Volume 8 Number 2 2003 Published by the Life & Peace Institute

TheThe rolerole ofof mediamedia inin warwar andand peacepeace

Also in this issue: Human Rights in Peacebuilding in

Argentina Somalia New Routes 2/03 1 Contents About the authors Alice Petrén works as newsreporter at the Swedish Broadcasting Complexity - Corporation. She is the chairperson of Reporters 3 the first victim in war Without Borders - Sweden. Alice Petrén Orla Clinton is a freelance journalist reporting mainly for Irish media. She has worked for Church of Sweden, LWF and ENI Access to media - in Zimbabwe. At the Masters Programme in Humani- 6 a privilege or a right? tarian Aid at Uppsala university she specialised in Conflict, Orla Clinton Disaster and Peace-Building. Basil Nyama is a reverend and holds a master’s degree in communication. Media as agents for He is the Editor of the Horn of Africa Bulletin. peacebuilding Marda Dunsky 9 Marda Dunsky is assistant professor at the Medill School Basil Nyama of Journalism, Northwestern University, USA. Orly Halpern Israeli-Palestinian conflict: is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem. 11 Roadmap to a balanced Hans Romkema media picture is the Life & Peace Institute Representative in DR Congo, Marda Dunsky heading the peacebuilding programme for the Kivu regions. Anders Ruuth holds a PhD in theology. He has worked as a missionary Israel-Palestine: for Church of Sweden Mission in Argentina and has an 15 ’Our’ victims are tragedy extensive knowledge of the Latin American context. - ’theirs’ are statistics Björn Ryman Orly Halpern holds a PhD in history and works with the Research Depart- ment of Church of Sweden and with Uppsala university. Hélène Morvan Pax Americana or World Peace? is a research assistant / travaille comme assistante de 17 Hans Romkema recherche à l’Institut Vie et Paix/Bukavu depuis début octobre 2002. Argentina: Thania Paffenholz The painful march towards holds a PhD in international relations. She works as an 20 independent researcher and peacebuilding advisor and reconciliation teaches at the Institute of Political Science, University of Anders Ruuth Berne, Switzerland. From Life and Work 24 to Life and Peace Björn Ryman New Routes is a quarterly publication of the Life & Peace Pour une paix durable en RDC: Institute. Material may be reproduced freely if New Routes 26 Le point de vue du la is mentioned as the source. Opinions expressed in New population Routes do not necessarily reflect LPI policy positions. Hélène Morvan Life & Peace Institute PO Box 1520 Ten years and many SE-751 45 Uppsala, Sweden 28 lessons learned Visiting address: Sysslomansgatan 7 Thania Paffenholz Tel: (+46) 18 - 16 97 86 Fax: (+46) 18 - 69 30 59 E-mail: [email protected] News, resources and reviews Web site: www.life-peace.org 30 Editors: Tore Samuelsson and Kristina Lundqvist Cover photo: Elizabeth Malby/The Baltimore Sun/ Meet Elsi Takala, LPI Board Pressens Bild 32 Printer: Temdahls Tryckeri AB, Östervåla ISSN 0248-0200

