Exploring the Basics of Conflict Sensitivity

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Note 2 Purpose 3 Time 4 Participants 5 Materials 6 Process 7 Note

Note

This activity does not require participants to be experts on the subject matter. Rather, it can be used as an introductory exercise to get started with the topics.

Purpose

• To stimulate participants to investigate further the basics of conflict sensitivity;
• To help participants transform the content introduced “into their words”.

Time

At least 20 minutes.

Participants

At least 6 participants.

Materials

• Flip chart papers;
• Markers;
• A visual aid illustrating the essential formula of conflict sensitivity (a flip chart page, Power Pointä or over-head slides;
• Paper and pencils for participants.

Process

I) Before of the training, prepare a visual aid illustrating the essential formula of conflict sensitivity, as follows:

Conflict sensitivity means the ability of your organisation to:

• Understand the context in which you operate;
• Understand the interaction between your interaction and the context;
• Act upon the understanding of this interaction, in order to avoid negative impacts and maximise positive impacts.

Source: FEWER, International Alert, Saferworld, APFO, CECORE and CHA, Resource Pack on Conflict Sensitive Approaches, http://www.conflictsensitivity.org

You can choose to integrate the above with more introductory information from the same source. In any case, keep it short and simple (3-5 min.).

II) Divide the plenary in triads and allow members to sit close one another.

III) After your presentation ask triads to generate a list of questions related to the content introduced and further exploring it. Tell them to generate as many questions as possible and write them down on a paper. Allow sufficient time.

IV) Now ask triads to select the top-five questions, those they think most relevant.

V) Invite each triad to couple with another triad. Have them asking and answering each other.

Note

Alternatives to this process:

• You can have larger groups, with 5-6 people;

• You can have it as an individual work: after the presentation, ask each participant to generate a list of questions. Then form couples and have individuals exchanging Q&As;

• Again, as an individual work: you can ask participants to write down their questions on index cards. Then let circulate the cards with questions and have each one individually reflect on the questions. Let the cards circulate several times.