4

page 8 page 20

page 14

page 28

4 6 8

Trends in armed conflicts today Catch up on conflict development and conflict transformation.

Interview with Peter Wallensteen Good understanding enables good solutions A call for proper conflict analysis to be carried out before any peace initiative is launched. Read up on conflict complexities and some successful peace agreements.

12

The Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, Colombia

14

Inspiring examples from African countries

20

Peace and Unity in Afghanistan

26

Peace initiatives in Manipur, India

28

Parents Circle Israel/Palestine

32

Interview with Margot Wallström

Following their own path in the struggle for a life in peace and freedom in the midst of the prolonged Colombian conflict.

Consensus-making, reintegration and rebuilding relationships are core principals applicable far beyond African communities.

News about Afghanistan seldom contains any positive stories.

Read about civil society efforts for peace here!

A conflict mostly forgotten by western media with local peace initiatives carried out by women.

Many years of failed political processes have led people to believe peace is not possible in the region. The Parents Circle shows an example where individuals can make a difference.

page 32 2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

3

PHOTO: Aida Burnett-Cargill for Diakonia

Trends in armed conflicts today Since the beginning of the 1990s, there has been a drastic decrease in the number of armed conflicts in the world. This is a positive development that should be recognised. In 2010 the number of deadly conflicts reached its lowest level since 1957. However, there are some concerns about the increase of foreign military involvement in intrastate conflicts and the unusually low number of high-level peace agreements in 2010.

Text by Malin Nilsson

A

t the end of the Cold War, there

Conflict Database Program (UCDP), fol-

consequences for entire regions. The ef-

were many positive signs of a

lowed in the first half of 2011 by the Arab

fects on economic development alone are

more peaceful world. The overall

spring and new related conflicts.

horrifying. Intrastate wars create malde-

trend since then has been positive and

velopment and institutional deformation

the number of armed conflicts has de-

conflicts today is intrastate conflicts, usu-

that further increases the risk of renewed

creased. However, in the period between

ally connected to the formation of states

conflict in the unlikely event of a negoti-

2003 and 2008, the number of active

or civil wars. Many spring from struggles

ated peace.

conflicts involving state actors rose again

over power, rights, economic advantage,

from 29 to 37. Even interstate conflicts,

natural resources and cultural identity. In

in relation to the human costs. During

once deemed practically extinct, have re-

most of these struggles, groups fight for

World War I, civilian deaths made up 5%

emerged in the shape of US-led unilateral-

control over the government or against a

of the total casualties and by World War

ism in the fight against terrorism and the

government set against them, and in many

II, the number had risen to 50%. As we

forceful implementation of democracy. In

cases the struggling groups are ethnopo-

stepped into the new millennium, 80-90%

2009 and 2010 there was a decrease in

litically defined. These “new wars� last for

of those killed in armed conflict were civil-

active conflicts, reported by the Uppsala

long periods of time and have disastrous

ians. Although the actual number of peo-

4

  P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

The most common form of violent

The economic losses fade, however,

ple killed in conflicts has decreased since

Armed con icts by Type, 1946-2009

1990, the trend shows that now more than ever, civilians have a stake in the conflicts

Extrastate

of their societies. Groups and individuals

Internationalized intrastate

Intrastate

© UCDP 2010

60

have everything to gain by engaging in

50

No. of con icts

initiatives aimed at resolving conflict and promoting social change without the use of violence.

Interstate

Although existing institutions of the

international system are still the primary arenas for dealing with interstate conflicts,

40 30 20 10

the emergence of and increased focus on intrastate conflicts has resulted not only in

0

19 4 19 6 4 19 8 5 19 0 52 19 5 19 4 56 19 5 19 8 6 19 0 6 19 2 6 19 4 6 19 6 68 19 7 19 0 7 19 2 7 19 4 7 19 6 7 19 8 8 19 0 8 19 2 84 19 8 19 6 88 19 9 19 0 9 19 2 9 19 4 9 19 6 98 20 0 20 0 0 20 2 04 20 0 20 6 08

new discourses and terminology, but also in new institutional policies and practices.

Within this framework, and in the midst of

of resisting, resolving and transforming

one of the leading proponents of so-

before they become violent, peaceful and

violent conflict are continuously invented.

called conflict transformation, conflicts

constructive techniques are more easily

They are invented by people inhabiting

are natural parts of human coexistence

adopted by the parties. However, such

some of the most conflict-ridden societ-

and motors of social change. The goal of

prevention requires a good understanding

ies in the world, by people witnessing

any peace initiative should therefore be to

of the issues at hand, as well as of the

their societies tread dangerously close to

transform a violent conflict into a peaceful

actors involved. Such understanding can

violence and by people who have come

one rather than to end the conflict itself.

only come from involving local actors and

out on the other end of violent conflict and

The goal of transforming a conflict goes

stakeholders in the process, and a lot can

refuse to let the cycle of violence draw

beyond resolving particular problems,

be learned from looking at peace efforts

them back in.

and encourages us to engage in con-

initiated at the grassroots level of conflict-

structive change initiatives that address

ridden communities. Within these commu-

both surface issues and underlying social

nities, the negative images that perpetu-

From violent conflict to peaceful societies

According to John Paul Lederach,

tive violence. By addressing conflicts

all the atrocities of war, creative new ways

structures.

ate antagonism and solidify conflicts are

Defining peace is never an easy task.

challenged and space is opened up for

Has peace been achieved when a

conflict transformation attempt to alter

peace-agreement is signed? If so, which

the characteristics and manifestations of

groups need to be included? Is peace

conflict. Groups and individuals who are

the absence of all forms of violence? Can

involved and affected by a conflict are

an unequal society ever be a peaceful

enabled to deal with issues in constructive

society?

ways and generate strategies to over-

come them. It can be argued that conflict

In public discourse, we tend to

Actions undertaken in the name of

equate the state of peace with the ab-

transformation deals with the structural,

sence or termination of violent acts and

behavioural and attitudinal aspects of

the signing of a peace agreement. We

conflict. Actions that contribute to conflict

focus on overt and violent conflict while

transformation include rehabilitation,

ignoring latent, covert and non-violent

reconstruction, disarmament, reconcilia-

conflicts. By doing so, we ignore the fact

tion, empowerment, community-building

that the end of a conflict cycle may very

activities, preventing crisis and conflict

well be the beginning of another. We also

management training.

ignore the communities of peace that

flourish within the borders of many conflict-

important insights for the task of prevent-

ridden societies. Groups and individuals

ing violent conflict. Preventing violent

continuously engage in conflict trans-

conflict is a way to save both lives and

formation, a concept that has received

resources so that these can be invested in

increased attention in the last decade.

societal development instead of destruc-

Conflict transformation also offers

compromise, accommodation and political solutions. ▣

RECOMMENDED READING: Preparing for Peace: Conflict Trans­ formation Across Cultures, John Paul Lederach Syracuse University Press, 1995 Peace Research: Theory and Practice, Peter Wallensteen, Routledge, 2011 Uppsala Conflict Data Program www.ucdp.uu.se

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

5

Questions & Answers with

Peter Wallensteen Dag Hammarskjöld Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University; Richard G. Starmann Sr. Research Professor of Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

PHOTO: Magnus Aronson

PM: With Peace Monitor we are aiming to

Well, bad news often sell better, unfortu-

Yes, I agree. It is true for conflicts defined

highlight successful peace agreements on

nately. But media could also recognise

as part of this war. Peace efforts have suf-

local levels, that are not often mentioned

that the number of conflicts are actually

fered since 9/11 2001. There has been a

in media reports. Have you experienced

decreasing in the world. One should

predominance of military solutions instead

such peace agreements on local level in

report the overall positive developments

of seeking e.g. negotiated political solu-

your research and field visits?

as well.

tions. Afghanistan, Iraq and Sri Lanka are clear exemples. The reasons for this is the

Yes, especially in Africa, where so called

PM: What do you think can be done to

underlying approach by way of a “war of

’elders’ have been involved to resolve local

more promote the positive and successful

terrorism”. It means that you are either “for

communal violence. The elders are often

peace efforts?

or against”. There is not much room for contacts, dialogue or negotiations. Legis-

seen as neutral and respected leaders.

Once I was sitting in a village in Western

For example, there could be a journalist

lation of terrorism can even make it illegal

Kenya where people where trying to solve

prize for those who report about a conflict

to have contacts with those closer to the

a problem of a water pipe, the elders led

that was resolved before leading into a

actual terrorists, and then it is harder to

the negotiations and a sustainable solution

violent war. This can be made into a sell-

set up channels for negotiated solutions.

was found which all parties could accept.

ing story too.

PM: What can be done to promote peace-

In Tanzania, I experienced the opposite, where engineers decided, and people

PM: Do you have any good examples on

were supposed to move their houses to fit

positve and successful peace projects

the pipelines.

that you have experienced in your work?

ful conflict resolution, in the post 9/11 era?

There is a need for a strong political signal to go forward and prioritise peaceful

PM: Is there a risk that sometimes there

I am often astonished how many positive

conflict resolution. I also think that the eco-

is too much international involvement in

people there are present in some of the

nomic incentives should be highlighted

peace negotiations?

worst conflicts. How much positive energy

more, that wars costs too much and harm

that exists among people in civil society

normal economic development.

Yes, definitely. The Dayton peace agre-

organizations. This gives hope for peace-

ment for the Balkans is an example where

ful conflict resolution. I recall all peace

to do the job. There should be a nego-

there was too much international involve-

initiatives from the Israeli and Palestinian

tiating team ready at every Ministry of

ment. The risk is that the conflicting par-

societies in the 1990s. There were many

Foreign Affairs. The team should be on

ties will not take responsibility themselves,

ideas, and there was political space for

stand-by mode, ready to go to conflicts

and thus not see the agreement as ’theirs’.

such initiatives. I also recall a local cease-

zones on short notice. The need for ’rapid

In such a case the peace agreement will

fire in a city in Northern Ireland, negoti-

reaction,’ too often only refers to military

not be as effective and sustainable. It has

ated locally, through informal leaders and,

options, there are civilian measures as

to rely on external commitment.

thus, respected and sustainable.

well, but they need further development.

The world also needs skilled people

Giving this political priority would achieve PM: Media often reports about wars and

PM: After 9/11 and the ’war on the terror-

disasters, but very seldom local peace

ism’, it seems as if military solutions have

initiatives are highlighted. Why is that so

been used more often to solve conflicts.

do you think?

