Conflict Resolution Unit
In 2007, the Department of Foreign Affairs established a Conflict Resolution Unit to lead work on enhancing Ireland’s engagement in conflict resolution activities internationally. The Unit is funded by Irish Aid, the Irish Government’s overseas development assistance programme, which is operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Given Ireland’s proud tradition of UN peacekeeping, our commitment to overseas development aid, our experience of the peace process in Northern Ireland and our commitment to human rights and the international rule of law, we are well placed to offer assistance to other countries on their path to peace and stability. The CRU is based within the Department’s Political Division, and cooperates closely with Development Cooperation and Anglo-Irish Division.
The CRU works with a number of key partners, including the European Union, the United Nations, international NGOs, and domestic NGOs. The CRU is also committed to developing Irish academic expertise in the area of conflict resolution.
The CRU’s work encompasses three core activities:
1. Peacemaking
Peacemaking spans activities from the inception of conflict resolution to the process of agreement and its subsequent implementation. It includes Mediation, Facilitation and Agreement Support. Mediation and Facilitation refer to direct support to a conflict resolution process (both high-level political negotiation and community-based processes) through the provision of mediators and/or facilitation (e.g., venues, back-up). Agreement Support is designed to capture a range of activities that may arise in the context of supporting the implementation of peace agreements. It is widely recognised that this part of the spectrum of peace making is critical, particularly in light of the fact that over 40% of all peace agreements relapse into conflict within five years. Read more
2. Peacebuilding
Peacebuilding reflects the evolution of policy thinking within the international community from the concept of peacekeeping to a more comprehensive approach. It encompasses a range of activities concerned with building a sustainable and lasting peace, particularly focussing on gaps in post-conflict governance. These include security sector reform; institutionalising the rule of law; supporting disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration; promoting reconciliation; managing transitional justice; and building institutional capacity. Read more
3. Peace Process Lesson Sharing
The Northern Ireland situation, like all conflicts, has had its own particular characteristics and specific context, but it also shares features common to many conflicts and, particularly, their resolution. The CRU supports the sharing of lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process, as well as facilitating the sharing of lessons learned from and between other conflict situations. The CRU also recognises that lesson-sharing is a two-way process, and there is much for us to learn from other conflicts. Read more
The CRU’s work is guided by, and interacts with, three cross-cutting themes:
1. Human Rights & Conflict
Active promotion of human rights and support for the enhancement, codification and implementation of human rights is a key feature of Ireland’s foreign policy, and an essential element in the maintenance of international peace and security. A commitment to human rights in peacemaking and peacebuilding is embedded in our approach to conflict resolution.Read more
2. Women, Peace and Security
UNSCR Resolution 1325 emphasises the distinct position of women in conflict situations and in peacebuilding. The Resolution calls for an increase in the participation of women in peacemaking and peacebuilding processes; the provision special protection to women and girls in armed conflict; and the incorporation of a gender perspective into peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes. Read more
3. Climate Change and Conflict
The relationship between climate and conflict is an emerging issue, and one which could have a potentially significant consequences. Climate change and conflict may be linked through such issues as access to changing or diminishing water and natural resources, food security, land tenure and migration. Understanding the relationship between conflict and climate change and advancing the discussion on this are essential to preparing and developing effective responses. Read more
