News from Conciliation Resources
Dear HumanDHS network friends
Please find below the latest information from conciliation resources.
Kind regards
Brian Ward
News from Conciliation Resources
Please find below the following latest news and information
about the work of Conciliation Resources (CR):
1. Crisis in the Caucasus
2. New publications
3. Recent highlights
4. Staff news
This news bulletin can also be viewed on our website:
http://www.c-r.org/latest-news/bulletin_autumn_08.php
1. CRISIS IN THE CAUCASUS
Conciliation Resources’ response
The eruption of violent conflict over South Ossetia in August,
and the subsequent Russian recognition of Abkhaz and South
Ossetian independence have fundamentally altered the political
landscape in the region and beyond. In early October we held
our first joint meeting with key Georgian-Abkhaz partners to
discuss the consequences and ways forward. Our policy work has
included drafting with other international NGOs a set of
conflict-sensitive policy recommendations that were sent to the
Donors’ Conference on Georgia in Brussels on 22 October. To
read about these activities see:
http://www.c-r.org/our-work/caucasus/georgian-crisis.php
2. PUBLICATIONS
New Accord on the Indonesia-Aceh peace process
Our latest Accord publication examines the peace process in
Aceh, Indonesia, including an interview with the 2008 Nobel
Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari, who mediated the
settlement. It has now been translated into Bahasa-Indonesia
and launch events will be held in Banda-Aceh, Jakarta and
Singapore in November.
http://www.c-r.org/our-work/accord/aceh/index.php
http://www.c-r.org/our-work/accord/aceh/ahtisaari.php
Strengthening citizens’ security in Sierra Leone
The latest ‘Peace, security and development update’ reviews the
successes, challenges and lessons learned from our recently
completed pilot project that aimed to make Sierra Leone’s
security sector more accessible and accountable to ordinary
people. It shows how the four partners were able to engage
widely with people involved in the security sector reform
process, from high-level security leaders to civilians.
Overall, the project has increased awareness and understanding
about the value of strengthening people’s participation in
securing peace and development. http://www.c-r.org/west-africa/
3. RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Improving government accountability in conflict zones
We have started work on a new five-year project to help women,
men and youth in conflict-affected communities voice their
needs and engage effectively with politicians and policymakers
in decision-making on issues that impact upon their lives.
Funded by the UK’s Department for International Development,
our aim is to improve government accountability for and
responsiveness to unmet needs and contested issues in Sierra
Leone, Guinea, Liberia, northern Uganda, Georgia-Abkhazia and
Fiji. http://www.c-r.org/our-work/governance/index.php
Ugandan civil society reflects on the Juba Peace Talks
In September our partners in Gulu, northern Uganda organized a
reflection workshop on the Juba peace process. Guest speakers
included the Ugandan High Court’s principal judge, Justice
James Ogoola, who outlined plans to consult with Acholi
traditional and religious leaders as part of the process of
setting up a new War Crimes Unit, inviting feedback from them
on how best to ‘blend’ traditional justice methods with this
formal system. http://www.c-r.org/latest-news/index.php
4. STAFF NEWS
We welcome Alexander Ramsbotham as our new Accord Series
Editor, and Mira Sokavar as Projects Manager for our Caucasus
Programme.
Ebulletin mailing policy
The news bulletin is sent out quarterly, providing a round-up
of CR’s news, publications and developments. If you are not
already on the subscription list, you can subscribe here.
http://www.c-r.org/about/sign-up.php
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We always welcome your comments. If you would like to contact
us with feedback please email: communications[@]c-r.org
Conciliation Resources
173 Upper Street
London N1 1RG
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7359 7728 ext [000]
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7359 4081
Email: communications[@]c-r.org
Website: www.c-r.org
UK charity number 1055436
Conciliation Resources (CR) is an independent non-governmental organization working to prevent violence, promote justice and transform conflict into opportunities for development.
Read our latest annual review online at http://www.c-r.org/about/annual-reports.php