Conflict-sensitive Approaches Research Articles

Caught in the crossfire: biodiversity conservation paradox of sociopolitical conflict

The current state of global biodiversity is confronted with escalating threats arising from human-induced environmental changes and a growing array of unpredictable challenges. However, effective conservation efforts are often hindered by limited knowledge, especially in developing economies such as the Philippines. The limitations imposed by these shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge hamper the capacity to protect biodiversity in light of the continuing extinction crisis. Our study revealed that areas with higher conflict levels exhibited lower species richness, fewer occurrence records, and reduced forest cover. This finding provides initial evidence for the relationship between sociopolitical conflict and biodiversity in the Philippines. We posit that the security risks caused by sociopolitical conflicts could have a negative impact on conservation efforts, particularly in terms of monitoring and implementing measures to protect natural resources. The links that bind armed conflict and biodiversity conservation are multifaceted and complex issues that warrant greater scientific and political attention. Finally, we identified 10 meaningful approaches to address shortfalls in biodiversity knowledge in conflicted areas, particularly incorporating conflict-sensitive approaches, considering the geopolitical context and conflict dynamics to adapt and align their strategies with local realities for more effective conservation efforts.

Human Rights Due Diligence in Conflict-Affected Areas: The Unfortunate Example of Ukraine

The article examines the phenomenon of human rights due diligence in conflict-affected and high-risk areas through the example of Ukraine. It is stressed that in conflict-affected and high-risk areas the companies should conduct heightened human rights due diligence, which complements the ‘classical’ ongoing due diligence with conflict-sensitive approach. Using the data presented by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, the article shows that, unfortunately, companies have not implemented heightened human rights due diligence into their activities in Ukraine and/or Russia after the beginning of full-scale military invasion in February 2022. Besides, the article highlights that the companies should constantly evaluate the ongoing conflict and/or high-risk area, since the situation may change rapidly. This has been proved by the fact that the recently announced partial mobilization in Russia jeopardizes companies and increases the risk of them being found complicit in war crimes committed in Ukraine. Conclusions present quick step-by-step advice on how to conduct heightened human rights due diligence in conflict-affected areas.

Conflict Sensitivity in Development: A Study On Proposed Arial Beel International Airport Project In Bangladesh

This paper has dual objectives: to understand the importance of conflict sensitivity in development and to examine the relevance of conflict sensitivity in practical terms through a case study—the proposed Arial Beel International Airport Project. Written, based on secondary resources available in books, journal articles, and online sources, it argues that conflictsensitive approaches to development pay attention to contextual realities to avoid any intentional and unintentional ‘harm’ that a context may face due to insensitive developmental intervention. On the Arial Beel case, it found that a localised, violent resistance movement developed against the decision to construct a modern airport due to inadequate attention to local realities and inappropriate pre-project development assessment processes. The government had to backtrack the project. However, at the latter stage, the decision-makers learned to respect local sensitivities while looking for alternative sites for an airport project. It suggests an insensitive development project that becomes unwanted too to locals could influence policymakers to learn about contextual sensitivities and respect the pulse of people on the ground. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(2), June 2022 [Special Issue] Page 19-37

Judicial relief in war times? Ukraine vs. Russia (2022) before the International Court of Justice

The article examines the phenomenon of human rights due diligence in conflict-affected and high-risk areas through the example of Ukraine. It is stressed that in conflict-affected and high-risk areas the companies should conduct heightened human rights due diligence, which complements the ‘classical’ ongoing due diligence with conflict-sensitive approach. Using the data presented by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, the article shows that, unfortunately, companies have not implemented heightened human rights due diligence into their activities in Ukraine and/or Russia after the beginning of full-scale military invasion in February 2022. Besides, the article highlights that the companies should constantly evaluate the ongoing conflict and/or high-risk area, since the situation may change rapidly. This has been proved by the fact that the recently announced partial mobilization in Russia jeopardizes companies and increases the risk of them being found complicit in war crimes committed in Ukraine. Conclusions present quick step-by-step advice on how to conduct heightened human rights due diligence in conflict-affected areas.

Improving famine early warning systems: a conflict-sensitive approach

ABSTRACT The existing information mechanisms on food insecurity are not ‘conflict sensitive’, that is, they do not sufficiently incorporate the causal relation between conflict and hunger. This generates a lack of detailed information in this respect, which hinders implementation of Security Council Resolution 2417. It is therefore necessary to advance towards an early warning system that considers the impact of the use of hunger as a weapon of war on the different dimensions of food security, and is capable of collecting empirical evidence at the local level in a regular and agile form. To that end, in this article we reflect on the existing difficulties in collecting and analysing such information, and propose theoretical and operational inputs for constructing conflict-sensitive early warning systems in contexts of acute food insecurity.

