Armenia/Azerbaijan: A Consortium Initiative for the Nagorny Karabakh conflict resolution process

In the Soviet era, the predominantly Armenian-populated region of Nagorny Karabakh was part of Soviet Azerbaijan. The armed conflict over the territory began in 1988, and evolved into a full-scale war after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, driving around 800 000 people out of their homes. A cease-fire was agreed in 1994, but since then there has been little progress towards a peaceful resolution.

Working in Consortium on the conflict over Nagorny Karabakh

Since 2003, International Alert has been leading a consortium of international NGOs that is working to address the conflict between Armenians and Azerbaijanis over Nagorny Karabakh. Initially consisting of four implementing agencies (Catholic Relief Services, Conciliation Resources, International Alert and LINKS), the Consortium has now entered its fourth year as a group of three: Conciliation Resources, International Alert and LINKS. All organisations bring their expertise in specific areas to work on a coordinated project to build peace with a wide range of partners and local groups.

The Consortium Initiative is unique in that it is the only significant engagement that links stakeholders at multiple levels from Nagorny Karabakh itself with counterparts in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The initiative works on:

• political dialogue
• strengthening civil society
• media and public awareness
• conflict-sensitive development

It works with:

• civil society (including young people, internally displaced persons and communities directly affected by the conflict)
• the media
• political leaders
• the international development community

International Alert’s role:
International Alert is the lead agency in the initiative and hosts the coordination unit of the project. As an implementing agency we focus on increasing the likelihood of a negotiated settlement by strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorny Karabakh to play a part in doing so. This involves:

• Strengthening and expanding networks of civic leaders working across the conflict divide to solve regional problems;
• Enhancing the role of communities in resolving the conflict, including those directly affected by the conflict;
• Building the confidence of peace-oriented civil society organisations to play a strong role within their own societies and participate in dialogue with politicians;
• Creating long-term strategy to sustain civil society engagement in dialogue and work on conflict.

International Alert has held a series of seminars, trainings and workshops towards this, aiming first to build strengthening a network of civil society actors that will work towards increased public participation in building peace and is prepared to work with those from the ‘other side’. With this network now firmly in place, the focus is being moved towards reaching out towards conflict-impacted communities and inclusion of new participants in the dialogue.

In this fourth year of existence of the Consortium Initiative, International Alert has also initiated research into the degree in which development aid can affect the conflict context, and ways in which donors can make sure this impact is conducive to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, instead of aggravating the existing divides.

To find out more, visit the Initiative’s website: www.consortium-initiative.org (this will open in a new window) or contact Dessislava Roussanova

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Last updated: December 2006