Post conflict reconstruction ~ The role of the Media 

 

 

 

Summary on initiatives

 

 

"As a conflict stabilizes, and basic human needs are met, attention turns to the more complex processes of reconstruction. Basic security is a prerequisite for successful reconstruction, although it is often difficult to draw a distinction between conflict and post-conflict phases – the two states may co-exist in different parts of the same country. Without basic security, it can be difficult to promote social reconciliation, establish the rule of law or a government capable of providing services, and encourage economic activity. These reconstruction processes must also be carefully planned and implemented to avoid generating new sources of tension – for instance, through inequitable distribution of resources, or political processes that do no enjoy popular support. As well as physical reconstruction, social reconstruction must also take place; reconciliation requires dealing with the legacies of conflict without creating instabilities that might cause new conflicts. Reliable information dissemination may allow the reconstruction and reconciliation to avoid such pitfalls.

 

 

ICT has the potential to enhance post-conflict reconstruction processes, although that potential has barely been tapped. As one observer concludes, “given the morass of issues that weigh upon societies enmeshed in conflict, ICT interventions can have more impact when used for peace building after a ceasefire agreement or peace agreement, when the dynamics on the ground are relatively more receptive on the need for sharing information, collaborating, appropriating technology and development mechanisms (both physical and virtual) for communities and peoples to deal with conflict creatively and non-violently.” For example, effective communications can disseminate the terms of a cease-fire agreement to warring factions and local communities, clarifying the situation and building support; or to raise awareness of war crimes tribunals or truth commissions, increasing common understanding of the processes necessary to support the rule of law."

 

Excerpt from The Role of ICT in Preventing, Responding to and Recovering from Conflict, published by the ICT4Peace Foundation.

 

 

 

Resources

 

 

UNESCO

http://www.unesco.org has long supported the development of local independent film, radio, television, and internet-based media in developing and transitional countries, including in conflict and post-conflict areas.

 

 

 

BBC Afghan Education Projects (BBC AEP)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/trust/projectsindepth/story/2003/09/030904_aep.shtml aims to contribute to reconciliation among different groups and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS to avoid an epidemic in post-conflict Afghanistan.

 

 

 

AllAfrica Global Media

http://allafrica.com is a multimedia content service provider, systems technology developer, and the largest electronic distributor of African news and information worldwide.

 

 

Foundation Hirondelle

http://www.hirondelle.org is an organization of journalists that sets up and operates local language radio stations and news agencies in crisis or post-conflict areas.

 

 

Intermédia Consultants

http://www.intermedia-consultants.ch is a studygroup and think tank based in Senegal, supported by the Swiss government and the Agence Intergouvernementale de la Francophonie. Drawing on an international network of experts, the group helps to build rural and community radio stations and trains journalists, station managers, and technicians.

 

 

Réseau de Partenaires des Médias Africains

http://www.gret.org/mediapartner/index.htm, a network supporting independent media in Africa (not updated as of December 2002)

 

 

Burundi Youth Council

http://www.burundiyouth.com, offering news reports and publications and fosters on-line multi-ethnic dialogue

 

 

Association de Réflexion et d'Information sur le Burundi

http://www.arib.info which maintains up-to date information about the government of Burundi and online articles discussing the situation

 

 

Conseil pour la Paix dans la Région des Grands Lacs Africains (CPRGLA)

http://www.chez.com/cprgla, an NGO that offers news and views on the current environment and peace building efforts.

  

 

International Media Support (IMS)

www.i-m-s.dk

seeks to promote peace, stability and democracy in conflict zones and threatened areas by fostering the development of independent media. To these ends, IMS works in collaboration with local partners to strengthen press freedom and professional journalism and to improve the working conditions of local journalists and media practitioners.

 

 

Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR)

http://www.iwpr.net works to strengthen local journalism in conflict areas by training reporters, facilitating dialogue, and providing reliable information.

 

 

Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Colombo, Sri Lanka

http://www.cpalanka.org/

 

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) was formed in the firm belief that there is an urgent need to strengthen institution- and capacity-building for good governance and conflict transformation in Sri Lanka and that non-partisan civil society groups have an important and constructive contribution to make to this process. The primary role envisaged for the Centre in the field of public policy is a pro-active and interventionary one, aimed at the dissemination and advocacy of policy alternatives for non-violent conflict resolution and democratic governance. Accordingly, the work of the Centre involves a major research component through which the policy alternatives advocated are identified and developed.

 

The Centre has pioneered citizens journalism in Sri Lanka. See:

 

• Groundviews
• Vikalpa
• Vikalpa YouTube Video Channel

 

 

Groundviews

http://www.groundviews.org

 

Groundviews is Sri Lanka's first and an international award-winning citizen journalism website. It employs a range of literary genres and media - from poetry and satire to compelling photography and video - in order to highlight vital events and processes on governance, human rights, the arts, literature, religion, peacebuilding, gender and other issues.

 

Videoletters

http://www.videoletters.net

 

Videoletters is a tool for reconciliation in post-war countries & a conflict prevention tool in multy ethnic societies. By reconnecting former enemies, Videoletters contributes to open communication and makes reconciliation possible.

 

Surviving the Tsunami: Stories of Hope

http://tsunami.trust.org/#/stories

Tthe Red Cross and Thomson Reuters Foundation have produced "Surviving the Tsunami - Stories of Hope", a multimedia documentary capturing the stories of survivors, aid workers and a Reuters photographer, each giving their own highly personal account of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The documentary explores how survivors have overcome tragedy to rebuild their lives.  It features pictures and video taken by journalists from Reuters bureaux around the Indian Ocean, capturing the terrifying drama and traumatic aftermath of the tsunami's impact.