Why is that so? Do you agree?

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P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

just that. ▣

Good understanding enables good solutions “I have heard that before – I think that you should solve the problem in this manner” is a common comment from a partner, student or friend when someone has started to explain a problem.

Sometimes the listener understands the situation and is correct in his/her analysis of it. At other times, however, the problem is not at all what the listener thought it was. This often leaves the person telling the story in frustration, and the suggested solution is often mismatched because the real problem has not been understood. The same goes for conflicts – if you do not understand you cannot fix it – but a good understanding enables a good solution.

Text by Johan Brosché

T

o be able to solve a problem you

different rebel groups or between differ-

need to understand it. When it

ent communities. One-Sided Violence

comes to conflict, core aspects

is the third category, and is violence

that need to be understood are: Who

intentionally directed against civilians,

are the most important actors? What

for instance, massacres, genocide and

are the main problems at hand? What

terrorism that deliberately target civil-

effects will a certain initiative have? Are

ians. These different types of violence

there any potential risks with a particu-

often take place in the same countries

lar suggested solution? Often, con-

and interact in various forms. This cat-

cerned peace activists see a deplor-

egorisation is very helpful as it deepens

able situation and react intuitively and

the understanding of conflicts and

argue that, “we need to do something”.

illustrates the complexities, which are

This is an understandable and hearten-

important for choosing the appropriate

ing reaction from concerned citizens

peace initiatives.

and should definitely be encouraged.

However, it is important that this “some-

The Darfur situation

thing” turns out to be something useful

The continuing crisis in Darfur illustrates

for the victims of the conflict, instead of

such complexities and dynamics in a

something that just eases the heart of

clear manner. The conflict in Darfur has

the concerned citizens. Good inten-

been described as an environmen-

tions are a good start when it comes to

tal conflict, a conflict between Arabs

peace initiatives. However, the issues at

and Africans, and at other times as

hand are much too important for good

genocide. There is some truth in these

intentions to be enough; it is the results

labels, but each of them leaves out a

that matter. To reach the intended result

vast amount of information and creates

a careful conflict analysis is needed. If

a simplistic view of a complex prob-

you do not understand the context in

lem. More correctly, the crisis in Darfur

which a conflict takes place, you run the

can be described as consisting of four

risk of harming the peace rather than

parallel conflicts:

helping it.

1.

Communal conflicts – primarily

The complexities of conflicts

conflicts between different pastoral and

An important aspect of understanding

2.

conflicts is to realise that they often con-

rebel leaders seeking power positions,

sist of several parallel conflicts. Con-

who fight against each other. There also

flicts are often described in dichotomies

exists conflicts between traditional lead-

such as Israel-Palestine, Hutu-Tutsi and

ers (elders) and young aspiring leaders.

United States-Iraq. A more correct ver-

3.

sion should instead describe conflicts

is a very centralised country with many

as Matroyoshka Dolls, in each conflict

of the peripheral areas being extremely

you have another conflict.

marginalised; one such area is Darfur.

4.

The Uppsala Conflict Data

farming communities over land.

Local elite conflicts – different

Centre-periphery conflicts – Sudan

Cross-border Conflicts – the crisis

Program (UCDP) is a useful source

in Darfur also crosses border and add-

for understanding conflict, and they

ing to the complexities is that Sudan

divide organised violence into three

and its western neighbour Chad have

main categories: State-Based Conflicts,

been involved in a proxy-war, which

which consist of war between countries

means that both countries have sup-

or civil wars. Non-State Conflicts are the

ported the rebels in the other country.

second category and consist of nonstate actors fighting each other. Often

these conflicts are fought between

problems in the United Nations and the

In addition to this, there are also

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

9

PHOTO: Albert Gonzalez Farran / UN PHOTO

five permanent members of United Na-

of the dynamics and demonised the

the rebel leaders to sign a Darfur Peace

tions Security Council. They are sharply

ethnic groups in Darfur with a more

Agreement. Moreover, the international

divided in issues related to Sudan, with

Arab identity. In reality though, many

pressure caused the negotiators to set

Russia and China advocating a softer

of these groups were victims and not

up an artificial deadline for how long

attitude against the Government of

perpetrators. For these reasons, the

negotiations could take. SLM/A-MM was

Sudan than the other three permanent

suggested solutions where not compre-

the movement with the most military

members, United States, United King-

hensive enough because they did not

might during that time and the negotia-

dom and France.

include all victims and the dynamics

tors concentrated on getting them to

In 2003 and 2004, the death rate in

were not understood.

sign the agreement.

Darfur peaked with most of the atroci-

ties in the region being carried out by

severely misunderstood by the wider

Agreement (DPA) was signed between

the infamous Janjaweed militia and

international community and people

the Government of Sudan and SLM/A-

the Government of Sudan. The United

engaged in trying to find a negoti-

MM whilst the other two rebel leaders

Nations estimates that 300,000 people

ated solution to the conflict. During the

refused to sign. The signing of the

have been killed in Darfur between 2003

spring of 2006, the demands on the in-

peace-agreement was hailed interna-

and 2011, most of these deaths are not

ternational community to do something

tionally and people thought that at last

caused by violence but by problems

about the disastrous situation in Darfur

peace in Darfur was achieved. However,

that follows from the violence such as

were immense. Negotiations were ongo-

Minni Minawi had signed an agreement

diseases. The ethnic cleansing in Darfur

ing in Abuja, Nigeria, in order to find a

that was heavily disliked among the Dar-

appalled people, and many activists

solution. During that time, there were

furian population, among other rebels,

started to organise themselves in order

three rebel groups in Darfur fighting

and also within his own rank. Instead of

to stop the ongoing atrocities. The

against the government: Sudan Libera-

peace, the DPA had devastating effects

horrifying situation in Darfur also led

tion Movement Army - Abdul Wahid

for Darfur. Firstly, numerous command-

to engagement from many Hollywood

(SLM/A-AW), Sudan Liberation Move-

ers within the SLM/A-MM left Minawi’s

stars such as George Clooney and

ment/Army - Minni Minawi (SLM/A-MM)

rank and either joined the other rebel

Mia Farrow. The analysis of the Darfur

and Justice and Equality Movement

groups or started their own movement.

situation among these activists and in

(JEM) led by Khalil Ibrahim. The view

Secondly, the signing of the DPA led

the media often lacked depth, and the

among the international community and

to a huge proliferation of rebel groups

immensely complex situation was often

among the negotiators was that a peace

and at one point there were dozens

simplified as a conflict between Arabs

agreement would solve the situation. For

of rebel groups, making negotiations

and Africans. Such a view missed much

this reason the negotiators tried to force

extremely difficult. Thirdly, fighting in

10 

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

The Darfur situation was also

On 5 May 2006, the Darfur Peace

“Before commen­cing any peace initiative a thorough conflict analysis has to be carried out”

Darfur increased during the summer of

2006 resulting in that year being much

conflict started in the second half of

more violent than 2005. Some of this

the 1970s. Sponsored by the Apartheid

fighting was between SLM/A-MM and

regime in South Africa, the Renamo

rebel groups that had not signed the

rebels opposed the Mozambique

DPA; others were between the govern-

Government. This war included severe

ment and non-signatories. Fourthly, DPA

atrocities against the civilian population

being an unimplemented agreement

and the Renamo carried out most of

decreased people’s belief in a negoti-

the massacres. Several attempts to stop

ated solution leading many to see a

this conflict were carried out during the

continued armed conflict as the only

1980s, but none of them succeeded.

way forward.

However, at the beginning of the 1990s,

the Saint Egidio community, a catholic

Successful peace agreements

non-government organisation based in

good intentions have to be combined

Rome, started negotiations. Representa-

with good understanding to create a

Nevertheless, although it is important to

tives from Saint Egido, an Italian politi-

good solution. Before commencing

be aware of these problems, there exist

cian and a bishop from Mozambique

any peace initiative a thorough conflict

many positive examples where a peace

succeeded in getting the parties to sign

analysis has to be carried out. If this is

agreement has brought peace to the

a peace-agreement in 1992 and peace

not done there is a clear risk for unin-

people. Three different examples from

has remained since.

tended effects. It is important to realise

three different corners of the world

that something that is supposed to be

are: Aceh (Indonesia), Mozambique

El Salvador. At the end of the 1970s

genuinely good might not have that

and El Salvador. In all these countries,

guerrilla rebels, critical of the right-

effect. A peace agreement can bring

protracted conflicts that had caused

ist government, took up weapons. In

peace to millions of people or it can be

thousands of deaths ended through a

the 1980s the conflict in El Salvador

just a piece of paper – sometimes even

peace agreement. In 2004 a tsunami

followed the pattern of a typical Latin

having a negative effect. As demon-

devastated large areas of South-East

American conflict during the cold war

strated by the more positive examples,

Asia and one region that suffered the

with the Soviet and the United States

this article should not at all be seen as

most from this was the Aceh region of

supporting different sides in the con-

a call for less activism, less enthusiasm

Indonesia. In Aceh, an armed conflict

flict. In El Salvador, Soviet and other

regarding peace initiatives, or a disbe-

had been going on for decades, and bi-

communist states supported the FMLN

lief in peace agreement. However, we

zarrely the tragic tsunami also brought

rebels and the United States supported

need a good understanding in order to

some positive effects to the region. The

the government. During the cold war the

day after the tsunami both the rebels

conflict in El Salvador was very bloody

(GAM – Free Aceh Movement) and the

with more than a thousand people killed

government declared unilateral cease-

every year. Attempts to solve the conflict

fires. However the ceasefire quickly

did not succeed, but with the end of the

broke down, but international pressure

cold war new opportunities appeared

from donors led to peace-talks being

and a peace agreement brokered by

restarted in 2005. Negotiations led

the United Nations was signed in 1992.

by the former Finnish President Marti

Moreover, in El Salvador peace has

Ahtisaari led to a Peace Agreement

remained since. These three examples

signed 15 August 2005, and since then

show that no conflicts continue forever

no fighting has taken place in Aceh.

and that attempts to try to stop conflicts

Interestingly, the tsunami had oppo-

should never stop. Furthermore, they

site effects in Sri Lanka that also was

illustrate the important role different

severely hit by the tsunami. There, the

actors can play in achieving peace.

fighting intensified after the tsunami.

