Author: Zeus, Content writer, Headline Diplomat eMagazine

Violence and conflict have been significant issues affecting societies worldwide, causing destruction and harm to individuals and communities.

From Afghanistan to Burkina Faso and the Sahel, South Sudan and Ukraine, traditional approaches to conflict resolution have indeed been used, but they have often fall short. Managing conflict is not that easy, but to do so non-violently and effectively, it is essential to prioritize peacebuilding, social cohesion, and policy change.

Understanding the importance of such strategies to promote peace and reduce conflict is imperative.

Beyond conflict

The effects of violence and conflict are wide-ranging and can have significant short-term and long-term consequences for individuals, communities, and nations, let alone the associated and necessary costs to restructure a country.

Physical harm

One of the most immediate and visible effects of violence and conflict is physical harm, such as injuries and deaths resulting from conflict, war, terrorism, or criminal activities. According to the National Institute of Health, traumatic events, violence and armed conflicts can also cause mental disorders or psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression that can severely impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being.

Political instability

According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Violence and conflict can also lead to political instability. Conflict can disrupt commerce, trade, and industry, leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. It can also damage infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. This can lead to long-term economic consequences, such as increased poverty and reduced opportunities for education and employment.

Social disorder

Violence and conflict can also cause significant social and political upheaval. It can lead to displacement and migration, resulting in the breakdown of communities and cultural traditions. It can also result in political instability and the collapse of institutions, leading to social unrest and political turmoil. These effects can have lasting consequences, leading to the creation of failed states, prolonged instability, and the potential for further conflict.

Impact on children

A UNICEF report titled “Peacebuilding and social cohesion” highlights the significant impact of violence and conflict on children worldwide. According to the report, armed conflict and violence often result in the displacement of children, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and undernourishment.

“Children have always been the first victims of war. Worldwide, armed conflict and other violence have upended the lives of hundreds of millions of children, leaving them displaced, malnourished, out of school, and at severe risk of exploitation and abuse,” the UNICEF report states.

“Nearly 1 in 5 children today live in settings affected by armed conflict and war. A surge in violent conflicts in recent years – and the increasingly protracted nature of these conflicts – is exacerbating the threat to children and reversing the hard-earned progress of the communities in which they live”.

According to UNICEF, the protracted nature of conflicts exacerbates the threat against children, reversing the hard-earned progress of communities. The scale and scope of the challenges in countries affected by conflicts, such as Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, are unprecedented.

The role of social cohesion in peacebuilding

Social cohesion, defined as the degree to which people in a society are willing to work together for the common good, plays a critical role in peacebuilding. It promotes a sense of trust and belonging among individuals and groups, reducing the likelihood of violence and conflict. Successful social cohesion initiatives have been implemented in many countries, from local grassroots efforts to national government programs. Examples include community-building activities, interfaith dialogues, and promoting cultural diversity.

Case studies

There have been several successful social cohesion initiatives implemented in various conflict-affected countries around the world.

These case studies demonstrate the potential of social cohesion in promoting peace and reducing violent conflict.

Justice and reconciliation process in Rwanda

Successful social cohesion initiatives have been implemented in various conflict-affected countries worldwide. For instance, in Rwanda, and following to the 1994 genocide, a community-based reconciliation process was established to promote social cohesion. The process involved community meetings, where individuals were encouraged to share their experiences and opinions.

According to a report from the United Nations, with title: ‘the justice and reconciliation process in Rwanda’ led by the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, a range of initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation in the country have been implemented.

According to the UN report, one such initiative is the Ingando program – a peace education program conducted in solidarity camps aiming to clarify Rwandan history and the origins of division amongst the population, promote patriotism, and fight genocide ideology. Since 1999, more than 90,000 Rwandans have participated in this program.

Another initiative is the Itorero ry’lgihugu program, initiated in 2007, and aiming to promote Rwandan values and cultivate leaders who strive to develop the community. Over 115,000 participants took part in the Itorero program from 2007 to 2009. The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission also conducts seminars to train grassroots leaders, political party leaders, youth, and women in trauma counseling, conflict mitigation and resolution, and early warning systems.

Since 2000, the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission has organized several national summits on justice, good governance, human rights, national security, and national history. In addition, the Commission has published several studies investigating the causes of conflicts in Rwanda and how to mitigate and resolve them.