Toward a conflict-sensitive approach to higher education pedagogy: lessons from Afghanistan and Somaliland

ABSTRACT Higher education has become an important agenda in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. A major aspect of this agenda is the conceptualization of education as a tool not just for development but for peacebuilding. Yet there are few studies examining how university educators might be equipped as frontline peace workers. This study explores: How might conflict affect teaching in higher education, especially in and with students from conflict-affected contexts? In what ways does higher education pedagogy serve to ameliorate or exacerbate conflict? How could the practices of academics working with students in conflict-affected contexts inform approaches to higher education pedagogy? Data for the study was collected through interviews with university educators working in Afghanistan and Somaliland, and analyzed through the lens of Santos’s ‘post-abyssal thinking’. Findings indicate that educators who work in conflict-affected contexts have numerous practical strategies that inform their thinking, curricular decisions, teaching, and policymaking. Implications are discussed.

Climate finance and peace—tackling the climate and humanitarian crisis

Climate finance and peace—tackling the climate and humanitarian crisis

BUILDING URBAN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: THE CASE OF RUSSIAN ARCTIC CITIES

AbstractRussian Arctic is a highly urbanized region, with most towns built in the Soviet era to facilitate extraction industries as well as provide and maintain military facilities. Global environmental and developmental changes, as well as national political decisions open up Russia’s Arctic to massive investment, industrial and socioeconomic development. How do Russian Arctic cities, towns, and municipalities reflect on new opportunities in terms of designing their climate change adaptation strategies at a local level? Starting with theoretical discourse on urban climate change adaptation strategy, this research examines state-of-the-art, challenges and trends in planning for adaptation measures in Russia’s Arctic industrial centers. Special attention is given to a comparative analysis of the cities’ climate change adaptation strategies. The role of civil society institutions and business community in the adaptation strategy planning process is explored. Moreover, conflict sensitive approaches to ensure participatory processes for designing and implementing adaptation measures are discussed. The field component of research is based on cities of Apatity, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Norilsk, Salekhard, Severodvinsk and towns of Monchegorsk, Nickel and Vorkuta. The study concludes that in spite of significant challenges identified, the total “balance sheet” of the Arctic cities’ efforts to enhance their adaptive capacities is quite positive: Russian northern urban settlements do their best in addressing existing challenges via planning for sustainability approach. However, there is more to do and municipalities should learn from one another’s experiences, as the different approaches can be helpful in developing adequate climate change adaptation strategies at the local level.

Ecological threats to security and state resilience in Afghanistan

This work explores ecological and climate-related threats to Afghanistan and discusses support approaches from a European Crisis Management (ECM) perspective. It goes beyond the much-debated troop withdrawal, COVID-19 crisis and peace negotiations and opens an underestimated topic: ‘Climate Change Assistance’. The article aims to advance knowledge on the effects of climate change on human security in Afghanistan and advocates a conflict-sensitive approach. To this end, a climate-related assessment of the human security situation was undertaken and several threat scenarios, options and solutions for enhancing state resilience were developed. The bases for this research were several field trips undertaken by the author since 2004, workshops and an extensive literature review. As a result, it can be stated that the negative impacts of climate change and pollution on Afghanistan’s security and development architecture are massive and make ECM efforts very complex. However, several capacity-building initiatives for military, diplomatic, humanitarian and local stakeholders were identified. On the regional level, this includes the support for early warning systems and hydro-diplomacy with Pakistan, Iran and India. On the local level, the support for community water management and environmental protection matters, while building upon traditional Afghan mechanisms for handling water crises or disasters. Another outcome is the need for more in-depth research in this field as some findings are also useful for other fragile states. The paper argues that there is an urgent need for ECM to respond to the devastating effects of climate change in Afghanistan and identifies several smart opportunities to tackle some root causes of the conflict.

Citizenship education in conflict-affected areas and nation-states: empowering teachers for sustainable reform

ABSTRACT Government agencies and civil society organisations in nation-states and areas affected by conflict strive to develop citizenship education programmes to empower children as agents of change. However, the pedagogical culture within these contexts demands that children memorise information provided by higher authorities and avoid sensitive and controversial issues. Such practices disempower children. This article presents two arguments. First, it demonstrates how roots of destructive conflict and conflict-sensitive approaches to reform weaken top-down efforts to rebuild education for active citizenship. Second, it describes how teachers in conflict-affected areas who have autonomy exercise humility and are inspired by new approaches that can initiate a transformation in the pedagogical culture from banking to engaging young people in critical pedagogies. These high-impact teachers’ innovative learning activities catalyse educational change, which suggests the emergence of a professional grassroots theory of change for citizenship education reform.

Aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Myanmar’s Sustainable Development Plan: Opportunities and Challenges

The ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by the Chinese government provides an important opportunity to promote the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This article, using Myanmar as a country case study as it is strongly committed to both the BRI and the 2030 Agenda, aims to paint a nuanced picture of how the BRI could benefit Myanmar’s sustainable development. After providing an overview of Myanmar’s recent development context, the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP), and the progress of China–Myanmar cooperation under the BRI, it argues that there are both big opportunities and huge challenges in tapping the potential of the BRI’s development dividends for Myanmar. The article proposes that China and Myanmar should make joint efforts in terms of mainstreaming conflict-sensitive approaches, increasing the confidence of Myanmar’s public in Chinese investment, encouraging responsible investment, and diversifying financing options.

Integrating Reflective Problem-Solving and Mindfulness to Promote Organizational Adaptation Toward Conflict Sensitivity

This article is an analysis and synthesis of the outcome of our efforts to integrate reflective problem-solving and mindfulness to promote organizational adaptation toward conflict-sensitive approach to managing and resolving land-related conflicts. The purpose of the article is 2-fold. The first part of the article describes the methodological and epistemological processes we followed to engage the candidates in reflective problem-solving and mindfulness. The second part of the article analyses the participants’ reflections on the meanings they had drawn from the thinking and learning processes. The article draws on transformative learning principles, principles of situated experiential learning, the notion of interactive problem-solving and social–psychological approach to conflict analysis, resolution, and negotiation. All of these principles and approaches emphasize the empowerment of learners and practitioners as agents of social transformation. At the end, the article presents the implications of our findings for future improvements.

A Conflict-Sensitive Approach to Climate Change Adaptation

A Conflict-Sensitive Approach to Climate Change Adaptation

Conflict Sensitive Approaches to Development – Integrating Humanitarian Assistance, Development and Peacebuilding

An integrated framework for conflict sensitive programming that informs a conflict systems response to crisis and post-crisis contexts. The framework is contained within a graphic model that can be used to assist groups of aid and development workers in conceptualising, planning and monitoring how a value based and principled approach to humanitarian assistance could contribute to longer-term social transformation goals. This paper presents a discussion of the development paradigm that informs this conflict sensitive approach and that places humanitarian assistance, development and peacebuilding processes within a nested systems response towards a long-term social transformation agenda. A brief example of the circumstances within which the framework can be applied in practice adds an additional set of insights into the potential value and use of the tool. Finally the paper critically discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the framework and explores the opportunities and challenges of its application in different contexts.

Water and post-conflict peacebuilding: introduction

Water resources assume a unique and varied role in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. This article examines the ways in which water, sanitation and infrastructure play an integral role in meeting basic human needs, maintaining public health, supporting livelihoods at the household and community level, and in fostering economic recovery and long-term sustainable development in war's aftermath. Drawing upon the case studies presented in this special issue on water and post-conflict peacebuilding, we find that there is a need for a more nuanced, coordinated, participatory, and conflict-sensitive approach to managing water resources in the post-conflict context.

‘Tsunami third wave’ and the politics of disaster management in Sri Lanka

The paper compares the social and political consequences of two disasters that struck Sri Lanka 70 years apart, the 1934–1935 malaria epidemic that killed over 100,000 people and the tsunami of 26 December 2004. The main argument is that while the state and civil society responses to the malaria epidemic of 1930s in many ways led to the establishment and development of the Sri Lankan welfare state and the related outcomes, including rapid advances in quality of life particularly in the rural sector, the more elaborate and well-funded tsunami response driven by the international humanitarian industry failed to facilitate speedy recovery, failed to galvanize the peace process and even added to the vulnerability of some of the affected people due to the rapid exodus of many newly arrived INGOs before completing their humanitarian mission. While the relative failure of the tsunami response may be partly attributed to the persistent conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelaam (LTTE), it also exposes some of the key weaknesses of humanitarian aid in the modern world. A more historically grounded and conflict-sensitive approach is necessary along with greater coordination among agencies involved.

Nepal's war on human rights: a summit higher than Everest.

Nepal has witnessed serious human rights violations including arbitrary arrests, detentions, "disappearances", extra judicial executions, abductions and torture carried out by both the Royal Nepalese Army and the Maoist rebels in the 10 years of the "peoples war". Women and children have borne the brunt of the conflict. Massive displacement has led to adverse social and psychological consequences. While the reasons for the conflict are mainly indigenous and rooted in the social and economic in-equities, remedies for health inequities must come not only from the health sector but also from broad social policies and adopting a participatory and conflict-sensitive approach to development. Meanwhile the international community needs to use its leverage to urge both sides to accept a human rights accord and honor international human rights and humanitarian laws, while investigating allegations of abuse and prosecute those responsible.