What can or should peacebuilding actors say, when, and for what purpose? When used timely and adequately, communication can be an asset for peacebuilding activities. It can help foster social cohesion in conflict zones, raise awareness, and mobilize support for peace, or serve as an advocacy tool to influence policies and public opinion. However, depending on the message conveyed, public communication can be inherently risky for peacebuilders, not only within authoritarian contexts but sometimes even in democracies. Consequently, some organizations may find themselves grappling with the dilemma of whether to communicate or remain silent to safeguard peacebuilding initiatives.
In this edition of the à propos, different members of the Swiss platform for peacebuilding share their thoughts and experiences, both positive and negative, in communicating about peace and conflict. They provide examples of various communication tools and strategies applied and discuss opportunities and challenges. Among the topics addressed, they show the benefit of informing the population about peace processes through the media or by organizing forums, or highlight the importance of disseminating feminist narratives to promote feminist peace. However, they also acknowledge instances of encountering defamation, digital backlash, or even worse, lawsuits or funding cuts after having taken public stances.
I wish you a pleasant read.
Sanjally Jobarteh, Editor of KOFF magazine