Publications

East Africa is rich in resources and very diverse, but it is still adversely affected by conflicts and instability. Inter-communal and pastoral conflicts, cross-border rebel insurgencies, or violent security-force repression are a reality for several East African countries. Nevertheless, local civil society organizations and their Swiss-based partners are committed to building on the potential for peace that the region has to offer.

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This policy brief summarizes the findings of a joint learning process on peacebuilding and migration, facilitated by KOFF – the Swiss Platform for Peacebuilding, and the resulting web toolbox on migration in peacebuilding. It highlights the relevance of a systematic and strategic engagement with migration in peacebuilding, showcases some practical examples and points to areas that need further investment and attention from the peace policy sector.

policy brief | web-toolbox 

Many past events show that security forces' responses to violence are often neither effective nor appropriate. In this issue of à propos, KOFF member organizations provide us with insights into cultures of peace and nonviolence. Some focus on social cohesion and inclusion, some advocate for the protection of human rights or the advancement of peace education, and others protect those who advocate.

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cfd, PWAG and KOFF contribute to the Swiss National Action Plan on resolution 1325 by gathering valuable information among Swiss civil society & their partners on women's participation in peace processes as they did in an interview on a project in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Read our latest interview featuring Ivona Erdeljac, Program Director of Amica Educa (BiH), and Lea Breitner, Program Officer Eastern and Southern Europe at cfd. Learn more

Under what circumstances is the COVID-19 pandemic a conflict trigger or a peace factor? What are the security and peacebuilding implications of a health crisis on Security Sector Governance? Are healthcare actors sufficiently trusted and recognized? Almost a year after the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic, the KOFF organizations shared their experience and perspectives on the interlinkages between health and peace.

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2020 was an exciting, instructive and promising year for the KOFF Platform despite the pandemic. We launched a broad strategy process and defined the future priorities of the platform.

Read the annual report (de, fr, en)

It's the halfway mark of the Geneva Peace Week 2020. KOFF created a podcast concerning the migration-peace nexus in collaboration with DCAF - Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance. Furthermore, KOFF is holding a live side event - the learning meeting "Making it work: migration in peace policy & practice" - to discuss the newly published toolbox (2020/11/05, 10.15am - 12.15pm, online). 

listen to the podcast | sign up for the learning meeting | learn more

Over the last decade, digital technologies have shown their potential in easing the work of peacebuilding professionals. While they can be used to raise awareness of peaceful causes, connect people, and foster exchanges, their downsides are by no means insignificant. Hate speech, disinformation, and polarization in conflict settings tend to exacerbate division and violence.

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After a year and a half of "Joint Learning Process on Peacebuilding & Migration", KOFF/swisspeace launch a toolbox! Based on three case studies (on the Bangladeshi, Colombian and Ethiopian contexts), this document provides political decision-makers and peacebuilding practitioners with guidance on how to deal with migration in different phases of conflict and peacebuilding.

Consult online  | Download (en) | Video teaser

25 years after the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and 20 years after the adoption of Resolution 1325 by the United Nations Security Council, this issue looks at the evolution and current situation of women's rights and gender equality in Switzerland and abroad. KOFF organizations express their views on whether or not they will celebrate this anniversary.

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