Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

Phase 3 Clarify the problem/developing ideasThe parties start to remove the barriers againsteach other and develop ideas on how to solvethe issues. The mediator supports and assists.Ask clarifying questions▶ Gather the information neededto understand the interestsof the conflicting parties.▶ Ask questions like “Could youdescribe what happened when…?”,“Do you mean that…?”, “Would you like to explain this … in more detail?”Encourage the parties to talk▶ Acknowledge the versions of each party. This will assure the partiesthat you are really concerned.“From your point of view this has been going on since…”▶ Ask questions like “Tell me/us more about…?”,“Can you help me/us to understand why this … is so important to you?”,“How does … affect you?”Summarize once in a while the parties’ concerns▶ Summarize to make sure that you understand.▶ Be aware that every conflict involves various points of view.Listen for interests, issues, needs and feelings▶ Listen with your nonviolent communication skills and dig outthe deeper causes.▶ Take people’s emotions as both serious and normal. Identify feelingsthat hide behind the words, try to clarify and reflect the needs, interests,values … of each party.▶ Clarify the situation/problem and what the parties really want.Help each party to understand their own and the others’ needs▶ Support the parties in finding out their needs behind their feelings.▶ Help the parties to get a clearer idea of each other’s interests and issues.▶ You can ask the opponent how s/he feels when listening to the other side.▶ You can ask the opponent to summarize the other party’s concern.▶ You can ask the opponent about the feelings and needs they can imaginethe other party has.5 . M e d i a t i o n 281