Civil Peace Service: Resolving conflict without violence – promoting human rights

Context

Violence, social polarisation, inequality and social exclusion characterise Honduras. Crime has been on the rise since 2004 and is reflected, above all, in high homicide rates and in massive human rights violations. Shortcomings in the security and justice sector add fuel to the fire: violent crime is rarely prosecuted. The nexus between drug trafficking, politics, administration and private business fosters distrust of government bodies. At the same time, there is a complex connection between the ongoing violence that causes many people in Honduras to migrate and the forced return of a number of Hondurans who do not make it to the United States. The result: the formation of youth gangs, which further exacerbates the critical situation on the ground.

Objective

Political and social leaders meet as equals to address non-violent conflict resolution. Human rights are strengthened. The media is open-minded and objective.

Approach

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) programme promotes human rights and contributes to non-violent conflict resolution. Among other things, it encourages dialogue between key political and social leaders by helping them learn and practise dialogue techniques together. This builds confidence on both sides and facilitates negotiation. In addition, the stakeholders use the knowledge they have acquired for the non-violent resolution of conflicts over resources, among other things. Media professionals are trained to write objective reports that promote peace and thus contribute to greater transparency. The programme also supports its partners in identifying the psychosocial consequences of violence and polarisation and in taking these consequences into account in their actions.