Conflict transformation
Conflict transformation is not about making a situation of injustice more bearable, but about transforming the very systems, structures and relationships which give rise to violence and injustice.
It is a long-term, gradual process which must involve wide-ranging and comprehensive actions and actors across different sectors of society as they work together to develop strategic goals for change.
Conflict transformation is a framework of both conceptual theories and practical tools
Through this framework conflict may be identified and analysed and timely and constructive interventions planned, implemented, monitored and evaluated. Work based on conflict transformation theory aims to:
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change structures and frameworks that cause inequality and injustice
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improve longer-term relationships and attitudes among the conflicting parties
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develop processes and systems that promote empowerment, justice, peace, forgiveness, reconciliation and recognition
RTC's conflict transformation approach contributes to developing the capacity and strengthening the contribution of local organisations to work on informal mediation, field-based socio-political analysis, early warning and response (for example, addressing emerging inter-community tensions), conflict sensitive development and early recovery from crisis. We draw our approach from our work with peacebuilding practitioners world-wide as well as writers such as John Paul Lederach, Hugh Miall, Diana Francis, Oliver Ramsbotham, John Burton and Johan Gaultung.
Photograph courtesy of Tim Aldred