Finally, the argument made above, of

However, of course the tsunami was

complexities of conflicts, is demonstrat-

just one among many factors explain-

ed in these conflicts as local, regional,

ing the differences between the peace

and global factors were important in all

processes in Aceh and Sri Lanka.

of them.

In Mozambique, a very violent

The third and final example is from

This article makes a call that

achieve a good solution. ▣

RECOMMENDED READING: Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding – the Continuing Crisis in Darfur Brosché, Johan and Rothbart, Daniel, 2012 (forthcoming) London and New York: Routledge Social Conflict: Escalation, Stalemate, and Settlement: Pruitt, Dean and Kim, Sung Hee, 2003, McGraw-Hill Higher Education Understanding Conflict Resolution. War, Peace and the Global System Wallensteen Peter, 2011, London: Sage.

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11

The

Peace Community of San José de Apartadó Colombia

In the Northwest of Colombia, near the gulf of Uraba, lays a small town called San José de Apartadó, established in the 1960s. In response to the internal conflict in the country and escalating violence directed towards the community, they decided to declare themselves the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó in March 1997.

principles is to stop thinking in terms of

their own philosophy and responding to

you and I and instead think of us. This

the needs of the community. The commu-

enables a philosophy of solidarity that

nitarian work is also the basis for the new

makes the people in the community realise

organisation of the community, in different

that their actions affect everyone in the

working groups and committees.

community. The respect of plurality and

freedom, of all different opinions and ideas

munity is the internal council, consisting

through transparent dialogue, is another

of eight democratically elected members.

important principle that guides the life in

Elections are held every six months in a

the community. In light of the egoism and

comprehensive process that takes in to ac-

individualism that the community regards

count all the qualities that the members of

as imposed by capitalism they have also

the council should have. To get elected as

tried to create a different system based

a member of the council one needs more

on communitarianism and solidarity - a

than 80 % support from the voters.

welfare system that includes everybody.

The highest authority in the com-

The community holds meetings once

a week and work training every other

Text by Olle Svahn

Organised community

week. In these meetings they plan for the

he members of the community ad-

The communitarian work is a cornerstone

near future by examining the world around

opted a seven article long statute

in the philosophy of the community as

them, both nationally and internationally,

that, among other things, declare

a form of daily resistance. Resistance

and reflect upon it in order to decide their

that they are not to carry arms, ammuni-

constructed by the inhabitants themselves

way ahead. The work in the group is never

tions or explosives and not to take part in

through the alternative and solidarity econ-

the same. It has to be dynamic as it comes

the internal conflict in the country. In return,

omy they practice by working together.

from the will to do something different as a

they demand that the parties of the conflict

With limited resources and constantly living

form of resistance of aggression. This re-

respect their decision and stay away from

under the threat of blockades, robberies

sistance has taken the community through

their community.

and murder, the community is forced to be

blockades and periods of great hunger.

creative and to always look for new ways

T

Forming a peace community meant

starting a new life with a new form of com-

to continue ahead. One example of this

munal organisation and living according

creativity is the educational system in the

Women and a change of perspective

to a new set of principles. The principles

community. Since the official educational

When the peace community was estab-

that guide the community are in a constant

system has been blocked for the inhabit-

lished in 1997, the role of the women was

process of development, in which all the

ants of the community they had to think of

quite neglected. Starting on a different

members of the community are involved

something different. They decided to form

path they could still not escape the fact

and can participate. One of the primary

their own educational system, teaching

that they lived in a sexist environment.

12

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

PHOTOS: Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

ABOVE The communitarian work is a cornerstone in the philosophy of the community.

LEFT Since the official educational system is not available to the community they decided to form their own educational system, teaching their own philosophy and responding to the needs of the community.

The first internal council did not include a

retical and practical education. The idea

de Apartadó has been awarded the

single woman. The situation was very prob-

was to share and increase the knowledge

Aachen Peace Prize and nominated for

lematic and as the women in the commu-

needed in the communities, but also to

the Nobel Peace Prize. Their peaceful and

nity realised this they started to search for

bring them closer together.

non-violent methods of confronting the

more influential roles. The men responded

hard reality they live in are great sources

according to the logic of war, but without

inhabitants expected to be able to live

of inspiration for other communities, not

arms and instead with exclusion, individu-

peacefully in their land. However, forces

only in Colombia but also for peace activ-

alism and egoism. The beginning of this

from the Colombian military and paramili-

ists all over the world. It is difficult to deter-

process was very difficult. A change of

taries have carried out numerous attacks

mine the exact number of peace commu-

perspective was needed, that is, from that

towards the community. Throughout the

nities in Colombia today, but approximately

of women as a useful object that can cook

years, the community has suffered from

50 communities have followed the example

and clean to an actor playing an essential

massacres, displacements, murders and

of the Peace Community of San José de

role in creating a new future. Today the role

rapes. Their houses and schools have

Apartadó. Together these communities

of women is acknowledged throughout

been burnt down and they have suffered

constitute a strong bottom-up initiative to

the whole community and the women walk

from economic blockades from military

peace in Colombia and a hope for a more

shoulder to shoulder with the men towards

and paramilitary roadblocks resulting in

peaceful situation in the country.

the future, creating it together.

isolation and lack of food. Counting only

the gravest attacks, covered by interna-

This change of perspective was also

Forming the Peace Community, the

a part of changing perspective from the

tional law, suffered by the community, there

logic of war to finding something different.

are more than 560 including more than 165

After three moths of this struggle there

cases of murder.

were three women in the internal council

and women started to take a more active

handed in a formal complaint to the at-

role in other parts of the community as

torney general regarding the more than

well.

300 crimes against humanity they have

▣

In November 2003 the community

suffered. The prosecutor, violating all the

Looking ahead

rules of procedure, did not even open a

In September 2003 the community hosted

single investigation. The community has

a meeting for delegates from indigenous,

decided to keep a record of all the actions

afro-Colombian and peasant communities.

which they have suffered from, since the

The meeting led to the formation of a net-

justice system is out of order and impunity

work of communities of resistance and the

prevails. If all the atrocities are remem-

founding of the University of Resistance

bered there will be justice one day.

where the communities could get theo-

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cdpsanjose.org www.colombiasupport.net/sanjose

The Peace Community of San José

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

13

Local peacebuilding:

Inspiring examples from African countries

In the shadow of large-scale conflicts such as those in Somalia, Darfur and eastern DRC, and the international peace processes that have attempted to resolve these conflicts, Africa has a rich experience of local, indigenous peacemaking that is seldom reported in Western media.

Text by Emma Elfversson

14 

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

T

PHOTO: MARTINE PERRET / UN PHOTO

hese peace processes usually

Deliberations are allowed to take the time

revolve around consensus-making,

necessary to reach an agreement that is

truth-telling and restorative justice,

acceptable to all parties, and followed

and have a strong focus on rebuilding

by offerings of forgiveness and compen-

community relationships. Oftentimes

sation. Peace is often sealed through

traditional authorities, such as chiefs

symbolic rituals, such as sharing meals

or elders, lead these processes and

and drinks. While such processes are

serve as mediators. There are also many

perhaps best suited to deal with small-

examples of civil society groups and

scale intra-community conflicts, they have

non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

also been used in situations of violent

playing important roles in local peace

conflicts between communal groups,

processes.

sometimes in the form of massive peace

Local conflict resolution initiatives

conferences stretching over many days,

become particularly important in cases

with participants from a large number of

where the state is weak or when conflict

neighbouring groups. One example is the

erupts in very remote areas. For instance,

inter-clan peace process in Somaliland

local peace processes have played key

in Northern Somalia in the early 1990s,

roles in creating peaceful zones in some

which created relative peace and stability

regions of Somalia, which has been virtu-

in this region while the rest of the country

ally without a functioning state since the

succumbed to violent conflict. Similarly,

early 1990s. Similarly, local peace pro-

from 2004 to 2009, elders from the Bo-

cesses have been important in dealing

rana and Gabra clans of the Oromo, an

with communal conflicts in countries such

ethnic group mainly residing in Ethiopia

as Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria,

and Northern Kenya, held several peace

where the state has lacked the capacity

meetings based on customary conflict

to intervene in remote areas.

resolution procedures. The process,

aimed at ending recurring violent con-

The creation of peaceful zones

flicts between the pastoralist groups,

A number of case studies and anthro-

was based on customary Oromo law, and

pological accounts have documented

which was then endorsed by the local

traditional conflict resolution practices in

authorities.

different parts of Africa, and how they

have been used to address conflict within and between communal groups. These

The successful peace process in Wajir

practices often have a long tradition of

Another illustrative example of success-

constructively dealing with conflicts so

ful local peacebuilding took place in the

that local livelihoods and community

Wajir district in Northeast Kenya in the

relationship can go on or be restored. At

1990s. The district is located next to the

the core of these processes is a focus on

border with Ethiopia and Somalia, and

maintaining community harmony and so-

is mainly inhabited by ethnic Somali. In

cial bonds, and for this reason they tend

the early 1990s, intense violent conflict

to rely on reintegration and restorative

broke out between the major clans in

justice rather than on punitive measures.

the district. The fighting was ignited by

Mediators act as facilitators and help the

competition over local political power as

conflicting parties negotiate an agree-

the country held its first democratic elec-

ment rather than trying to persuade and

tions in late 1992. Background causes

manipulate through the use of incentives

of the conflict included severe underde-

and punishment. A person or persons

velopment and marginalisation, further

with high status and legitimacy in the

aggravated by a series of droughts as

community, such as chiefs or elders,

well as an influx of refugees and small

usually play the role of the mediator.

arms from the conflicts in the neighbour-

culminated in a peace declaration which

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R  

15

“the core principles of consensus-making, reintegration and rebuilding relationship are applicable far beyond local African communities” ing countries. As the violence escalated,

clan elders. The group, which became

tercommunity relations. The peace group

local clan leaders and elders mobilised

known as the Wajir Peace Group, then en-

became institutionalised under the name

militias and enlisted mercenaries from

listed leaders of the minority clans in the

Wajir Peace and Development Commit-

across the border. The local administra-

area to act as neutral mediators between

tee and its relation to state administrative

tion lacked both capacity and willingness

the feuding majority clans. In late 1993,

structures formalised.

to intervene and uphold security, and

a peace meeting was held which led to

the whole district became unsafe, with

the adoption of a declaration for peace.

process hinged on a number of aspects.

banditry and looting thriving in the desta-

The group also attempted to involve the

First of all, the process was inclusive,

bilised situation.

district administration and state officials

with all parts of society – women, youth

in the peace process, and succeeded

and local businessmen as well as clan

the Wajir conflict was a locally driven

after a new District Commissioner (DC)

elders – taking part in the peace process

peace process that began with an initia-

was appointed in 1994. The new DC

and the ensuing peacebuilding and

tive by a group of women who tired of

took strong steps to improve the security

demobilisation work. Second, and relat-

the continuing violence and insecurity. Af-

situation and deal with the lawlessness in

edly, the process was locally owned and

ter meeting with other market women who

the area. By the late 1990s, stability and

locally driven – its legitimacy derived

similarly felt it was time to do something

peace had been restored, and thereafter,

from the usage of indigenous, traditional

about the conflict, they approached other

recurring peace festivals have helped

practices and authorities, and money for

community members and eventually local

manifest the peace and reinvigorate in-

peace meetings was raised locally, which

What eventually turned the tide of

Photo: Jill Morehead / Mercy Corps

ABOVE Community gathering in Wajir.

