UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT

Conflict versus Violence Conflict is a ‘normal’ feature of life. In development processes, conflict might lead to positive change. However, conflict might also lead to violence if not managed constructively. CONFLICT Conflicts constructively transformed– more cohesive and resilient societies VIOLENCE addressed constructively unaddressed

Conflict, Violence, and Children Over 1 billion children under the age of 18 live in areas affected by conflicts and high levels of violence. No conflict affected country has achieved a single MDG Over the past 1-2 decades (i) Civil wars have become the dominant form of conflict; (ii) New global threats require different responses to violent conflict; (iii) The linkages between conflict and natural disaster have become increasingly complex (e.g. Sahel, Haiti, Horn of Africa) The impact on children is multi-faceted and includes child recruitment, gender-based violence, killing and maiming, separation from families, trafficking, and long-term negative impacts on mental health and well- being. However, children can make unique contributions to peace building.

SOME GENERAL DEFINITIONS Conflict-sensitivity: capacity of an organization to understand its operating context, understand the interaction between its intervention and the context, and act upon this understanding to avoid negative impacts, and maximize positive impacts on conflict factors. Peace building: involves a multi-dimensional range of measures to reduce the risk of a lapse or relapse into violent conflict by addressing both the causes and consequences of conflict, and strengthening national capacities for conflict management. Peace dividends are tangible results of peace, which might not necessarily address the underlying causes of conflict, but address the consequences of conflict.

WHY CONFLICT ANALYSIS?

It’s all about perspectives!

Are we truly objective?

It’s easy to know you are being stung by bees, but difficult to know which one is stinging you – East African proverb