International Alert’s Post

As the crisis unfolds, humanitarian & development partners must prioritize social stability & integrate conflict-sensitive approaches into assessments and monitoring and evaluation exercises. UNDP has developed the “Conflict Sensitivity and Monitoring & Evaluation Toolbox” to provide all partners in Lebanon with: 📌 practical tips for conducting conflict-sensitive M&E 📌 guidance for how to monitor and evaluate the application of conflict sensitivity You can quickly: 📋 Extract the “Monitoring & Evaluation of Conflict Sensitivity Checklist” [p: 31-33] 📝 Extract the “Tools & Indicators” [p: 34-38] Tips in the Conflict Sensitivity & Monitoring & Evaluation Toolbox ➡️https://lnkd.in/edZYPVME

Within the current crisis in Lebanon, working in a conflict-sensitive manner is more important than ever. Key considerations within the current emergency include ensuring close coordination at the local level, applying adequate conflict-sensitive communication, and minimizing the number of assessments to avoid assessment fatigue and raising expectations without providing adequate response. With thanks to Elias Sadkni, Nisreen Jaafar and Verena Gantner, UNDP Lebanon has developed the “Conflict Sensitivity and Monitoring & Evaluation Toolbox” to provide all partners in Lebanon with practical tips for conducting conflict-sensitive M&E within the unique context of Lebanon and guidance on how to monitor and evaluate the application of conflict sensitivity. Please help us share it widely!

Day 2 of the 5-Day Peace Ambassador Program Organized by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative Theme: "One Nigeria, One Voice for Peace" On the second day of the program, we had the privilege of hearing from two distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into peace and conflict prevention. Session 1: Early Warning and Early Response   Our first speaker, Saka Azimazi, addressed the critical topic of "Early Warning and Early Response." He emphasized that early warning involves gathering information to prevent potential crises. Azimazi highlighted that conflicts often begin subtly, and while some individuals and groups work to instigate crises, others strive to promote peace. He outlined four key elements of early warning systems: 1. Disaster Risk Knowledge 2. Detection 3. Monitoring and Analysis 4. Forecasting, Warning, and Dissemination Azimazi also described various types of early warning systems, including: 1. Mass Notification Systems 2. Wireless Emergency Alerts 3. SMS Text Systems 4. Outdoor Public Warning Systems 5. Colour Code Alerts Each system's advantages were discussed, underscoring their importance in timely and effective crisis prevention. Session 2: Understanding Peace   In the second session, Mr. Igweshi Augustine provided an enlightening presentation on the concept of "Peace." He defined Peace as a state of freedom from disturbance and tranquility, often characterized by the absence of conflict or the resolution of ongoing wars. Augustine introduced two types of peace: Negative Peace: The absence of violence. Positive Peace: The presence of attitudes, institutions, and structures that foster and sustain peaceful societies, as defined by Johan Galtung. The session proved to be exceptionally informative and engaging, contributing significantly to our understanding of both peace and the mechanisms to prevent conflict. #ServeleadHumanitarianInitiative #PeaceBuilding #NigeriaWeWant #OneNigeria #Leadership

In today's complex world, development and humanitarian interventions often operate in fragile and conflict-affected contexts and this reality demands a shift in our approach - one that goes beyond simply "doing no harm" and actively contributes to building peace. Conflict sensitivity is key to achieving this shift as it is about understanding the context we work in, analyzing how our interventions interact with the context, and then adapting our interventions to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive outcomes.  It is about ensuring that our well-intentioned efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Throughout my 15+ years of experience working in conflict zones across Africa, I have seen how understanding the complexities of conflict can mean the difference between a project that inadvertently fuels tensions and one that actively contributes to building peace. It is not just about "do no harm" anymore. It is more about proactively designing and implementing interventions that foster understanding, address root causes, and empower communities to build a more peaceful future. While this may be more challenging for humanitarian and development organisations (even though peacebuilding organisations are not spared), I am passionate about sharing the lessons I have learned and helping others integrate conflict sensitivity into their work. In the mean time, you can share how your organization is integrating conflict sensitivity into its work. #ConflictSensitivity #Development #Peacebuilding #DoNoHarm