The Wajir peace process was inclusive, with all parts of society – women, youth and local businessmen as well as clan elders – as well as locally owned and driven.

16

Photo: Paulo Filgueiras / un photo

ABOVE AND right The inclusion of women and the young are important corner stones of succesful peace making. The issue was very much high­ lighted this year by awarding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman the Nobel Peace Prize for their non-violent struggle for womens rights and womens full participation in peace processes in African and Arabic countries.

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

The success of the Wajir peace

gave a certain pride in the process.

cultural traditions and worldview, the

Third, the complexity of the conflict and

practices can be elitist and exclude wom-

the multiple actors and interests involved

en and the young, and traditional leaders

were acknowledged, and the conflict

and institutions may be manipulated

resolution process was allowed to take

by national politicians – it is clear that

the time necessary for dealing with this

they have the potential to constructively

complexity. Finally, the constructive

resolve local conflicts and are an im-

cooperation of the authorities with the

portant complement to state institutions,

local group and their shouldering of the

especially in remote areas and weak

responsibility of upholding security aided

states. Furthermore, the core principles

the peace process and helped ensure

of consensus-making, reintegration and

that it was not derailed by isolated events

rebuilding relationship are applicable far

of cattle raiding or banditry. This con-

beyond local African communities, and

structive cooperation has meant, among

may serve as an inspiration for conflict

systems have been allowed to function alongside Kenyan law, and the two have been recognised as complementary rather than contradictory.

These brief examples illustrate the

existence of vibrant traditions of local peacebuilding in Africa. While customary conflict resolution mechanisms have many limitations – for instance, the groups involved need to share the same

resolution around the world. ▣

Traditional Approaches to Conflict Trans­ formation – Potentials and Limits Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation www.berghof-handbook.net/ Boege, Volker, 2006.

Roots of Reconciliation: Local Level Peace Processes in Somaliland Farah, Ahmed Yusuf, 1999.

Alliances for Africa Bulletin, November 1999.

Wajir Community Based Conflict Manage­ ment”, Paper presented to the USAID Conference on Conflict Resolution in the Great Horn of Africa, June 1997.

Ibrahim, Dekha and Janice Jenner, 1997.

The rise of a mediated state in northern Kenya: the Wajir story and its implications for state-building Menkhaus, Ken, 2008.

Afrika Focus 21(2).

The Wajir story Documentary by Responding to Conflict.

Available at http://vimeo.com/9935744 PHOTO: Christopher Herwig / UN PHOTO

other things, that Somali traditional justice

KEY SOURCES AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

17

World Peace Map There are many maps available of conflicts and wars around the world. However, there are few maps available of peace agreements, peace initiatives and peaceful conflict resolution. This is far from a comprehensive list or map, but we wish to provide a few examples of peace agreements and peaceful conflict resolution, to illustrate how this could be done. With this World Peace Map we intend to inspire for a change of perspectives.

NORTHERN IRELAND The Belfast Agreement, a multi-party agreement signed by most of Northern Ireland’s political parties, and an international agreement between the British and Irish governments was ratified in 1998.

Macedonia (FYROM) The further spread of the wars in former Yugoslavia was prevented in Macedonia (FYROM) by peaceful means and preventive actions in 1992.

LIBERIA EL SALVADOR

A comprehensive peace agreement, signed in 2003 between the opposing forces and the government of Liberia, ended a 14 year long civil war.

After a raging conflict for well over 20 years a peace agreement brokered by the UN was signed in 1992. Peace has remained since.

Peace Treaties 2000 - 2005

Inter-Congolese dialogue

2001

Democratic Republic of Congo

Los Pozos Agreement

2001

Colombia

Republic of Ethiopia

2000

Eritrea-Ethiopia

Machakos Protocol

2002

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

The Famboni Declaration Agreement between the Government of the State of Eritrea and the Government of the Federal Democratic

2000

Comoros (Anjouan)

Cessation of Hostilities Framework Agreement

2002

Indonesia (Aceh)

Yumbe Peace Agreement

2002

Uganda

Abuja Ceasefire Agreement

2000

Sierra Leone

Global and Inclusive Agreement on the Transition in the Democratic Republic of Congo

2002

Democratic Republic of Congo

Accord Cadre de Reforme et de Concorde Civile

2000

Djibouti

Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi

2000

Burundi

Political agreement on consensual management of the transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2002

Democratic Republic of Congo

Moro Islamic Liberation Front

2001

Philippines (Mindanao)

Los Pozos Accord

2002

Colombia

Bougainville Peace Agreement

2001

Papua New Guinea (Bougainville)

Tripoli 2 agreement

2002

Chad

2002

Burundi

2002

Angola

Agreement on Peace between the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the The Famboni II Agreement

2001

Comoros (Anjouan)

Accord du Cessez-le-feu entre le Gouvernement de Transition du Burundi et le CNDD-FDD

The Ohrid Agreement

2001

Macedonia

Memorandum of Understanding or Memorandum of Intent

Accord de reforme et concorde civile

2001

Djibouti

Agreement on Security Arrangements During the Interim Period 2003

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

Agreement on the transitional arrangements in the Comoros

Comoros (Anjouan)

Declaration of Fundamental Principles for the

2003

Estonia After the fall of the Soviet Union, further tensions and risks of an armed conflict in Estonia was prevented through a combination of different actions.

Nepal In November 2006, a comprehensive peace agreement concluded between the government och Nepal and the communist party of Nepal (Maoist).

ACEH (INDONESIA) In the wake of the 2004 tsunami international pressure from donors led to peace-talks and negotiations which led to a Peace Agreement being signed in 2005, thus putting an end to decades of armed conflict in the region.

EGYPT In the spring of 2011, peaceful and non-violent demonstrations at the Tahrir Square in Cairo led to the fall of the Mubarak regime and the beginning of a process towards democracy and respect for human rights in Egypt.

MOZAMBIQUE A catholic non-government organisation, an Italian politician and a bishop from Mozambique succeeded in getting the fighting parties to sign a peace-agreement in 1992. This meant an end of more than 20 years of conflict.

Accra Peace Agreement

2003

Liberia

Protocol Between the GOS and SPLM on Power Sharing

2004

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

Accra Ceasefire Agreement

2003

Liberia

Accra II

2003

Ivory Coast

Framework on Wealth Sharing During the Pre-Interim and Interim Period

2004

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accords

2003

Ivory Coast

Inter-Congolese Political Negotiations - The Final Act

2003

Democratic Republic of Congo

Accord general de paix entre le gouvernement de la republique du Senegal el le Mouvement des forces democratique de la Casamace (MFDC)

2004

Senegal (Casamance)

Accra III

2004

Ivory Coast

Burundi

Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement

2005

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

Burundi

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement

2005

Indonesia (Aceh)

Pretoria Agreement on the Peace Process in Côte d’Ivoire

2005

Ivory Coast

The Global Ceasefire agreement between Transitional Government and the Forces pour la defence de la democratie (CNDD-FDD) of Mr. Nkúrunziza The Pretoria Protocol on Outstanding Political, Defence and Security Power Sharing Issues in Burundi

2003 2003

The Pretoria Protocol on Political, Defence and Security Power Sharing in Burundi

2003

Burundi

The Protocol Between the GOS and SPLM on the Resolution of Conflict in Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile States

2004

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

The Protocol Between the GOS and SPLM on the Resolution of Conflict in Abyei Area

2004

Sudan (Southern Sudan)

Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU) in Afghanistan News about Afghanistan seldom contains many positive stories. Most of the media reporting from the country is about the war, conflicts, poverty and negative developments. But there are positive stories to be told about successful projects, especially at local grass-root levels. The work of CPAU provides one example.

Text by Christoffer Burnett-Cargill

20 

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

A

fghanistan has undergone several

Osama Bin Laden and other wealthy Ar-

only solution for Afghanistan. Peace must

devastating wars throughout its

abs, who continued to bankroll the Taliban

ultimately be brought about by simulta-

history. In the contemporary era

Islamic Emirates. This policy provided the

neous top down and bottom up political

from 1973 and beyond, we saw the end of

space for these wealthy terrorist groups to

processes, which require true reconcilia-

the monarchy and the emergence of the

consolidate their powers and establish a

tion and reintegration processes. There is

Republic of Afghanistan. This was followed

government within a government. On Sep-

a limit as to the extent international forces

by the Soviet invasion in 1979 and a 10-

tember 11, 2001, these terrorists planned

are able to provide peace and security

year Soviet occupation that resulted in the

and carried out their attacks on the United

in Afghanistan and help with the Afghan

killing of between 600,000 and two million

States, which changed the course of his-

nation-building. Based on widespread

Afghans and in making about 6 million

tory in Afghanistan once again. US and

international experiences, peace should

Afghans refugees, mainly in neighbouring

British led international military forces

increasingly be built from the bottom-up,

Pakistan and Iran. After the Islamic State

toppled the Taliban government in their ef-

in parallel with top-down national, inter-

of Afghanistan was created by Mujahiddin

forts to fight Al Qaeda, and the new Karzai

national and regional peace efforts, and

forces in 1992, civil war broke out between

government was formed through a political

through the strengthening of an emerging

seven leading Mujahiddin parties which re-

process agreed in Bonn in Germany. The

civil society in Afghanistan.

sulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian

International Security Assistance Force

deaths. The continuing chaos led to public

(ISAF) was established to help provide

Establishment of CPAU

disgust with the warring factions, providing

basic security in Afghanistan. From 2002

With these very same principles in mind a

the opportunity for an organized group of

onward, the Taliban began regrouping

small group of committed Afghans began

Pakistani Madrasa trained students, called

while more coalition troops entered the

in October 1996 to look for another way

the Taliban to take control of power in

escalating war with the insurgents. Despite

to help Afghanistan become a peace-

Kabul in 1996. The ensuing struggle by the

some progress in social and economic de-

ful nation. They met together and talked

Taliban to control the entire country led to

velopment, several thousand Afghans and

about forming an organization through

several reported massacres by both sides.

