Constructing space for refugee voices in national peacebuilding processes

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe search for sustainable peace after conflict has pushed refugees onto the global peacebuilding agenda, and these days it is common for national peacebuilding processes to extend their reach to those living in exile. This is significant because ordinarily, our modern political system considers the citizen the proper subject of political life, and refugees typically struggle to be seen and heard in national processes. This article examines two examples of refugee participation in peacebuilding: the state-led Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and a grassroots dialogue group created by Liberian refugees in Ghana. Based on five months’ fieldwork, it considers how refugee narratives concerning harm, loss and recovery differed between the two forums, and draws attention to the role of the state in recognising – or not recognising – refugee narratives. It argues that while the inclusion of refugees in peacebuilding processes is a positive development, greater attention should be paid to the factors restricting or diminishing refugee voices and thus impeding the restorative value of such forums. The article concludes by identifying ways to support more diverse refugee voices in national peacebuilding programmes.