Understanding Peacebuilding/ Conflict transformation/ Community Work

Whereas there is some confusion on how to categorize peacebuilding, it can be agreed to be

“an undertaking that involves multiple engagements by multiple actors/ stakeholders towards sustainable peace”

(Read below for a more concrete definition of peacebuilding).

There is quite some confusion as to whether peacebuilding/ peace work and conflict transformation is a one-off activity or a process.

The confusion revolves around:

1. The agreement on the definitions of terms
2. The fact that the peacebuilding wheel must be set in motion by events that may not, at the time, seem directly related to peacebuilding
3. The fact that the results (output) of all the events/ activities ought to (are expected to) contribute towards the long term goals of a peaceful community/ sustainable peace. The fact of the matter here is: it’s not always the case that activities’ output contribute towards the long term envisioned peace goals. At times, the end term goal of relatively improved peaceful conditions cannot be exclusively pinned on the activities that were implemented.

Still confused as to whether peacebuilding is a process or activity? Let’s take this one step at a time

What is peacebuilding?

An overarching definition of peacebuilding from a list of Authorities in the Peacebuilding field, including the UN Peacebuilding Support Office, Lederach, Galtung and the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University among others is:

“methods and resources (activities, events, processes, efforts, etc.) that are geared towards:

• the prevention of violent conflict
• relapse into violent conflict
• the building of physical, social and institutional structures that address conflicts
• behaviour change aimed at reducing conflict causes”

Please read the selected definitions of peacebuilding by the Alliance for Peacebuilding here.

The definition of peacebuilding is explored by the following Authorities:

• United Nations: Peacebuilding Support Office
• United Nations Development Program
• United States Institute of Peace
• School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University
• Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
• Lederach, John Paul
• Galtung, Johan

Why is Peacebuilding Complex?

• The variables in community processes and peacebuilding are numerous
• Variables influenced by emotions and deep-rooted aspects such as beliefs, cultural attachments, identity, etc. are the hardest to address
• Behaviour change must emanate from the people/ community in focus, not necessarily the change agent
• Ownership of ‘peacebuilding efforts’ is key to their success and sustainability of relative peace. The more control the actors in a conflict situation feel (from being involved in providing a solution to their conflicts) the higher their chances of finding a lasting solution as they feel they own the process.

What should development workers do to increase the success of peacebuilding projects?

• Start from a point of Conflict Analysis. It:
  
  • Helps you understand the conflict situation
  • Helps you understand the actors
  • Helps you understand the actors’ relationships
  • Helps you understand key elements
    • What you can change
    • What you can’t change
    • How you should deliver your mandate
    • How and where to engage which conflict actors/ stakeholders
  • 
  • Acknowledge that the actors/ community have resources they can use towards peacebuilding.
    • Sensitize the community on your not being their savior so as to manage expectations and not create dependency
    • Sensitize the community (help them realize/ identify their resources on their resources – how best they can use the same
  • 
  • Acknowledge that peacebuilding, as with other community processes that  move towards behaviour and attitude change, is a process.

NOTE:

Peacebuilding is a process that incorporates individual activities and efforts towards one goal; peace.

No amount of rushed planning, budget restrictions, or pressure can move the peacebuilding process faster than it can naturally move. Unnecessary pressure may undo the good work or escalate the conflict.

The entire process should be conflict sensitive; assess intended/ unintended impacts of a peace project and put measures in place to minimize negative impacts while maximizing positive impact.