ISAF members have been killed through-

which they would be able to expand their

out these years, including many civilians.

objectives and try to promote true peace

din’s policy of hosting many thousands

in Afghanistan. Eventually they established

of trained Arab militants from the time of

efforts, mainly by non-military and civil so-

Cooperation for Peace and Unity (CPAU),

the Jihad against the Soviet Union and

ciety organizations and actors, to promote

a non-governmental organization. CPAU

the subsequent civil war, individuals like

the notion that a military victory is not the

is working for the promotion of knowledge

The Taliban continued the Mujahid-

There have been many sustained

PHOTO: BĂśrje Almqvist / SAK

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21

“CPAU’s peacebuilding programme is one of the major successes”

building and research work, and covers through its peacebuilding and peace education work the following provinces in Afghanistan: Takhar, Kalakan, Kapisa, Kabul, Kunduz.

and awareness of peace, social justice

equip them with the skills to transform

and human rights as the foundation

conflicts.

Peacebuilding in Afghanistan

upon which the nation-building efforts in

When reporting from Afghanistan, one

Afghanistan should be based. Through

the peacebuilding programme are adults,

mostly hears tragic stories about the

direct encouragement and participation in

the organization also holds the view that

conflicts and wars, negative developments

active peacebuilding through training and

new generations of young people are as

and poverty. Far too seldom are any posi-

educational programmes, CPAU hopes

vulnerable to conflict issues as adults.

tive stories told, especially from the local

to contribute to the creation of a viable

Hence CPAU also provides Peace Educa-

levels, of successful examples of peaceful

alternative to war and violence, as the first

tion in schools, through its internationally

conflict resolution initiatives.

step towards building lasting peace.

recognized education curriculum from

grades one to twelve. The programme

is one of the major successes coming

through district Peace Councils and local

is carried out extensivly through CPAU

out of the war-torn country. It has been

Peace Committees. In the absence of a

Peace Educators. Currently more than

running in Afghanistan since its inception

centralized government and its judicial

50,000 students have been trained in the

in 1996. CPAU can actually demonstrate

bodies, Afghans traditionally are adept at

peace education curriculum across the

through case studies the effectiveness of

resolving their inter-communal conflicts

country.

its approach to peaceful conflict resolu-

themselves. While this is a cherished

tion at local levels. It has so far contributed

practice, the approach sometimes con-

community actors to encourage and en-

to peaceful relations at inter-provincial,

tradicts basic concepts of human rights

able national organisations to mainstream

district and local village levels throughout

and democratic principles. Identifying this

peacebuilding and conflict resolution

Afghanistan, contributing to building a

issue, from its inception almost 16 years

practices into their programme activities.

peaceful nation and civil society from the

ago, CPAU provides new training and

These include capacity building, training,

bottom-up.

coaching methods in conflict resolution

coaching, evaluation, and secondment of

skills, negotiation skills, and listening skills

CPAU staff members to these organisa-

Kalakan District

to enable communities to develop their

tions, including international organisations

One example of successful peacebuilding

own pro-active problem-solving skills.

such as CARE International, Action Aid

at local level is the peacebuilding pro-

etc. CPAU covers more than 25 provinces

gramme through Kalakan Peace Council,

of Afghanistan through both its peace-

an extensive network of councils covering

CPAU works with local communities

The training also builds co-operation

and trust to reconcile communities and

While CPAU’s main beneficiaries for

CPAU also works with the other aid

CPAU’s peacebuilding programme

the whole geographic area of Kalakan.

Photo: CHRISTOFFER BURNETT-CARGILL

Eight local Peace and Development Committees (PDCs) are operational in Kalakan.

All members are selected by their own communities, and four individuals are chosen to perform the following roles: Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Finance and Administration officers. From these councils 3-5 people, depending on the population of the communities, are selected to represent the local council at the district Peace Council (PC), which comprises 33 members in total. The district PC meets monthly and also arranges ad-hoc emergency meetings when and as needed.

A log-book of conflicts resolved are kept with the Council’s secretariat. Conflicts that are not resolved are not recorded.

22

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

KUNDUZ

JAWZJAN

CPAU believes embedding the

new conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills requires sustained and

SAMANGAN

FARYAB

continuous interaction with the

BAGHLAN

SARI PUL

communities. Hence various

PARWAN

as has been the case

KALAKAN

GHOR

ing conflict resolution

KABUL

WARDAK

DAY KUNDI

NURISTAN

ISA KAP

BAMYAN

HIRA T

ER

SH

NJ

PA

BADGHIS

training sessions are held, with Kalakan PC, includ-

BADAKHSHAN

TAKHAR

BALKH

KUNAR

AN

M GH

LA

NANGARHAR LOGAR

and peacebuilding skills,

PAKTYA

GHAZNI

KHOST

LEFT

and refresher courses in peacebuilding, register-

CPAU covers

URUZGAN

FARA H

through its peacebuilding and peace education work the provinces Kunduz, Takhar, Kabul and Kapisa, while their research activities are almost in all provinces in the North and South West Afghanistan.

PAKTIKA

ing and recording conflicts

ZABUL

addressed by the peace councils, and gender issue training.

HILMAND

Peace Councils and Peace

Committees are not only used

KANDAHAR

NIMROZ

as a tool by the local

FAR BOTTOM LEFT The district Peace Council meets monthly and also arranges ad-hoc emergency meetings when and as needed.

community to resolve their inter-communal conflicts but also as an advocacy vehicle to influence positively the local government’s policy towards improving the livelihood and provision of services to them. Hence

a total absence of violent conflict. The

CPAU’s training course on Advocacy in

Afghan government also declared Kala-

Model for rest of Afghanistan

Good Governance was also delivered to

kan as a ‘Peace District’. In this context

The Kalakan district is said to be one of

many peace council members, including

it should be recalled that this area had

the most peaceful districts in Afghanistan.

modules on influencing policy-makers,

been one of the most war-torn areas in

They have also inspired 7 other districts

developing advocacy messages and

Afghanistan. Much credit for this devel-

and wish to continue to be a model for all

building community engagement through

opment goes to CPAU’s peacebuilding

of Afghanistan. In the continued absence

democratic activities (e.g. encouraging

and conflict resolution efforts through

of central government judicial bodies to

electors to vote in order to “punish” unre-

the PC and the PDCs.

address conflicts at community level, the

sponsive officials at the ballot box).

role of community Shura and community-

community disputes are over resources

driven peacebuilding initiatives are a must.

tablished in the middle of 2009. With 32

including land and water. Scarcity of water

At the local level, conflict resolution needs

members this peace council addresses

and the lack of proper irrigation manage-

the involvement of local people if it is to

disputes between women, and other fam-

ment systems are often the biggest cause

be sustainable. Focusing on local conflict

ily disputes which involve women in the

of conflict. Root causes of conflicts are

resolution and publicising positive stories

communities. Their activities, like other

also poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.

from successful cases and examples will

PDC’s are not limited to peacebuilding

contribute to the future peace in Afghani-

and conflict resolution but also to advo-

have been resolved by community mem-

cating the rights of women and women in

bers approaching the PCs and PDCs.

conflict. This PDC covers the central area

The members then mediate and try to

of Kalakan, but not the whole district.

find out the real causes of the conflict.

In addition, a female PDC was es-

Traditionally the majority of local

At the community level, conflicts

stan. ▣

Solutions are found through agreements,

‘Peace District’

compensation and reconciliation. Tradi-

It was an extremely enriching experi-

tional compensations such as giving away

ence to visit the Kalakan district in May

women are not accepted. Conflict resolu-

2011. In the previous 2 months there

tion is now fully based on human rights

had been no violent conflict reported

principles.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.cpau.org.af

in the district. The community claimed

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

23

Peace Shuras The dispute of sharing water

Relations between the neighbours quickly

ing with local disputes, further increasing

broke down and both sides attempted

the trust gained by the peace council

to use force to settle the dispute in their

system.

favour. Once they realised that neither could win by force, they attempted to

Building bridges of trust

Two people in Meya Karez had a dispute

mediate amongst themselves. Finding

In May 2010, in the course of a business

over the sharing of water for their land,

that they could not reach agreement,

transaction between a glass seller and

which had escalated to violence between

they requested that the Sayed Abad PDC

a man for whose house he was provid-

them. Although they had referred their dis-

intervene, and after PDC members had

ing windows, a mistake was made in the

pute to the government courts at district

met the parties individually they both

measurements, and an argument erupted.

level, officials were unable or unwilling to

agreed to sit with the PDC in negotiations.