Through these initiatives, the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission is promoting social cohesion and policy change in Rwanda. These efforts are crucial to achieve sustainable peace and development in the country. By fostering an understanding of Rwanda’s history and promoting Rwandan values, the Commission is working towards a future where the people of Rwanda can live in peace and prosperity.

These initiatives have helped to promote a sense of community and shared responsibility, ultimately contributING to the country’s recovery.

The Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 presents another successful example of social cohesion and reconciliation initiatives in Northern Ireland. It has ended decades of violence in the region, putting in place succinct efforts to promote social cohesion towards consolidating peace.

Public votes approved the agreement in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland following what is termed “The Troubles.”

The Troubles in Northern Ireland resulted from a split in the population between unionists and nationalists, with unionists wanting Northern Ireland to remain a part of the UK, while nationalists wishing it to be a part of the Republic of Ireland. The split resulted in armed groups from both sides, such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), carrying out bombings and shootings. British troops were also sent to Northern Ireland, and the Troubles lasted almost 30 years, resulting in more than 3,500 lives taken.

The Good Friday Agreement significantly brought peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. It established power-sharing between unionist and nationalist parties and recognized the right of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to self-determination. The agreement also called for decommissioning all paramilitary weapons and the release of prisoners.

The agreement advocates for respecting people’s rights, regardless of the community they might come from.

Part of the agreement documents some of the following resolutions:

“Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and this can change only through a referendum – if most people in Northern Ireland want it to

“People born in Northern Ireland can have Irish or British nationality or both”.

Also, part of the agreement and presented by the BBC reads:

“Armed groups agreed to dispose of their weapons

People who had been involved in violence were released from prison

The UK government agreed to aim for “normal security arrangements” – including the scaling back of the British military presence.”

As such, in addition to social cohesion initiatives, policy, and systemic change are also critical in supporting peacebuilding efforts. Inequity and exclusion can drive social unrest, leading to instability and conflict. Addressing these grievances through policy change can foster social cohesion and prevent conflict escalation.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Africa

Another case study is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Africa, established after apartheid. The TRC was designed to promote social cohesion and national healing by providing a platform for victims and perpetrators to come forward and share their experiences.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up based on the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995, part of which reads:

“… a commission is a necessary exercise to enable South Africans to come to terms with their past on a morally accepted basis and to advance the cause of reconciliation.”

The process helped to promote accountability, forgiveness, and reconciliation and contributed to the country’s peaceful transition to democracy.

Inter-Religious Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 1997 and following the 1990s conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Inter-Religious Council was established, bringing together leaders from different religious communities to promote dialogue and cooperation.

The Inter-religious Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been vital in launching numerous inter-religious projects to promote reconciliation and build a civil society through inter-religious dialogue. The council’s primary goal is to foster cooperation and understanding among different religious communities in BiH, hoping to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation in the country.

The formation of the Inter-religious Council in BiH is an essential step towards promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation, which is crucial for rebuilding trust and fostering social cohesion in a country deeply divided by conflict. The Council’s focus on reconciliation and civil society building demonstrates its commitment to promoting peace and stability in BiH through a collaborative and inclusive approach.

It has helped to promote inter-religious understanding and cooperation and has contributed to the country’s ongoing reconciliation efforts. By encouraging dialogue and mutual respect, the Council is helping to create a more tolerant and inclusive society, essential for building a peaceful and prosperous future for all in BiH.

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

In Colombia, the peace process known as the Collective Reparations Project between the government led by Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) included a focus on social cohesion and reconciliation.

The United Nation’s secretary general set up a peace-building fund (PBF), and the impact went a long way to finding resolutions.

According to a UN report on the fund, the campaign “reached more than 32,000 people and helped increase awareness of the peace process.”

“Through the Collective Reparations project, more than 15,600 people, including 7,850 women, have directly benefitted from PBF support in the conflict-affected townships of Guacoche, Santa Isabel, Mistrato, Pueblo Rico, La Balsita, San Francisco, and Granada, through improved health sector services, education opportunities and access to cultural and recreational activities.”

The UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project has positively impacted the country’s efforts toward reconciliation and peacebuilding. As a result, the Ministry of Labor has pledged over USD 2.1 million to invest in implementing collective reparation measures, focusing on the agricultural sector to support the economic sustainability of affected communities.

