The threat of private armies and militia to peacemaking

Private militia and armies are a common feature in contemporary violent conflicts and pose a major challenge in the search for peace internationally. Yet, very little research and analysis have been dedicated to those groups so far. A new study entitled Armed Violence in...

Exploring Indonesia’s peacemaking efforts

Indonesia’s transition to democracy since 1998 has been marred by the eruption of internal conflicts. A new study entitledConflict Management in Indonesia – An Analysis of the Conflict in Maluku, Papua and Poso suggests this transition has had a direct impact on the way...

Oslo Forum - Annual meeting of conflict mediators

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre), the independent mediation organisation, in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is pleased to announce that the Oslo forum will take place from 21 -23 June 2011 in Oslo, Norway. The Oslo forum is a...

Peacemaking in Asia and the Pacific: Women's Perspectives

Leaving women on the margins of peace processes amounts to excluding the voices of half the population and ultimately greatly diminishes the sustainability of peace agreements. Yet, ensuring their fair representation and diverse contributions to peacemaking remains a major...

Negotiating Ceasefires: Lessons from Mediators

Ceasefire agreements are essential to the sustainability of peace settlements says  Luc Chounet-Cambas in Negotiating Ceasefires, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s (HD Centre) latest publication for peacemakers.   The publication, the third in the...

A Window on Private Diplomacy

First published in: Peace Magazine, April-June 2010, p. 25 By Christopher Thornton You may never have heard of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre). Much of its work is done in the shadows, behind the scenes or confidentially. Discretion is a distinct advantage...

Darfur hijack plans to be shared with UN humanitarian agencies

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDateline: Nairobi, KenyaFriday, 2 October 2009 Darfur hijack plans to be shared with UN humanitarian agencies The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of Darfur's largest rebel movements, agreed to share their plans on dealing with the...

Rwanda key to peace in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has witnessed an extraordinary number of attempts to resolve what is considered to be one of Africa's largest conflicts. All have failed to end the violence or bring sustainable peace. A month away from the 10th anniversary of the...

Philippines encouraged by Sudan experience

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dateline: Manila, The Philippines 13 February 2009 Philippines encouraged by Sudan experience Advisors to the Government of Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and the United Nations mediation shared...