1	Workshop Managing Conflict by Parliament Monrovia, November, 2005 An Introduction Andreas Mehler/Sunny George
2	Conflict Management “... is the attempt to exert influence on the way a conflict is acted out, so as to regulate it, prevent violence and put an end to any existing violence. Conflict management aims to achieve constructive solutions which benefit all participants” (Definition proposed by GTZ)
3	This means Conflicts exist – difficult to be prevented, but possible to be transformed Conflict management builds on earlier activities of crisis prevention The reduction of the potential of violent conflict is important. The establishment of institutions to resolve conflict peacefully is a necessity
4	Some key terms Peace-Building concerns the whole process of establishing or re-establishing the network of social relations e.g. the creation of job opportunities after a war has ended that might have destroyed a production site Peace-keeping usually starts with the military separation of hostile parties by blue-helmet troops and can extend to other activities e.g. the UNMIL mission in Liberia is a peace-keeping mission with civilian task. However, it has no ability to “build peace” and its stay will be limited in time.
5	Mediation A neutral party directs the process of conflict management and assists all parties involved in the declaration of their interests and the development of inclusive solutions.
6	Principles of Intervention / Action “ownership of conflict” Early engagement Strengthen „peace constituencies“ (often: women) Take „spoilers“ into account Long-term involvement impartiality
7	Conflict Analysis Early warning In-depth studies Mapping of actors Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment
8	Role of Parliament People can turn to Parliament and do not seek self help Parliament is a mediation body Free and peaceful debate Suggestion of solutions Legislative powers Checks on government action Missions of inquiry to investigate local outbursts of violence
9	Role of individual MPs Influential opinion leader on the local level Not taking sides when approached by conflict parties Mediation of local conflicts by herself / himself Earlier knowledge and better understanding of local conflicts – resource person at the national level Drawing attention to serious grievances in his or her home county
10	Post-conflict approaches in peace-building: 1. Fostering confidence
11	2. Rebuilding the material basis of the state
12	3. Demobilisation / Demilitarisation
13	4. Refugees, internally displaced persons, victims
14	5. Reconciliation
15	The regional dimension of violent conflict
16	Liberia is surrounded by fragile states and experiences with war Limits of national initiatives. Conflicts can spill over borders Militias can be recruited to fight in the neigbouring arena Demobilisation has a very strong regional dimension ! Small arms may transit uncontrolled frontiers Disarmament has a very strong regional dimension ! Poorly administered hinterlands in the hands of non-state actors disregarding frontiers Identity groups on both sides of the border: loyalty with whom?
17	Role of Parliament to contain the regional spread of violent conflict Parliament can interact with Parliaments of the sub-region to contain conflicts Banning of a destructive discourse, xenophobia Having joint inquiry missions of two Parliaments in border areas Individual MPs in border regions can act as early warning agents, as mediators in cross-border conflicts. They can be used as brokers by the neighbouring country‘s authorities in a local conflict