2 New Routes 2/03 EDITORIAL Media – a tool for peace or a weapon of war?

Alice Petrén writes about the risk for The concept ‘media’ gives rise to many an oversimplified reality, when weapons associations in different directions: to mediate, to speak louder than freedom. Orla be a medium or a mediator ... Or are they really Clinton lifts up alternative voices to the media industry, and Basil Nyama sees different? They all imply the meaning of something media as a potential agent for peace. that transfers something bigger than itself. A What kind of peace are we facing in messenger carrying bad news or good news, the future? asks Hans Romkema in an helping people to communicate. article.Two articles with examples from Israel-Palestine consider the delicate question of balance in the media Like many “tools” used by human beings, the Constructive Resolution of picture. media can serve good or evil purposes. Disputes, in Conflict Prevention Newsletter, In this journal you will find analyses Free, independent, objective media make May 2003. As eager as media are to give and reflections of the peace and people think, reflect and meet in an a minute-to-minute reporting from the reconciliation processes in Argentina atmosphere of openness. At its best, media battle scene (like the one in Afghanistan and Somalia, and of the people’s hope may promote peace and understanding. or in Iraq), as silent are they, once the for peace in the DRC. Read also about All too often, though, media are used to drama is over and the long and winding the conference twenty years ago that manipulate the truth, to exaggerate or road to peace is to begin. The situation led to the creation of the Life and Peace to diminish facts. With the help of military in the aftermath of a war is very fragile. Institute. or political power, and, not least, with the A peace agreement is no guarantee for Media without readers, watchers, (mis)use of money, media can be a sustainable peace. listeners are dead. Welcome to share weapon of war, a threat to freedom. Several of the articles in this issue your reactions, views and impressions! Not too long ago, during World War of New Routes reflect on the II, we could see the horrifying effects of possibilities and challenges of media. Kristina Lundqvist the fact that media could not or would not reveal the truth. “We did not know”, as people claimed in and around Germany, when the concentration camps were opened. How was it possible? we may ask ourselves today, when it is almost impossible to “escape” the flow of media. With modern information technology, it is very difficult to conceal the deeds and misdeeds of a regime. But the same technology also gives an enormous potential for manipulation of facts. What is, in essence, facts, and what is a mixture of assumptions, rumours and opinions? How to find the shelf with reliable information in the huge department store of news, sensations, comments and analyses? Radio and Internet are said to be the most important sources of news and infor- “The media can make or break a mation in modern society. In wartorn communities, like for example Liberia, media peace process”, says Senzo Ngubane, a can either help to make former enemies co-operate, or, at worst, shatter a fragile researcher with the African Centre for peace process. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer

New Routes 2/03 3 MEDIA IN WAR AND PEACE Complexity the first victim in war

proof of a preparedness to improve. Free and independent journalism in conflict-ridden Although in opposition to each other, countries is a delicate issue. A stereotypic division they had managed to elect an of people into “us and them” is a threat to nuances Ombudsman for media, Bernard Makiza, a senior full of integrity and and impartiality. without illusions. Too old to In a number of examples from different countries, challenge anyone for a position, he the author gives a personal reflection on the encourages a strengthened position challenges that meet reporters of today. Is the world through individual, as well as collective, actions. facing a “new journalistic order” after the Iraq war? Open discussions could bring out nuances and hinder the pattern of “us - Of course, we would publish a photo relevance of portraying two and them”. But marked by last year’s of a policeman stopping two men in innocent men as criminals was out bloody fights close to Brazzaville in the the street, even if we learn that the of their scope – they had a photo! Pool-region, they could not resist suspects are in fact innocent, said the Journalists in Congo-Brazzaville, becoming aggressive, irritated and using group of Congolese reporters in one like their colleagues in too many a very harsh tone when talking of the voice. countries, are used to war and war, the military and the Ninja-mili- - What will that mean for the violence, to propaganda and the views tiamen, who just entered the capital to suspects? I asked. For their families? of the elite, to corruption and bribes, surrender. And for what purpose would you do to impunity and injustice, and have Despite statements by the informa- it? little experience of peace, truth and tion minister in favour of a free press, - It’s an event. It’s something that human rights. Or of a free and the obstacles are big. And the efforts has happened. And also, we got a professional journalism. So they are for change may meet new counter- photo! they answered, reflecting megaphones to their master’s voice, productive forces. neither on the message they may whoever that may be. convey, nor on the responsibilities of The main part of the Congolese New order for journalists media and individual reporters. reporters is connected to one of the The war in Iraq may have formed a This debate was one among many political camps in the country new road map, not only for the politi- many others in the workshop “Jour- and reluctant to bite the hand that cal order, but also for journalists. Events nalism in Peace and Conflict” feeds them. Although they all agreed and statements create uneasiness. Many arranged by the Life & Peace Insti- that information, facts and truth are reporters around the world are worried tute in Congo-Brazzaville in main objectives for journalism, their that the Iraq war will lead to a regres- sion in freedom of press in their Impartiality, objectives, ethics and countries. If the USA, the country which refers to itself as the prime reliability are complicated issues democracy in the world, is arguing in a conflict zone. along lines used in Banana Republics, “if you are not with us – you are against us”, then why would our leaders listen November, 2002. Impartiality, daily practice proved differently. to arguments about democracy, they objectives, ethics and reliability in Impartiality was desirable, but how wonder. sources are complicated issues for to do when you don’t even have One critical event was when Ame- all reporters, and even more so, of money for transport to an interview rican forces opened fire at Hotel course, in a conflict zone like or a site? Palestine in Baghdad and killed two Congo-Brazzaville. To question the This workshop was, however, the media persons. Independent

