Conflict Sensitivity: A Key Approach for Sustainable Solutions
- Tunç Karaçay
- Nov 6, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 31
In previous articles, we have discussed in detail the importance of understanding conflict, the need to think about what conflict is or is not, and how conflicts go through different phases. We have also tried to provide comprehensive information on how critical it is to analyze a conflict. Now, we will focus on another important concept that we can address in the light of this information: conflict sensitivity.
So, what is being conflict sensitive? Why is it so necessary? How can one be sensitive to a conflict?
With these questions in mind, we will explore the concept of conflict sensitivity and why this perspective is crucial for those working on social issues. Conflict sensitivity is particularly important for individuals and organizations involved in social projects or social initiatives. This is because social issues are often fraught with potential tensions and conflicts. Therefore, individuals or institutions that correctly analyze the dynamics around them and act on these analyses can take healthier steps in conflict resolution and management.
Conflict sensitivity can be defined as “understanding that our work, presence and behavior can potentially have positive or negative impacts on tensions and conflicts in our context, and managing these impacts”. This definition is contained in the United Nations Sustainable Development Group's “Good Practice Note on Conflict Sensitivity, Peacebuilding and Sustainability”. Conflict sensitivity requires careful planning and implementation of activities to avoid negative impacts and maximize positive impacts.
With this perspective, possible negative consequences of actions can be anticipated and strategies can be developed accordingly. This contributes to building trust within the target group, while enhancing the impact of interventions, and especially of projects implemented on the ground. Furthermore, conflict sensitivity makes it possible to better understand the needs of the target group and encourage their participation in projects. Thus, the projects implemented become both more acceptable and more effective.
In the Lack of Conflict Sensitivity…
As can be seen, having conflict sensitivity can bring many benefits. However, in order to better understand why this concept is so important and what it should be used for, perhaps it would be more effective to discuss the problems we might face in its absence rather than the benefits to be gained from its presence. In other words, let us look at what challenges await us in interventions or projects carried out without conflict sensitivity.
Interventions carried out without sensitization to conflict resolution can bring with them various potential problems. Foremost among these problems is the deepening of existing conflicts. It is possible to unknowingly fuel existing conflicts or cause new ones to emerge. For example, inequitable distribution of aid or services in a region can exacerbate tensions between communities. This can disrupt the peaceful environment and lead to conflict escalation, especially where socially, ethnically or economically diverse groups live together. Increased tensions cause small disputes to grow and become more difficult to resolve. Such interventions, lacking conflict sensitivity, have acted without addressing the real need and the relationships between the target group from a conflict resolution perspective.
Lack of conflict sensitivity can prevent projects from achieving their objectives, leading to wasted resources and time. When the dynamics of the target group are not taken into account, the work may not be accepted, leading to unexpected resistance. As a result, the effort and costs spent on the project are ineffective instead of benefiting the community. For example, without a proper analysis of needs and the conflict context, interventions may be misdirected or resources may be diverted to ineffective areas. This undermines the success of the project and wastes time and resources.
Lack of conflict sensitivity can lead to a weakening of trust between the target group and implementers. Trust is a critical factor that determines the participation and support of communities, especially in project processes. If the target group feels that project implementers do not take into account local dynamics, needs and sensitivities, this can create a climate of mistrust towards the project. Loss of trust is not limited to an immediate reaction; it can also lead to the weakening of long-term relationships. The community begins to question its relationship with the organization or individuals implementing the project. Moreover, a lack of conflict sensitivity not only compromises the success of a particular project, but can also lead to a deep-seated prejudice against all work in that field.
How to Gain This Sensitivity?
We have talked about the negative effects that a lack of conflict sensitivity can have on projects, but how is it possible to avoid these negative consequences and develop a conflict-sensitive approach? Conflict sensitivity requires a conscious and systematic process. In this article we would like to describe three of the steps that need to be taken to become conflict sensitive: Analysis, training, monitoring…
Conflict sensitivity requires, as a first step, a comprehensive analysis of the area where the intervention or project will be implemented. This analysis includes examining the relationships of the target group in the area, existing tensions and potential conflict situations. Any intervention without understanding the social, cultural and economic structure of the area may increase the risks of conflict. Therefore, it is crucial to understand local dynamics and design a project in this context. For this reason, it is also useful to use the conflict analysis tools mentioned in our previous article. For example, conflict mapping to understand the relationships within the target group that the project or intervention focuses on, or conflict trees to examine the underlying causes and effects of the issue in question, are of great importance in terms of conflict sensitivity. These tools contribute to a more in-depth examination of existing problems and the development of effective solutions.
In addition, providing training to the project team to develop conflict analysis and resolution perspectives contributes to a better understanding of conflict dynamics and helps to anticipate and effectively manage potential conflicts. In this way, individuals and organizations working in the field can take a more in-depth look at conflicts and identify latent or emerging tensions; they can understand at what stage conflicts are, how they manifest themselves and which interventions would be more solution-oriented. In this way, conflicts can be properly managed and projects can achieve their objectives.
Another important step to improve conflict sensitivity is to implement continuous monitoring and evaluation processes in projects from a conflict sensitivity perspective. These mechanisms play a critical role in understanding how conflict risks change as the project progresses. Regular assessments allow teams to more closely monitor project dynamics and flexibly adapt the response when necessary. In this way, projects are both more effectively managed and potential conflicts can be identified and prevented early.
Consequently, conflict sensitivity is a critical approach that ensures not only the success of projects, but also the preservation of social peace and harmony in the long term. Developing this sensitivity enables projects to build stronger ties with target groups, identify strategies in line with local dynamics, and generate sustainable solutions. Conflict analysis, understanding local sensitivities and designing and implementing projects accordingly are the cornerstones of conflict sensitivity. Conflict resolution trainings for teams and continuous monitoring and evaluation steps during project processes deepen this sensitivity and help achieve more effective and lasting results in the field. All these steps not only prevent potential conflicts, but also make significant contributions to building a more peaceful, resilient and sustainable future.
Thank you for reading our post! At Conflictus, we eagerly await your feedback and insights.
Tunç Karaçay
Conflictus Conflict Resolution Training and Consultancy
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Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation. (2013). Working with conflict sensitivity: 3 steps for working in fragile and conflict-affected situations. Helvetas.
Lange, M. (2004). Building institutional capacity for conflict-sensitive practice: the case of international NGOs. London: International Alert.
United Nations Sustainable Development Group. (2020). Good practice note on conflict sensitivity, peacebuilding and sustaining peace
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