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The objective of these short policy briefs is to inform national, regional and international institutions on key topics related to insider mediation and to inform the development of more holistic and supportive policies for insider mediators. While women still face cultural, logistical and security barriers in their participation in local mediations, they are able to play critical and unique roles in mediating family, land, socio-economic, and environmental conflicts, contributing to a high success rate of mediation agreements. The value of building and supporting (informal) networks of insider mediators is key in environments that do not always welcome the contributions of civil society and where more flexible and nimble networks can act as early warning and response mechanisms, raising the chances to achieve sustainable and transformative peace.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Marine Jacob, Claudia Maffettone, Stephanie Sarta, Nura Detweiler, Victoria Cochrane

This policy brief examines the critical roles of women as insider mediators in peaceful protest movements (PPMs) across Iraq, Thailand, and Venezuela. Based on qualitative interviews and case studies, this brief highlights how these women build bridges between diverse actors and offers recommendations for empowering them to deepen their mediation roles. The findings aim to inform international policy actors and enhance support for sustainable peacebuilding.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Véronique Dudouet, Johanna-Maria Hülzer

The youth-led pro-democracy protests in Thailand from 2020-2022 represented a major turning point in the country’s political landscape. Women played prominent roles, demonstrating resilience and leadership throughout the movement. This research report focuses on women’s roles as insider mediators in resolving conflicts between protesters and authorities, examining the gender dynamics at play. It also explores strategies to support women in sustaining their mediation roles, providing recommendations for enhancing their capacities and effectiveness.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Bencharat Sae Chua, Duanghathai Buranajaroenkij

The October 2019 protests in Iraq were notable for their scale, spontaneity, and widespread participation, particularly by young people and women. This report documents the roles of Iraqi women as insider mediators within the movement, highlighting their efforts to maintain peace and build trust among protesters, police, and other stakeholders. Based on interviews with activists across five governorates, the report also examines the gender dynamics and challenges these women faced in mediation, offering insights into their capacity-building needs.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Ilham Makki Hammadi

The inaugural edition of The Berlin Moot conference brought together experts from diverse fields with peace and mediation practitioners to explore how we can reshape peacemaking. Read key findings and recommendations from the conference.

• Year2024

Our 2023 annual report gives an overview of our work around the world during the year as well as insights into our finances and funding.

• Year2024

In his book, Andrew Gilmour explores how climate change contributes to conflict and undermines prospects for peace. He also examines how we can ensure that our efforts to address the climate crisis advance sustainable peace.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Andrew Gilmour

قامت منظمة الكفاح من أجل الإنسانية ومؤسسة بيرغهوف، بدعم من وزارة الخارجية الألمانية، بالتعاون لإنجاز بحث عمل تشاركي في اليمن ضم ثلاث حركات أو كيانات سياسية رئيسية: حزب الإصلاح، والمجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي، وأنصار الله. وقد أجرى فريق من الباحثات المحليات، إلى جانب منسقة وطنية، هذا البحث لتحديد وفهم أفضل للعوامل التي تشجع هذه الحركات السياسية على تعزيز جهود التنفيذ لإطار المرأة والسلام والأمن وخاصة في مجالات حماية النساء والفتيات ومشاركتهن السياسية في حالات النزاع المسلح.

• Year2024

Together with Fight for Humanity and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, we initiated a participatory action research initiative in Yemen involving three key political movements or entities: The Islah Party (Al Islah), the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and Ansar Allah. A team of local researchers, alongside a national coordinator, set out to identify and better understand the factors that encourage the movements to promote the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security framework.

• Year2024

This policy brief explores the impact of our participatory action research project "Observe and Act" in Myanmar. It collects and analyses stories of discourse, policy and process changes, that were perceived by a diverse group of stakeholders as being linked to the project’s approach of involving the leadership of armed and political movements (APMs) and engaging with them in a participatory manner.

• Year2024
• Author(s)Tilman Papesch, Zin May Phyo