4 New Routes 2/03 MEDIA IN WAR AND PEACE witnesses testified that the US assassinated in cold blood. Many soldiers had been present for two Colombian reporters live in exile. Last hours and that the shooting was not year, five journalists were killed, 60 an impulsive act. kidnapped or had their lives Afterwards, the spokesperson for threatened and 20 went into exile, the Pentagon, the American according to accounts by the NGO headquarters for defence, Victoria Reporters Without Borders. This or- Clarke, indicated that the journalists ganisation fights for press freedom by themselves were to blame. Pentagon protests to governments against had warned that Baghdad would infringements. become a dangerous area, and as long The fighting parties, the military, as they were not embedded, being a the para-military, the FARC-guerilla journalist there would be extremely and the drug-mafia, have all made risky. But the steps between the journalists a direct target in the warning and the attack ought to lead conflict in the country. Once again a to more than just a shrugging of free press that could contribute to shoulders. Could anyone ever imagine dialogue and give voice to all actors a similar attack against American is stopped in an “us and them”-ar- reporters being treated that way? gument. The same day in Baghdad, the With support from the Swedish In- Arabic TV-station Al Jazeera lost a ternational Development Agency, the colleague in an air strike by the US Swedish section of Reporters Without forces. As in Kabul in Afghanistan, the Borders is about to assist several TV-station suspected that Americans Colombian media-organisations to consciously tried to silence what they strengthen the position of the reporters. saw as pro-Iraqi-propaganda. There has This includes a range of issues, from been an intensive debate about the awareness-raising on the reporter’s role profile of Al Jazeera’s reporting, and in the conflict, to practical measures like opinions differ whether it is indepen- alert systems. dent journalism or not. But the same Ukraine and Belarus are two other goes for the American Fox Television countries, where reporters run high Ninjas, ex-militia in Brazzaville, and their future and CNN. risks of being murdered. In Septem- is part of the story to be reported in Congo. Drawing a line between informa- ber 2000, the young Ukrainian Photo: Alice Petrén tion and propaganda is a subtle art. Georgy Gongadze was killed after This is most obvious in the middle disclosure of corruption at the very of a conflict. The laws and highest level in the country and are often isolated. The basic principle conventions for war crimes are challenging president Leonid Kuchma – verify with other sources – is not formulated in general terms and in a TV-debate. Tape recordings by one applied as widely as before. subject to interpretations. A TV-sta- of the president’s bodyguards revea- The big losers in this new order tion can be a legitimate target for led that he was involved in the attack are probably people like the average attack, if it is used for military on the reporter, but the prosecutor has Congolese. What chances are they purposes. This is, thus, a subject for dismissed the evidence and the case is given to orient themselves to make interpretation. The question arises of still open. decisions in their lives? The who does the interpreting in the Impunity is an enormous problem responsibility lies on all levels, on the middle of a war? in connection with attacks on international community, on govern- journalists. The listing of predators mental levels, and with the individual. No prisoners – only that are free is long. In this context, The Congolese Media ombuds- assassinated journalists the comments from the Pentagon man, Bernard Makiza, believes that Colombia is one of the most become worrying. The Iraq war has every person is an important pillar dangerous countries in the world for marked new attempts to dehumanise and has a task to fulfil to achieve a media. There, reporters are not put “them” and describe “them” as evil- correct, multifaceted and impartial into dark, humid dripping cells, when makers, and reporters among the view. they do their job and act Allied forces bought that language. independently. Instead, they are Sources tend to stay anonymous and Alice Petrén

