Content
Peace
Conflict Management: Developing Non-Violent Solutions
An important aim of German governmental policy is to help partner countries in crisis situations to resolve conflicts non-violently. Targeted measures are intended to help defuse the situation and develop a peaceful solution together with local actors. Political dialogue at government level and capacity-building among decision-makers in politics, state and society to enable them to develop cooperative solutions are key points of departure for development cooperation. Comprehensive programmes make provision for the participation of different population groups. This ensures that the measures do not take place in isolation from the social discourse.
Conflict management instruments include, for example, the provision of advice to government bodies on the implementation of reforms and the organisation of peace conferences. The provision of funding for local peace projects and training for specialists and managers are other areas of activity.
German development policy does not actually focus on mediating in armed conflicts, but assistance is provided for diplomatic efforts aimed at initiating peace talks. The preparation of peace processes and efforts to develop proposals for conflict resolution at local level are supported. Local reconciliation and dialogue initiatives are also promoted.
Development-oriented emergency and transitional aid
Around the world, the number of internal crises, conflicts and natural disasters has been increasing, especially in poorer countries. It is not only armed conflicts that negatively affect people's lives. Several countries have already seen social unrest and conflicts triggered by the increased incidence of droughts and floods caused by climate change and by the rise in energy and food prices due to globalisation.
One of the aims under German development policy is to provide fast, flexible and effective relief for people in such emergency situations. This is done through measures and projects specifically carried out under the heading of development-oriented emergency and transitional aid. This form of aid bridges the gap between immediate humanitarian aid on the one hand and development cooperation measures, which are designed to take effect in the longer term, on the other. Emergency and transitional aid helps people who have been displaced by conflict or natural disasters to (re)build vital infrastructure and secures utility provision to cover basic needs.
In 2008, Germany spent 91.5 million euros of the funds earmarked for such measures to support some 175 projects. For 2009, the BMZ has earmarked 129 million euros for emergency and transitional aid programmes.
Information
See also
External links
- OECD Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations (PDF 2.8 MB)
- Conflict Transformation: How International Assistance can contribute
A Policy Paper of the Development and Peace Foundation (PDF 201 KB) - Peace Building, Crisis Prevention and Conflict Management
A GIZ publication
(PDF 330 KB) - Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management
