Fact Sheet on Conflict Sensitivity
Publisher: KOFF
Date: 2012
Topics: Humanitarian Assistance, Programming
For many years aid practitioners have been pointing to the fact that humanitarian, development, or peacebuilding interventions sometimes have negative unintended side effects. Infusing resources (in terms of projects/programs) in environments of inequality, scarcity, conflict, polarisation and intergroup tensions, can - and often does - exacerbate existing tensions and conflicts. On the other hand, the “positive” potential of aid to strengthen social cohesion (through participatory development etc.) and transforming conflicts is equally clear. What therefore is needed is an institutional recognition and awareness of these facts, and an approach that minimizes the risks and maximises the positive potential of working in conflict affected situations. This particular approach is called Conflict Sensitive Program Management (CSPM). It can be described as a lens to look at reality, a norm, a management instrument, a project/program management tool as well as a matter of personal attitude and behaviour.