1 Jan 2011

Human Rights and Conflict Transformation: Towards a More Integrated Approach

Handbook Article

Moves beyond the stereotyped dichotomy of "justice vs. peace" and proposes that applying a perspective of human rights brings conflict transformation closer to its aims by forcing greater emphasis on structural conditions, especially the role of the state, systems of governance and issues of power. It discusses the practical demands and dilemmas of pursuing an integrated approach, focusing on asymmetric conflicts, resistance to change and clarity of roles. It offers examples from the author's own work in South Africa, Nepal and Northern Ireland. (updated for 2011 print edition; a longer version including an extensive literature review was first published in Dialogue Series No 9)