International Alert.

Introducing International Alert Cover photos: Corbis, Panos, International Alert/Jenny Matthews

Understanding conflict. Building peace. Violent conflict today

Over 125 armed conflicts have raged worldwide since the Cold War, killing more than 7 million people… mostly civilians.

The majority of conflicts happen not between states but within them – often in poor or disadvantaged countries. Violence disrupts social and economic development and destroys already fragile livelihoods. It deprives people of their hope and belief in a better future.

While more peace agreements have been reached in the past 15 years than Photo: International Alert the previous two centuries combined, they alone are not enough to ensure lasting peace. Within five years, almost half fail. Unless tackled at the source, The problem there’s a real risk violence will recur. isn’t conflict – Peacebuilding addresses the causes of violent conflict the problem is It encourages the attitudes, behaviour and deeper social conditions that enable violent conflict peace to take root. Recovering from war can take decades, as lasting peace requires wide-ranging reform in society and government. Peacebuilding takes patience, understanding and time.

Communities affected by violent conflict can improve the prospects for sustainable peace with the assistance of organisations such as International Alert, who have the knowledge and commitment to support peacebuilding activities. Who we are

International Alert is an independent organisation that works to build sustainable peace in areas affected or threatened by violent conflict. At both the policy level and on the ground, we work closely with over 120 partner organisations in some of the world’s worst-affected conflict regions.

With main offices in , Alert has about 90 international staff and more than 40 projects in West Africa, the Great Lakes region of Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Andean region of South America, , Nepal and the

Photo: United Nations Philippines. We also research and provide policy recommendations on the We seek to role of business, humanitarian aid and development, gender, security and post-conflict reconstruction in the context of peacebuilding. understand Our aims the causes of • Working directly with people affected by violent conflict in support violent conflict – of their efforts to improve their prospects for peace

then act to make Forming partnerships to develop mutual understanding between those a difference divided by conflict and to identify new solutions for persistent problems • Shaping international policy and practice that affect peacebuilding

Working at government, EU and UN levels to help decision-makers understand the impact of their actions and include the perspectives of war-torn communities

• Strengthening the expertise, impact and public profile of the peacebuilding sector

Raising public awareness of the importance of peacebuilding and working within the sector to improve ways of addressing the root causes of violent conflict Examples of our work

Lobbying and advising the Researching the links between Supporting the development European Union and its member economy and conflict in the of a peace research centre governments, including the United South Caucasus in Nepal Kingdom, on peacebuilding and conflict prevention policy

Helping people from Supporting the dialogue violent conflict regions between conflict parties to voice their opinions in the Philippines at the United Nations

Helping to reduce conflict caused Bringing together business by extractive industries in the people to establish trade Andean region of South America relations and promote peace in Sri Lanka

Promoting peace messages in Assisting parliamentarians, Promoting women’s Liberia’s media with the help of women’s groups and religious involvement in the traditional communicators leaders in to bring about post-genocide justice stability after a period of violent tribunals in Rwanda conflict Our vision

In 1986 , former Secretary General of , helped found International Alert. From that time, we have envisioned a world where differences are resolved without erupting into violent conflict. This means that when people seek better lives for their families and communities, any conflicts that arise are managed peacefully, with honesty and wisdom.

Lasting peace cannot be made on behalf of people – it is only possible with the involvement of those most affected by violent conflict. However, much can be done to equip individuals, organisations and communities with the skills and Photo: International Alert/Jenny Matthews knowledge to improve their chances of resolving conflicts without resorting Our vision is a to violence. Our work is impartial and inclusive, rooted in a respect for gender and cultural diversity and a commitment to human rights. world in which Our approach differences are

There are no easy ways to build lasting peace. International Alert uses a range resolved without of methods to address a variety of conflict situations. Our approach includes: resorting to • Enabling dialogue between individuals and communities who are divided violent conflict by conflict

• Accompaniment to those involved in a peace process by providing support and assistance

• Capacity building for organisations to develop the skills and confidence to participate in peace processes

• Research and analysis based on the experiences of those directly affected by conflict

• Public education to build peacebuilding awareness in the regions where we work and in the UK International Alert.

Partnerships

International Alert works with a wide range of individuals and organisations from different levels and sectors of society, including:

• Businesses • Governments and parliamentarians • Inter-governmental organisations including the United Nations and European Union • Media

Photo: International Alert • Non-governmental organisations, community groups and other networks • Police, military and the security sector • Religious and community leaders • Research and academic institutions

Training

We provide training and capacity building on specific topics for different kinds of local and international organisations. Some of this training involves tailored workshops and seminars. We also produce a wide range of training materials, resource packs and publications that are available from our website.

Support

Our funding is dependent on grants and donations from governments, trusts, foundations and individuals. There are many ways to get involved. For more information, visit our website or contact our development team at [email protected] Cover photos: Corbis, Panos, International Alert/Jenny Matthews International Alert. 346 Clapham Road, London SW9 9AP, Tel +44 (0)20 7627 6800, Fax +44 (0)20 7627 6900, Email general international-alert.org www.international-alert.org

Registered charity no: 327553