The need for policy and systemic change

While social cohesion is a vital component of peacebuilding, it is not enough. Systemic change is also required to create lasting peace. This involves changing policies, laws, and institutions to support peacebuilding and conflict management. Examples of successful policy and systemic changes include the creation of peacebuilding commissions, the establishment of truth and reconciliation commissions, and the ratification of peace agreements.

Policy and systemic change are essential in promoting social cohesion and peacebuilding. Some examples of successful initiatives and policy changes that have led to positive outcomes are:

The National Solidarity Program in Afghanistan: The National Solidarity Program (NSP) is a community-driven development program established in Afghanistan in 2003. The program provides funding and technical support to communities to identify and implement their development projects. The NSP has successfully promoted social cohesion by empowering communities to work together on common goals and creating a sense of ownership and investment in local development projects.
The Joint Communique on the Cessation of Hostilities in the Philippines: The Joint Communique on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCOH) was signed by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2018, bringing an end to decades of conflict in Mindanao. The JCOH includes measures aimed at promoting social cohesion, including the creation of a joint task force to address the root causes of conflict and the establishment of mechanisms for dispute resolution and conflict prevention.
The Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland: The Good Friday Agreement brought an end to decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. The agreement included a range of measures aimed at promoting social cohesion, including the creation of a power-sharing government, the release of political prisoners, and the establishment of a Commission to investigate cases of sectarian violence. These measures were crucial in promoting social cohesion and reducing tensions between different communities in Northern Ireland.

Strategies for promoting social cohesion and policy change

Several strategies can be employed to promote social cohesion and policy change at different levels:

At the community level:

Encouraging community involvement and participation in decision-making processes that affect them.
Promoting inter-group dialogue and cooperation to build trust and social cohesion.
Providing access to education, health care, and other basic services for all community members.
Promoting inclusive economic growth and reducing inequality through targeted interventions and policies.

An example of a successful community-level initiative is the Community-Police Liaison Committees (CPLCs) in Pakistan. These committees, comprised of local community members and police officers, work together to promote social cohesion and improve community security. They organize community policing patrols and mediate disputes to prevent violence and promote cooperation between community members and law enforcement.

At the national level:

Encouraging inclusive governance and participatory decision-making processes that include diverse voices.
Implementing policies that promote social cohesion and reduce inequality, such as affirmative action and social protection programs.
Investing in public services and infrastructure, particularly in marginalized and conflict-prone areas.
Supporting civil society organizations and community-based groups that promote social cohesion and peace.

At the international level:

Supporting multilateral efforts to promote peace and conflict prevention, such as the United Nations’ Peacebuilding Commission.
Providing humanitarian and development aid to countries affected by conflict and violence.
Promoting global norms and standards that support peacebuilding and conflict prevention, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Facilitating cross-border cooperation and dialogue to prevent conflicts and promote regional stability.

Conclusion

The promotion of peace through social cohesion and policy change is essential for the management of conflicts in non-violent ways. It is evident that the prevalence and impact of violence and conflict worldwide call for a proactive approach to peacebuilding, and the examples of successful initiatives in social cohesion and policy change provide a glimmer of hope.

The need for policy and systemic change cannot be overemphasized, as it supports social cohesion and peacebuilding. The case studies and examples of policy and systemic changes demonstrate that it is possible to achieve positive outcomes in reducing violence and conflict.

Therefore, it is crucial to continue prioritizing peacebuilding and non-violent conflict management at the community, national, and international levels. Practical steps should be taken to promote social cohesion and policy change, and best practices should be shared and replicated to achieve sustainable peace.

Promoting social cohesion and policy change are essential for achieving sustainable peace and reducing violence and conflict worldwide. Children are among the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of conflict. Addressing the root causes of fragility and marginalization can help prevent violence and ensure their safety and well-being.

To promote social cohesion and policy change, stakeholders must engage in collaborative efforts at the community, national, and international levels. This includes investing in education, providing economic opportunities, promoting equitable access to resources, and supporting marginalized communities.

Governments can also play a critical role in promoting peace by implementing policies that address the root causes of violence and conflict, including policies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. Examples of policy and systemic changes that have led to positive outcomes include the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs in various conflict-affected countries.

To sustain these efforts, it is essential to involve and empower communities to participate in decision-making processes and prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children.

Featured photo: Jonathan Meyer, Pexels