The deep wounds left by conflict remain long after the violence has ended. Trauma and fear shape who we are and are passed down through generations.
That is why we collaborate with people from across divides to solve the root causes of conflict, and support people and institutions to better anticipate and manage conflict without violence.
Together with local communities, partners, businesses and policy-makers, we turn our in-depth research and analysis into practical solutions that make a difference on the ground.
We help improve relationships within and between communities, and between citizens and their governments, and contribute to more effective and transparent management of vital natural resources.
Below, you can find out more about some of our peacebuilding in action.
Our results in 2018
Gender relations
16% of our work improved gender relations for peace
Economic development
10% of our work ensured economic development supports peace
Crime
8% of our work reduced the impact of crime on instability and violence
Natural resources
8% of our work tackled the links between climate, resources and insecurity
Community relations
34% of our work improved relations within and between communities
Citizen–state relations
24% of our work improved citizen–state relations
Highlights of our work
Reigniting lost hope in Nigeria
Northeast Nigeria and its people have been affected by widespread violence and displacement since 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency started.
Women and children have borne the heaviest brunt of the conflict. Thousands have been held captive, raped and forced into marriage with Boko Haram fighters, or had to flee their homes due to the fighting with government troops.
Since 2017, we have worked to ensure that survivors are seen not just as victims, but as key players in their own recovery. We have reached over 19,000 people, including women and girls, youth and religious leaders, community members and local government officials.
Promoting media freedom in Nepal
The media have played a key role in Nepal’s transition from autocratic monarchy to a functioning multiparty democracy.
But the personal security risks and threats faced by journalists, combined with the relative lack of professionalism within the media sector and poor oversight and regulation, undermine the media’s potential to play a positive role in the consolidation of peace and democracy and the protection of human rights.
As one of the few international NGOs with a legal mandate from the government to work on security and justice issues in the country, we have brought journalists together to increase the media’s freedom of expression and pluralism, reduce threats to journalists and promote marginalised voices.
Working with companies to prevent conflict
Businesses can play a positive role in contributing to a country’s economic development, but they can also exacerbate tensions and fuel violent conflict depending on their conduct and practices.
For 20 years, we have worked with the private sector to promote conflict-sensitive business practices and the role of the private sector in peacebuilding.
This comes from the belief that when working in conflict-affected areas, you have to work with all stakeholders, including those impacted by and impacting conflict, to build peace.
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In 2018, we ran projects in 21 countries and territories, with training, research or one-off consultancies in afurther 21. In total, we implemented 93 projects and consultancies.
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We regularly ask community members, local partners, company representatives and government officials we work with about what worked best and what we can do better.
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We speak to those we have supported about their experiences of conflict and what effect peacebuilding has had on their lives and in their communities.
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