Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

The structural dimensionThe structural dimension of peacebuilding focuses on the social, economic, politicaland cultural conditions that foster violent conflicts. These root causes are typicallycomplex and can include unfair land distribution, environmental degradationor unequal political representation. If these social, economic, political and culturalfoundations that should serve to satisfy the needs of the population are notaddressed, there can be no lasting peace. Therefore the parties must analyze thestructural causes of the conflict and initiate social structural change.The relational dimensionThe relational dimension centres on reconciliation, forgiveness, trust building andfuture vision. Its focus lies in reducing the negative effects of conflicts (violence,war) through repairing and transforming damaged relationships.One of the essential requirements for this transformation is effective communication.Through dialogue on all levels, parties can increase their awareness of theirown role in the conflict, develop a more accurate perception of their own and theother group’s identity and may eventually understand each other better. If supportivecommunication systems are in place, relations between the parties can improve,trust can be built and any peace agreements reached will more likely be sustainable.A crucial component of such bridge‐building dialogue is future imaging, wherebyparties create a vision of the commonly shared future they are trying to build. Oftenthe parties have more in common in terms of their visions of the future than they doabout their shared and violent past. If they know where they would like to go, it willbe easier to get there. In addition to looking towards the future, parties must dealwith their painful past. Reconciliation means recognizing both a common future,and the past wrongdoing. Therefore, what has happened should be dealt with andpossibly forgiven if the parties are to renew their relationship and build an interdependentfuture.The personal dimensionThe personal dimension focuses on desired changes at the individual level. If individualsare not able to undergo a healing process, there may be social, political, andeconomic repercussions. The social fabric that has been destroyed by conflicts mustbe repaired and trauma must be dealt with.Building peace must pay attention to the psychological and emotional layers ofthe conflict. After an experience of violence, an individual is likely to feel vulnerable,helpless and out of control in an unpredictable context. If the psychological aspectsof experienced violence and its consequence are ignored, victims are at risk forbecoming perpetrators of future violence. Victim empowerment can help to breakthis cycle. Peacebuilding initiatives should therefore provide or support appropriateprograms for different levels and areas of the society (e.g.: one‐to‐one counselling,34 I . P E A C E