mediation. Notably, the “inclusivity” of representation from all societal groups and segments
that had been involved in, or affected by, conflict was key.
Recommendations.
1. Regional/international organizations should consider the dual-track approach of
operations and mediation – with emphasis on mediation. Mediation should be expanded
across all levels, beyond the higher / major stakeholder level.
2. At local levels, mediation should ultimately include representation of local parties having
grievances (to include ‘spoilers’), local officials, women, youth, and others, as appropriate.
Such inclusive mediation can provide vital information on how the various groups have been
affected by conflict. It can also provide opportunity for spoilers/perpetrators to raise their
grievances – providing insights on root causes that led/lead to violence. Local mediation
teams/leaders should pass such vital information up to higher levels to broaden under-
standing and to gain decision-making on resolution of grievances, issues, etc. The UN/
international community should consider authorizing and resourcing peacekeeping missions
to not only engage in – but also prioritize – mediation at the local level.
“And, we can see this, today, in Abyei. UN personnel in this border region,
between Sudan and South Sudan, are doing innovative work. They are
engaging closely with local communities, to prevent conflict. And this has
allowed the area to remain relatively stable, despite the volatility surrounding
it. We need to see even more of these best practices. We need a stronger
prevention focus throughout all missions. This will mean ensuring that they
can rapidly deploy, and adapt, in response to warning signs of conflict. It will
mean developing tools for conflict mapping and analysis, including at the local-
level. And it will mean strengthening capacity for prevention and mediation,
across the board.”
- H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lavcak; President of the 72nd Session of the
UN General Assembly
3. As written by the UN DPKO-DFS/DPET/PBPS Civil Affairs Team:
1) Missions need to engage more systematically with civil society at all levels.
2) Missions need to appreciate the impact that conflict had on society.
3) Missions need to engage with a broader spectrum of civil society actors.
4) Community engagement should be continuous and systematic rather than ad hoc
and sporadic.
5) Missions require operational guidance to better map and understand the value, roles
and risks involved in engaging with civil society.
6) Missions should invest in building civil society capacity to contribute to the peace
process.
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