It soon turned violent, firstly between the

resolve their conflict, and so the dispute

At first the PDC insisted that the individu-

two men, and then involving their families.

was brought before the Quchi PDC. The

als themselves should come to agree-

During an attack by the glass seller’s fam-

PDC intervened by going to visit both

ment, but finding this was impossible, they

ily on the buyer, the buyer’s son shot and

parties involved to explore options for set-

reached agreement that they would both

killed the glass seller. Both the glass buyer

tling the dispute. After several meetings,

accept the authority of the PDC to come

and his son then fled to Pakistan. After the

both sides accepted measures towards

to a decision, and this decision would be

killing, neither side was able to contact

mediation, and met face-to-face in April

accepted by both sides. Finally the PDC

the other and no mechanism could be

2010 to discuss ways of using the water

argued that the wall should be built further

engaged to resolve the conflict.

supply in equitable shifts. The group of

away, or compensation should be paid.

mediators included a Mowlawi [religious

Seeing the equitable decision made by

married and the marriage had to be

leader], on whose authority both parties

the PDC, and the good faith shown by his

postponed, the bride’s family approached

could forgive each other for past violence.

neighbour, the neighbour who first dis-

the Kalakan Peace Council to mediate and

The involvement of the PDC enabled the

agreed with the building of the wall asked

attempt to find a resolution that would be

two protagonists to accept a system of

that it should not be knocked down.

accepted by all sides. Engagement with

sharing the water supply, and the conflict

the Peace Council meant that the ANP

was resolved without facing any major

the conflict not only halted the escalation

and members of the victim’s family were

challenge.

of bad feeling and violence between the

dissuaded from trying to capture or kill

neighbours, but also demonstrated the

the perpetrator, and although he could not

body’s impartiality and efficiency in cop-

return to the community, he could live in

Both sides told the mediators that

while the dispute languished in the hands

Once again, the PDC’s resolution of

Because the killer was due to be

of the district administrator, the PDC

exile without being in constant fear for his

resolved it quickly and equitably, and com-

life. Members of the Peace Council then

munity relations were re-established com-

identified and met with influential mem-

pletely. The resolution demonstrated to

bers of the victims’ family to ask whether

other communities within the district that

forgiveness could be granted, and what

the PDC was trustworthy and effective,

deyat (compensation) would be accept-

unlike other justice mechanisms including

able to the family under Sharia law. The

the local Malik and government courts.

murderers’ family have accepted that they

The solution of a border dispute

will need to pay a large amount of compensation, but as they could not afford the initial demands, negotiations are still ongo-

Two neighbours in Mir Ha village of

ing.

Kalakan district had adjacent land, and

despite an agreement to leave a 2.5m border between them for a pathway, one neighbour constructed a new house wall across the divid-

The efforts of the Peace Council gave the protagonists the space to discuss and build trust without resorting to further violence, and prevented further killings or expulsions from

ing land. The other neighbour

the community. Although the

requested that construction

dispute is not fully resolved, the

stop, and declared that he would stop the construction by force if necessary.

24

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

standing and trust shown to the Peace Council has increased in the entire district.

Photo: Majid Saeedi / Getty Images

They fight for peace!

Another one of CPAU’s projects involves young girls and women in Afghanistan, fighting for peace! The idea is to get them involved in sports in order to stay out of war. Sports bring people together.

The symbolism of boxing is apparent, but it is not about violence or fighting, it is about building self-confidence and competing for achieving goals, challenging stereotypes in the society, dreaming and believing in a different future.

LEFT Razia is a 21-year-old woman. She is studying political science and international relations. She is one of the best ‘heavy weight’ women boxers in Afghanistan. Her dream is to become World Champion in boxing! ‘After that I want to become Foreign Minister and then President in Afghanistan’, she said.

CPAU sees training women to box

as a good way to affect culture. Kanishka Nawabi, at CPAU, says that the women set a good example, because they box for sport and for peace, not for violence.

‘Afghanistan has been through a very violent conflict and sport was not separated from this process. What we are trying to do is to support and encourage peace for this group, as a cultural model. Yes, these

LEFT Shabnam is a 17-year-old girl. She was one of the first Afghan girls that ever participated in an international boxing tournament. ‘I wanted to show a different picture of Afghanistan to the rest of the world’, she said. ‘I dream of participating in the Olympic Games 2012 in London’.

women box, but not for violence!’ In the Kabul Girls Boxing Team, women from all parts of Afghanistan are brought together.

But boxing is not the only thing that the women do when they get together. They also discuss ways to end conflicts without violence. By boxing together, they are fighting to end war. CPAU sees the team as an important example of Afghan hopes for a peaceful future, and therefore, calls this project Fighting for Peace.

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25

Peace initiatives in

Manipur

India

For over half a century, the Manipuri people have lived a life marked by lawlessness and violence. People are yearning for change, and there are several examples of peace initiatives carried out in the region. There is a need to highlight these peace initiatives as they are rarely presented in the national media. Not all peace initiatives have led to concrete solutions in Manipur. Nevertheless, peace initiatives made by courageous people inspire others to hope and also indicate alternative methods to the use of violence.

Text by Christina Eriksson

N

o other region in India or in South

human rights violations and deprived

age the situation there. The AFSPA were

Asia has been subjected to such

many innocent people of their lives.

introduced, and this was the beginning of

a prolonged violent struggle as

numerous killings and gross human rights

Lawlessness and violence perme-

in the Northeast, which consists of a total

ates the entire society, but the people in

violations throughout Manipur.

of eight states, with Manipur being one of

Manipur have campaigned for a long time

them.

to repeal the AFSPA. Therefore, we aim to

named Lourembam Ibomcha was taken

focus on a few examples of peace initia-

away by the Army on mere charges of

tives in Manipur.

having planted a bomb. He was subjected

This conflict can be traced back to

1949 when Manipur became a member

In December 1980, a young man

to cruel torture, and it was later revealed

of the Indian Union. The integration with India met great resistance. The Northeast

The Women Torch Bearers

that the charges were false. The Nisha

region was populated by diverse ethnic,

In northeastern India, there has been a

Bandis marched with torches and pro-

linguistic and religious groups, and the

long tradition where women have played a

tested until he was released. This group of

majority felt weak ethnic affinity with the

major role in peace and social movements

women were later called the Meira Paibis,

bulk of the Indian population. Separat-

and where the concept of solidarity is very

the word “Meira” means “Burning Light”

ist rebel movements emerged, and this

strong.

and “Paibis” means “The hand that holds

marked the beginning of a long and

the burning light”.

violent struggle dominating everyday life in

Torch Bearers, is a unique and respected

Manipur.

non-violent organisation, which consists of

achievement in 2004. A young woman

The Meira Paibis, or the Women

The Meira Paibis obtained a real

hundreds of thousands of members who

Thangjam Manorama was accused of be-

unable to deal with the situation of insur-

are active in every locality in Manipur. They

ing a dangerous member of the Separatist

gency, they enacted the Armed Forces

have become the most active and impor-

People’s Liberation Army. The charges

Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 1958. Ma-

tant group to protest against human rights

against her never resulted in any judicial

nipur was soon to fall under its ambit. The

violations in Manipur. They also intervene

review of whether she was guilty or not.

AFSPA enables certain special powers to

in family and marital disputes, and they

Instead, she was raped and killed by the

be conferred upon the members of the

have played a vital role in the protection of

Indian armed forces. Wild protests spread

armed forces in disturbed areas, as in the

their community’s rights over the issues of

all over Manipur by various activist groups

case of Manipur. The Indian military and

territorial integrity.

who wanted justice. Powerful protests took

the para-military forces have unfettered

place by members of the Meira Paibis,

power and guaranteed immunity from

1970s, when a group of women started

who stripped naked behind a banner that

prosecution, upon arresting and shoot-

out as a source of support to tackle the

said, “Indian Army rape us”. This action

ing suspected insurgents found in areas

social issues that appeared in Manipur.

forced the state government to respond.

where the law applies. Many of the se-

The Indian Prime Minister came to Ma-

curity forces have taken the law into their

Manipur was declared as a disturbed area

nipur and moved the base of the armed

own hands, which has resulted in gross

since the Government could not man-

forces camp from a place called Kangla to

Since the State government was

26

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

The group can be traced back to the

Furthermore, in September 1980

PHOTO: AP PHOTO / STR

LEFT Women from the Meira Paibis protesting against the violence perpetrated by the Indian Army.

another area. He also selected a commit-

is a future challenge for the movement to

tee to review the AFSPA and the atrocities

deal with. Binalakshmi Nepram, who is a

that took place. The Committee submit-

writer-activist and also one of the founders

ted its report in June 2005. Although the

of the movement, was inspired by Shirin

report was never formerly published, it

Ebadi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner of

ended up on the Internet for everyone to

2003. During a meeting between the two,

read. The Committee’s recommendations

Shirin said that if a movement is contro-

were clear – the AFSPA was inadequate

versial, the movement could not win. Shirin

and had become a symbol of oppression

referred to her own work in Iran, where

and hatred and needed to be repealed.

she had to speak in terms of women’s and

There have been attempts to divide the

children’s rights instead of human rights.

group, but the Meira Paibis are still going

She also pointed out that a good peace

strong in Manipur. However, the absence

initiative should have a vision and provide

and exclusion of women from decision

guidance to the people. The Right to Life

making is a major problem in Manipur. For

movement is currently working with several

example, the Northeast Indian Women

issues, not only with the repeal of the AF-

Initiative for Peace was created to get

SPA. They are also working with specific

women from villages to the negotiating

views held by the society. Manipur is char-

table.

acterised by a patriarchal structure where

ABOVE Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on a hunger strike for more than 10 years. Sharmila is a civil right activist who uses her body in a non violent manner as a protest against the widespread violence in Manipur. The escalating violence caused her to do something more meaningful than just arranging a peace rally.

Since Sharmila started protesting, she has been kept in an almost continuous detention and she has been force-fed everyday, through a rubber tube going through her nose in order to keep her alive. In an interview given in 2008 she said “until and unless they remove that very Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, I shall never stop my fasting”.

The Government has not yet met any of Sharmila’s demands.

men and their words and their policies are

The right to life

held to a high esteem. It is a society where

On the 4th September 2011, a new

people still celebrate if the newborn child

movement called “The Right to Life”

is a boy, and where many newborn girls

started, and currently there is an ongo-

die. It is also men who are responsible for

ing campaign throughout Manipur. The

the violence and bloodshed, taking place

movement has grown rapidly and after

in the state. Understanding this reality,

only two weeks, they had more than 2000

“Youth Networks” have been formed,

supporters. The Right to Life movement

which is a women led initiative for peace

refers to the Indian Constitution Article 21

that aims to highlight the views of the

which states that: “No one person shall be

society. The network consists of young

deprived of his life or personal liberty ex-

men who are made sensitive to the issues

cept according to procedure established by law”. This procedure must be fair and

of peace. ▣

FURTHER INFORMATION: The Women Torch Bearers www.meirapaibis.com Northeast Indian Women Initiative for Peace http://neiwip.blogspot.com Control Arms Foundation of India www.cafi-online.org Manipur and Sharmila www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CX_ FLJxnXY&feature=related

just for the people in all of India, which

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

27

PHOTO: Aida Burnett-Cargill for Diakonia

Parents Circle

Israel/Palestine

The conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, are regarded by many as the most difficult international conflict to be resolved. Many Israeli/Palestinian peace initiatives at the highest political levels have been undertaken throughout the past 20 years, including signed peace accords, without leading to any major achievement towards peace. Failed political processes for years have led many people to believe that peace is either not possible or presently achievable.

