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The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation
The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation is comprised of organizations committed to upholding and implementing the Principles of Conflict Transformation.
This declaration is intended to demonstrate the level of support for approaches to - and understandings of - conflict that uphold these following principles.
Principles of Conflict Transformation
TransConflict has developed the following set of Principles which we hope will contribute to the conceptual debate about conflict transformation, whilst helping to guide individuals and organizations alike in the field of conflict transformation.
- 1. Conflict should not be regarded as an isolated event that can be resolved or managed, but as an integral part of society’s on-going evolution and development;
- 2. Conflict should not be understood solely as an inherently negative and destructive occurrence, but rather as a potentially positive and productive force for change if harnessed constructively;
- 3. Conflict transformation goes beyond merely seeking to contain and manage conflict, instead seeking to transform the root causes themselves – or the perceptions of the root causes – of a particular conflict;
- 4. Conflict transformation is a long-term, gradual and complex process, requiring sustained engagement and interaction;
- 5. Conflict transformation is not just an approach and set of techniques, but a way of thinking about and understanding conflict itself;
- 6. Conflict transformation is particularly suited for intractable conflicts, where deep-rooted issues fuel protracted violence;
- 7. Conflict transformation adjusts to the ever changing nature of a conflict, particularly during pre- and post-violence phases and at any stage of the escalation cycle;
- 8. Conflict transformation is always a non-violent process, which is fundamentally opposed to violent expressions of conflict;
- 9. Conflict transformation addresses a range of dimensions – the micro-, meso- and macro-levels; local and global;
- 10. Conflict transformation is concerned with five specific types of transformation, focusing upon the structural, behavioural and attitudinal aspects of conflict:
- a. Actors – modifying actors’ goals and their approach to pursuing these goals, including by strengthening understanding as to the causes and consequences of their respective actions;
- b. Contexts – challenging the meaning and perceptions of conflict itself, particularly the respective attitudes and understandings of specific actors towards one another;
- c. Issues – redefining the issues that are central to the prevailing conflict, and reformulating the position of key actors on those very issues;
- d. Rules – changing the norms and rules governing decision-making at all levels in order to ensure that conflicts are dealt with constructively through institutional channels;
- e. Structures – adjusting the prevailing structure of relationships, power distributions and socio-economic conditions that are embedded in and inform the conflict, thereby affecting the very fabric of interaction between previously incompatible actors, issues and goals.
- 11. For conflict transformation to occur, tensions between parties to the conflict must be overcome – first, by ensuring all actors recognize that their respective interests are not served by resorting to violence; and second, by seeking consensus on what should be transformed and how;
- 12. Conflict transformation stresses the human dimension by reminding parties of the compatible nature of their needs, instead of emphasizing their opposing interests, and by rejecting unilateral decisions and action, particularly those representing a victory for one of the parties to the conflict;
- 13. Conflict transformation does not resort to a predetermined set of approaches and actions, but respects and adapts to the particularities of a given setting;
- 14. Conflict transformation looks beyond visible issues and is characterized by creative problem-solving, incorporating the perspectives a broad array of actors, including those typically marginalized from such considerations;
- 15. Conflict transformation invariably involves a third, impartial party, in order to help actors alter their cognitive and emotional views on the ‘Other’, thereby helping to break down divisions between ‘Us’ and ‘Them’;
- 16. Conflict transformation represents an ambitious and demanding task, which is better equipped to contend with the asymmetric, complex and protracted nature of contemporary conflicts than prevailing techniques and approaches.
To download the the Principles in either word or pdf format, please click here.
Objectives
The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation (GCCT) brings together non-profit organizations committed to upholding and implementing the Principles of Conflict Transformation. The GCCT’s mission is to raise awareness and understanding about conflict transformation, facilitate theoretical and policy-oriented debate on conflict transformation, advocate for greater support for conflict transformation processes and catalyse the sharing of best practice between practitioners. The GCCT engages with all actors who can contribute to facilitating conflict transformation, and implements concrete activities aimed at upholding its stated objectives.
The overall objective of the Coalition is to raise awareness about the principles of, and approaches to, conflict transformation globally.
Other strategic objectives include to:
- Establish closer cooperation between organizations working in the field of conflict transformation, thereby providing a framework for joint actions.
- Reduce the gap between theory and practice as a means of further developing the methodologies and tools of conflict transformation.
- Encourage theoretical and policy-oriented debate about the principles, aims and approaches of conflict transformation.
- Lobby for the principles and approaches of conflict transformation to be incorporated into the policies and activities of governments and international organizations.
- Advocate for greater support for conflict transformation efforts on the domestic, regional and international levels, respectively.
- Provide conflict transformation education to a wide range of actors, including governments, international organizations, civil society, the media and other interested parties.
Members
The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation (GCCT) is comprised of organizations from a variety of countries throughout the world.
Background
The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation is an initiative of TransConflict, a UK registered charity, as part of its commitment to strengthen the field of conflict transformation. All enquiries regarding the Global Coalition – including its activities and members – should be addressed to TransConflict.
Declaration Signatories
The following signatories endorse the Principles of Conflict Transformation
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Find out more about The Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation and its members