Conflict Resolution In Action: Today in Nigeria, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has unveiled a situation room to both prevent and mitigate the escalation of conflicts throughout the country. For those unfamiliar with the term, a “situation room” is a dedicated space for real-time monitoring of potential or ongoing conflicts. It allows decision-makers to meet, quickly assess situations, and take action to prevent or mitigate issues as they arise. Nigeria has faced multiple challenges and Mr. Danjuma Dawop, the Chief of Party at Mercy Corps, has expressed confidence that this proactive approach will significantly contribute to sustainable peace in Nigeria. This is part of project PARTNER, a USAID sponsored conflict early warning system enhancement project. #ConflictResolution #PeaceBuilding #ConflictPrevention #InTheNews

We are soon launching the 'Nigeria Conflict Sensitivity Facility' which will be a One-Stop-Shop hub for conflict risk analysis, conflict sensitivity Integration on the project cycle, peer learning and capacity building, project development and accompaniment to Humanitarian organisations across sectors to provide humanitarian assistance in a conflict sensitive manner that will do no harm and make a contrubution to peace and stability in Nigeria. Reasons why we want to do this: # We are best at delivering conflict sensitivity support globally with one of the best hubs in Africa supported by Canadian Government and operational in DRC # Nigeria crucially needs this in the face of rising insecurity and the need for life saving assistance to the neediest. # The rising insecurity in Nigeria makes it difficult for any humanitarian or development assistance to be neutral # If the context is a conflict context you cannot ignore learning how to be conflict sensitive across a range of thematic areas # Our work is built on evidence and partnerships hence always sustainable If you want to be part of this novel initiative, please reach out. We would be happy to work with you. #InternationalAlertNG, International Alert, #conflictsensitivity, #HumanitarianAssistance, #PeaceIswithinOurPower

How can conflict transformation work in communities? We reflected on this question with young people from Delta State after they finished our training on conflict transformation and engagement. This is part of the (CRIN-VIN) implemented by SDN and partners led by Search For Common Ground NigeriaFoundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) #AAPeaceWorks and funded by the European Union #NigerDeltatransformation #EUNigerDeltaintervention #BetterNigerDelta

The depiction of Kashmir as a part of Pakistan on maps is misleading. Kashmir is an integral part of India and illegally occupied by Pakistan. Such inaccuracies can distort public perception and hinder efforts towards resolving this longstanding conflict. It's crucial that maps accurately reflect the complex geopolitical realities to promote informed understanding and support peaceful resolution efforts. #KashmirConflict #Geopolitics #India #Pakistan #MapAccuracy #GlobalAwareness #PeaceEfforts #ConflictResolution #InternationalRelations

My 🇺🇳 colleagues and I recently returned from the border region between 🇲🇷 and 🇲🇱. This trip provided us with an opportunity to firsthand observe, alongside local authorities and partners, how communities, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, are preparing to face the upcoming challenging lean season—a period characterized by resource constraints, particularly in 💦, food, and animal feed. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, restrictions on transhumance, and the recent influx of populations and herds from 🇲🇱. Despite the harsh living conditions and limited resources, Mauritanian communities shared with us how they are warmly welcoming and sharing with their brothers and sisters from Mali, who are fleeing insecurity. We also learned about the resilience of refugee populations , who are sharing the little aid they receive among themselves and with host communities. Throughout our conversations with these culturally rich and diverse communities, they emphasized their investment in conflict prevention among themselves. We discussed the importance of peace and the costs associated with its loss, highlighting how their resilience is helping to foster unity. As a result of this mission, I am even more convinced of the benefits of investing in conflict prevention and development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. #HDP Nexus. 🇺🇳🇲🇷 IMG_4158.JPG IMG_4159.JPG IMG_4160.JPG IMG_4161.JPG IMG_4162.JPG IMG_4163.JPG

On the Horizon offers a snapshot into emergent conflicts and crises, looking out over the next three to six months to facilitate efforts at conflict prevention.