Text by CHRISTOFFER BURNETT-CARGILL AND LINNEA ÅHS

H

owever, when politicians at the

of seeking revenge and instigating further

people, step by step, and build a momen-

highest levels fail to agree on

violence, they have sought to reconcile with

tum that involves more and more people in

peace, different initiatives and

victims from the other side that have similar

the societies.

successful peace projects can often be

experiences.

found within civil societies, especially

theparentscircle.org), they strive to offer a

among people at the local levels. The

when the people that have suffered the

breakthrough in people’s frame of mind,

Parents Circle is such an example. Here,

most, loosing a family member in the

to allow a change of perception, a chance

victims among both Israelis and Palestin-

conflict, decide to reconcile with the other

to re-consider one’s views and attitudes

ians have found common ground. Be-

side, realising that continued violence will

towards the conflict and the other side. The

reaved families, victims from both sides,

only lead to increased suffering. When

Forum’s activities are a unique phenome-

have started a joint reconciliation mission.

politicians cannot conclude peace deals,

non, in that they continue during all political

All the members have lost immediate fam-

ordinary people on both sides can decide

circumstances and in spite of all tensions

ily members due to the conflict and they

to reconcile and work together to spread

and violence in the region. The members

have come to the conclusion that instead

the message that peace is possible among

initiate and lead projects throughout the

28

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

It is, indeed, a powerful message

As stated on their homepage (www.

LEFT Robi Damelin of the Parents’ Circle briefs journalists during a press conference to the United Nations, on an exhibit entitled “Offering Reconciliation”.

BELOW Following is a quote from Desmond M. Tutu, Letter to The Parents Circle – Families Forum, April 2004: “Peace is possible when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable (…) the members of the Parents Circle have experienced this truth In the depths of their Suffering and loss.

They have found that there Is more that unites us than Divides us, that we are All members of one family, the human family (…)”

PHOTO: Jean-Marc Ferré / UN PHOTO

PHOTO: Paulo Filgueiras / UN PHOTO

Israeli and Palestinian communities.

ings and doubts. David, who became an

with an aching pain that she carries with

Following are some personal stories from

officer, joined a group of other officers that

her everywhere she goes. Daily activities

some members:

did not want to serve in the occupied ter-

were no longer important and Robi felt

(source: www.theparentscircle.com)

ritories and went to all the demonstrations

that the projects she had been involved in

they had. After the army, David went to

earlier no longer had any meaning.

Understanding the other side

Tel Aviv University to study and eventually

started teaching. Later on, when he got

founder of the Bereaved Families Forum,

STORY OF ROBI DAMELIN

called for military service, his previous

came to visit her, she hesitated at first but

Robi came to Israel from South Africa in

issue once again came into question; he

decided to join a seminar. She didn’t feel

1967 to work as a volunteer after the Six

didn’t want to go and especially not in the

convinced at first, however, the more time

Day War, thinking that she would only stay

occupied areas. He eventually decided to

she spent there the more she felt that she

there for a couple of months. In her home

go since he didn’t want to let his soldiers

wanted to be a part of something that

country she had been active in the anti-

down. He wanted to set an example to the

could make a difference. Robi says that

apartheid movement, but grew tired of the

younger ones and treat everybody, Pales-

one of the first things she learned was

infected and ugly debate and decided to

tinian or Israeli, with respect.

how to not be patronising against Palestin-

leave for Israel. What began as a plan of

ians, thinking that she knows best, and to

only staying for 6 months eventually turned

David that filled her with a terrible premo-

be a much less judgmental person than

into marriage and two children. When she

nition. David explained that he had done

before.

later got divorced, she moved together

everything he could, but he felt that he

with her two sons, David and Eran, to Tel

was stuck in a terrible place. The following

Families Forum Robi says; “It’s something

Aviv. When David told her that he wanted

morning Robi couldn’t sleep and went to

I feel almost duty-bound to be doing; it’s

to join the army, Robi was very surprised.

work earlier than she used to. She had a

not a favour that I’m doing for anyone else

He was a very gifted musician and out of

restless feeling and didn’t want to be at

but a personal mission almost. I know this

his art class he was probably the only one

home. Soon she found out that David was

works. I believe removing the stigma from

who chose that path. However, David was

killed by a sniper at a checkpoint, together

each side and getting to know the person

torn because he didn’t want to serve in

with nine other people. After loosing her

on the other side allows for a removal of

the occupied territories and as time went

son, Robi felt as if her life was totally

fear, and a way to understand that a long-

on he told his mother about his question-

changed forever. Still the same person, but

term reconciliation process is possible”.

One day, Robi received a call from

When Yitzhak Frankenthal, the

About the work in the Bereaved

2 0 11 | P E A C E M O N I TO R

29

PHOTO: Aida Burnett-Cargill for Diakonia

Tools for Peace STORY OF Aziz Sarah Aziz grew up in Jerusalem and like many others, he saw people around him die becuase of a ”worthless conflict”.

Aziz sympathized with them but his life continued on just as it always had, until that one day when disaster hit Aziz’s own family. It all started one early morning in the spring of 1990. Aziz and four of his brothers who shared a room, was awaken by Israeli soldiers who burst in where the boys were sleeping. They asked for their identity cards and started to question them. The soldiers wanted to know what they had been doing last night and especially if they had been throwing stones at them. The brothers didn’t answer so the soldiers took with them Aziz’s 18-

Aaron and Mazen of the Parents Circle, telling their personal stories to Swedish Parliamentarians visiting Jerusalem in 2007 on a study tour organised by the Swedish NGO Diakonia.

year old brother Tayseer. It would take 11 months until they would be able to hold

his understanding and ideas of the Jewish

Yom Kippur in October 1973, Rami was a

him again. After beeing interrogated and

people was completely demolished. He

soldier caught up in the middle of a war.

beaten Tayseer admitted throwing stones

saw faces different from those of the sol-

There he lost many of his good friends

at the Israeli cars and was kept in prison

diers that had taken his brother and found

and Rami found himself getting out of the

without trial. During his time in prison his

that these students were the same as him.

war as an angry and cynical man. When

health got worse and when he finally was

For Aziz, his time at the institute became

he was released from the army he started

released his condition was critical and

a turning point in his life. He started to

to build himself a new life with family and

he was rushed to the hospital. There he

realize that he had a choice in life. He

career and on another Yom Kippur eve-

only lasted for three weeks until he died

could put aside the rage and abandon the

ning in 1983, his daughter Smadar was

after a surgery. By that time Aziz was 10

feelings of revenge he had felt his whole

born in Jerusalem. Rami lived together

years old. He could not accept the death

life and instead choose to love and forgive

with his family in what he calls a calm and

of his brother and started to become very

those around him.

happy bubble surrounding them.

bitter and angry. He felt that someone was

responsible for the unnatural death of his

has realized that hatred begets hatred.

in a September afternoon in 1997, just

brother and Aziz grew up with a constant

”Maybe I will never see the world restored

a few days before Yom Kippur. Smadar

need for revenge.

to perfect humanity, but I still feel obli-

and her 14 year old friends had gone

gated to believe that the tools for peace

to buy some books for their upcoming

a magazine. There he became a diligent

are not tools of violence and hatred. More

school year when two Palestinian suicide

writer who used his pain to spread hatred

than this, I feel obligated to use my pain to

bombers detonated bombs that killed

against the other side. The articles earned

spread peace, rather than using it to fuel

five people that day, among them Smadar

him success and the position of editor

a hatred that would have eventually con-

and her three friends. The following week

at the magazine. However, the more he

sumed me. I believe we are all obligated

Rami and his family were constantly sur-

wrote, the more he felt an emptiness build-

to do our best to create peace, and not

rounded by supporting and comforting

ing up and eventually he grew tired of the

wait until it hits home. After all, there is no

people, all day and all night. But eventu-

anger and quit the magazine. During his

good war or bad peace”.

ally these people disappeared and Rami

high school years, Aziz had refused to

and his family found themselves alone in

In high school, he started to write for

It’s not always easy work but Aziz

However, this bubble abruptly burst

language. But now he found himself stuck

To turn the bad into something good

since it was necessary to know Hebrew to

STORY OF Rami Elchanan

would he do with his new and unknown

attend the university or to be able to get a

Rami has a personal story that he thinks

terrible ache? He had suddenly become

good job. He started studying at an insti-

begins and also ends on a particular day

a completely different person and didn’t

tute for Jewish newcomers to Israel. There,

of the Jewish calendar – Yom Kippur. On

know what do to now that all his previous

learn Hebrew thinking it was the enemy’s

30

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

their grief. Rami had to decide what do next and where to go from there. What

ther’s death and the fact that the land had

instinct was the most natural and immedi-

been occupied by Jews. Osama’s father’s

ate one; the one of unlimited anger and a

health deteriorated and in 1982, when

strong need for revenge. But Rami eventu-

Osama was 17 years old, his beloved

ally started to reason differently. Would

father died which made life even more dif-

the killing of another human being in

ficult. The occupation also made daily life

revenge bring his daughter back or ease

anything but easy.

his pain? He found that the answer to that

question is no and instead he began ask-

restisance to the occupation and was not

ing himself what he could do to prevent

involved in any political party. He was sim-

this kind of suffering to happen to others.

ply just trying to make a living for him and

his family, yet still he was arrested three

One day, Rami met a man that he

PHOTO: PARENTS CIRCLE

priorities suddenly had vanished. His first

Osama was never engaged in any

Members of Parents Circle lining up for a photo in Hebron.

remembered as one of the many people

times. The last time was in 1990 when he

that had come to see his family those

was suspected of having taken part in

following days after his daughter’s death.

shots that were fired against a settlers’

brought home the same people that had

The man’s name was Yitzchak Frankenthal

bus on its way to Hebron. When arrested,

killed his wife’s brothers. He was told that

and he told Rami about his son who had

he was tortured by the investigators who

they also had lost dear ones in terrorist

been kidnapped and murdered by Hamas

used all kinds of means. Eventually they

attacks and that they only wanted to speak

in 1994. He also talked about this organi-

arrested the real perpetrators and Osama

with him. He was reluctant but decided

zation of people that had lost their family

was released with an apology for the

to listen to what they had to say. He was

members due to the war but who were

torture.

told about the Forum of Bereaved Families

working together in peace. Rami was

and Osama finally agreed to join them as

offended about the fact that this man had

really begins when he met his wife Antisar,

a member. When he told Antisar about the

come to his house to talk about peace.

who’s family also was deeply affected by

Forum and the people he had just met,

The man kept his calm and instead invited

the conflict. One of Antisar’s six brothers

she didn’t believe him, saying that Israelis

Rami to a meeting. At the meeting Rami

was wounded by a dumdum that burst in

are murderers and that they couldn’t

found himself detached and was cynical

his chest when he was 10 years old. An-

understand her ache. But Osama got

and reluctant. But then something hap-

other one could not attend Osama’s and

more involved and when he was invited to

pened that made him undergo a com-

Antisar’s wedding in 1992 since he was

participate in conference he convinced his

plete change. He saw a group of Arabs

imprisoned, and in 2002, another brother,

wife to join him together with his sister and

getting off a bus and approached him.

Kamal, died at the age of 20. Kamal had

her husband. There they met severeal be-

Women and men in all ages greeted him

sworn to take revenge on some Israeli

reaved families and Antisar got to speak to

with hugs and they started to share theirs

soldiers that had stopped and beated him

Israeli families who also had experienced

stories and tears with each other. From

severly at a checkpoint where he used to

loss. ”She felt, for sure, that the pain was

that day on, Rami says he got a reason to

pass when going to work. However, he

the same pain, the suffering the same suf-

get up in the morning. ”Our blood is the

could not find the guilty soldiers and did

fering, and the tears the same tears with

same red color, our suffering is identi-

not fire his gun, but since he was armed

cal, and all of us have the exact same

he became a wanted man and eventually

bitter tears. So, if we, who have paid the

killed in April 2002. A vicious circle was

highest price possible, can carry on a

established.

dialogue, then everyone can!”

However, Osama’s personal story

the same salty taste”. ▣

Tayseer, Kamal’s younger brother

swore to revenge his brother but a year

Experiences that unites

later, Tayseer was also killed for the same

STORY OF Osama Abu Ayash

reason as his brother. The deaths of her

Osama grew up in a family where he was

brothers broke Antisar down. Osama

constantly reminded of the effects of the

had to quit his job to take care of her

ongoing conflict. Osama’s father was only

and their children. A few months later, his

able to do light work since he suffered

wife’s condition had improved and one

from a heart condition as a result of the

day Osama saw an Israeli car parked

loss of his father in the war in 1948. He

nearby his sister where they had gone to

was told about the pain and bitterness his

visit. When he found out they were Jews

father had felt towards Osama’s grandfa-

he became angry with his sister who had

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.theparentscircle.com

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PHOTO: Jean-Marc Ferré / UN PHOTO

Questions & Answers with

Margot Wallström Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict

On 2 February 2010 the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki- Moon, appointed Margot Wallström as the first-ever Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

Her mission is to prevent sexual violence used as a weapon of war and to strengthen women’s participation in peace processes. Sexual violence has since long been used as a deliberate strategy of warfare, especially against women and children, and is an effective method of breaking down a society. Wallström’s mission may seem impossible, however, there has been some progress made in terms of UN resolutions adopted by the Security Council. It is now recognised that systematic rape can constitute a threat to international peace and security and furthermore, there are increased opportunities to bring perpetrators to justice. Ending the culture of impunity and establishing justice are important cornerstones of peacebuilding, according to Wallström. Read more in the interview about what she has to say about peace initiatives and methods of peaceful conflict resolution.

32

P E A C E M O N I TO R | 2 0 11

PM: Do you think that successful peace

I wish this received more attention. This

PM: In what way do you find inspiration

initiatives and success stories in peace

is not a peace agreement as such, but

to work with the hard issues that you are

work are highlighted enough out to the

peace without justice is not sustainable

dealing with as a Special Representative

public?

and fighting impunity is therefore very

on Sexual Violence in Conflict?

important.

As difficult as it is, in my work I meet

No, I think a lot more can be done to also highlight good examples and not only

PM: Are there any common factors as

amazing women – and men – that give

shortcomings of peace initiatives. This is

to why different peace agreements have

me inspiration. At times I also get angry,

why I helped launch an Inventory of best

failed? Are there recurring mistakes that

and I think that energy is needed to keep

peacekeeping practices [see recomend-

are made too often?

fighting this scourge – to ultimately stop rape now. ▣

ed reading at end of page] last year.

That women are not allowed to particiPM: Why do you think the media seldom

pate in negotiations and peace agree-

highlights these initiatives?

ments. How can you expect a lasting and just peace when half of the population is

The media logic dictates that in general

excluded? This needs to change now.

conflicts, contradictions, and shortcomings are more interesting to cover than

PM: What more can we (media, civil

success stories – unfortunately.

society and politicians) do to highlight the

methods of peaceful conflict resolution?

PM: In what way do you think we (media, civil society, and politicians) can get

Again, include women from the get-go.

better at highlighting successful peace

We know that too few peace negotiations

initiatives and peace projects?

or agreements have had women present – in fact, in recent peace negotiations

In many different ways, I think, but per-

only eight percent of women have been

haps most compelling are human interest

present, and fewer than three percent

stories. Tell the story of a successful ini-

have been signatories to formal peace

tiative or project using concrete examples

agreements.

and details – that makes the narrative gripping. People tend to relate more to

PM: You are working with women’s rights;

individual stories and one person’s fate

do you believe that sustainable peace

than to numbers, statistics and general

can be achieved without women’s partici-

statements.

pation in some peace processes?

PM: Do you have any examples, and

No, absolutely not, and I simply cannot

experiences, of successful peace agree-

understand how it is possible that still

ments or peace projects at a local level

today this has not been remedied.

which has not been highlighted in the media? (For instance within your work in

PM: What are the most common ob-

UN)

stacles you encounter in your work for the UN regarding women’s situation in wars

My main priority as Special Representa-

and conflicts?

tive of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict is to fight impunity for

That women are excluded – be it in in-

this type of crimes. As such, I’ve ensured

formal or more formal contexts. We know

that we go after the perpetrators and that

from experience that when women are

alleged criminals are pursued through

included and in decision-making posi-

the legal system. We have started doing

tions, the results for everybody are more

this in the Democratic Republic of Congo

sustainable.

RECOMMENDED LINKS AND READING: Inventory of best peacekeeping practices available at www.unifem.org/attachments/products/ Analytical_Inventory_of_Peacekeeping_Practice_online.pdf Wallström Resolution (documentary film) available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHmtMGDlz9U www.unwomen.org

and beyond in a successful manner, and

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33

Share your peace story!

Have you experienced or heard of a peace initiative or a success story somewhere in the world?

We would like to know!

In different parts of the world where there is an ongoing armed conflict there are also people fighting for a more peaceful society. There are different kinds of peace works initiated by people whose actions indicate alternatives to all forms of violence, oppression and injustice. As a peace movement we want to highlight peace initiatives and what contributes to peace rather than focusing on conflicts. Therefore, we call for your best peace story!

Your story can be an important contribution to our next Peace Monitor report.

Send us an e-mail to info@svenskafreds.se For further information please visit www.peacemonitor.org

Support Peace Monitor!

Donate money for future Peace Monitor reports!

In order to continue publishing Peace Monitor reports we need funding. To reach our vision of publishing annual Peace Monitor reports that lists peace initiatives, peace agreements and peace projects in the previous year, we need continued and sustainable funding.

If you want to support Peace Monitor please contact Christoffer Burnett-Cargill: E-mail: christoffer@svenskafreds.se You can also support the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society by donating money online, or supporting us on a regular basis by becoming a member.

For further information please visit www.svenskafreds.se

Recommended reading People Building Peace II An inspiring collection of stories of how “ordinary” men and women have played a crucial part in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Thematic chapters, illustrated with compelling case studies, present new trends in the role of civil society in conflict transformation. The cases reflect the variety of activities initiated and sustained by a broad range of actors, including women’s groups, youth groups, and faith-based organizations.

Such topics as reconciliation, dialogue, networking, and traditional methods of conflict resolution are among the topics throughly explored, as are the successful initiatives of lesser-known NGOs. The resulting rich tapestry, an outcome of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, is an invaluable compendium of best practices and lessons learned, and at the same time a stirring call to action.

Preventive Diplomacy: Delivering Results Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describes the growing impor-

Preventive DiPlomacy: Delivering results

tance of this practice by the United Nations and its partners, underscoring its potential to save lives and protect development gains. Successful preventive diplomacy is not easy, however building up the world’s collective capacities in this area is “without doubt, one of the smartest investments we can make,” the Secretary-General says in his report.

RepoRt of the SecRetaRy-GeneRal united nations

Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence:

ADDRESSING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

AN ANALYTICAL INVENTORY OF PEACEKEEPING PRACTICE

An Analytical Inventory of Peacekeeping Practice It is 10 years since the watershed Resolution 1325 introduced Women, Peace and Security onto the Security Council’s agenda. The intervening decade has seen progress in expanding our notions of peace and security to include the perspectives of women. Yet efforts to combat conflict-related sexual violence remain woefully weak. Accordingly, peacekeepers must be armed with examples and information to help them operate effectively on the ground.

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THE SWEDISH PEACE AND ARBITRATION SOCIETY (spas) The success story of our organisation is that of forming opinions together with other people, as well as influencing policymakers to make decisions in support of peace. We initiate debates and spread knowledge through seminars, articles, manifestations and letter-writing campaigns. We also support peace projects in different parts of the world and work together with international partners to achieve our goals.

Our major aims are to ease tensions, advocate peaceful conflict resolution, speed up disarmament, promote transformation of military resources into development and support democratisation. We believe that conflicts can be solved with peaceful means.

SPAS is the world’s oldest and Scandinavia’s largest peace organisation. It was formed in 1883 by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Klas Pontus Arnoldson. The organisation is politically and religiously independent. SPAS is a non-profit organisation with approximately 6000 individual members.

www.svenskafreds.se