New Routes 2/03 5 MEDIA IN WAR AND PEACE Access to media - a privilege or a right?

but a few. How did countries in Africa ”Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and report the Iraq war and what are the expression; this right includes freedom to hold repercussions? Perhaps the most glaring result, opinions without interference and to seek, receive particularly for Africa, is the shift in and impart information and ideas through any focus. As Iraq or Afghanistan becomes media and regardless of frontiers.” (Article 19, front-page news, other conflicts with Universal Declaration of Human Rights) equally, if not more serious The recent media coverage of the war in Iraq and humanitarian consequences, continue unabated but yet simply ignored or earlier Afghanistan has left many disenchanted relegated to a few pitiless lines or words. with the mechanisms of the media. Media – a tool for change Few would argue with the vision in- minority of us with other alternatives The role of the media and informa- herent in Article 19. Today, with the to discern particular types of informa- tion has never been more recognised dramatic development of technological tion. as a valuable tool for change. A advances, immediate images from Yet, for the majority a worrying tremendous amount of work to conflict, and to a lesser extent post trend is that their information needs eliminate some of the imbalances noted conflict zones, are beamed directly into have been met through such massive above goes quietly unnoticed. Often our living rooms. And yet, at no other media bombardment campaigns, as was these projects are initiatives from within time do we seem less informed. Either the case with Iraq. On closer exami- the media itself and have long term you possess a relentless interest to nation though, some media, for development and change as their main pursue alternative sources of informa- example, the American cable channels, priority. tion, to challenge what is conveyed and served as little more than camouflages Concerned at the disintegrating find some truth at some level. Or like for their own side. Whose rights and standards within their profession, many most of us, you continue to be robbed needs were answered in Iraq? Was the dedicated media professionals are going of your most basic right not only to be American public, who watches these some way towards closing the huge informed but also to be credibly networks, informed in a credible way? gaps between north and south. They informed. At the other end of the scale, media have established organisations com- Whose rights and needs we are in the south continue to be excluded, mitted to correcting some of these talking about in Article 19 in the Uni- as the business of reporting high profile inherent injustices. versal Declaration of Human Rights? wars costs excessive amounts of money. Internews Network (www.internews.org) The recent media coverage of the war Few media outlets in Africa possess the is a non-profit organisation supporting in Iraq and earlier in Afghanistan has resources to compete with internatio- open media worldwide. It fosters in- left many disenchanted with the nal media. They are left to rely on and dependent media in emerging democracies, produces innovative tele- vision and programming and Internet Some media served as content, and uses the media to mediate conflicts within and between countries. little more than camouflages Currently, they have programmes for their own side. spanning the former Soviet Union, East and West Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the United mechanisms of the media and the are ever more dependent on Ameri- States. political machine that often drives it. can, British and Arabic news. And even Their latest initiative is a conference Of course the Internet provides a then, access to these sources is open to to design the legal framework for a

6 New Routes 2/03 MEDIA IN WAR AND PEACE democratic media in Iraq held June 1-3 in Athens, Greece. Leading Iraqi, Arab and Western media experts will convene to develop a set of policy recommendations for legal and regulatory reforms in Iraq. These reforms are meant to foster free, pluralistic media in Iraq. “The Iraqi people suffered under one of the world’s most repressive regimes, which used the media to maintain control over almost every aspect of Iraqi life. Now they face new dangers posed by the lack of any media law or authority,” said Markos Kounalakis, Chair of the Internews Network board in a press statement. “This conference is de- signed to help create a framework for a new media architecture in Iraq, as part of the process of building democracy.” Information is the foundation of all human rights – especially vital in times of crisis. Similarly, the Institute for War & Photo: Pressens Bild Peace Reporting, IWPR (www.iwpr.net), strengthens local jour- populations to be part of a process that upon a global network of print, nalism in areas of conflict. By training would otherwise be denied to them. broadcast and Internet professionals reporters, facilitating dialogue and with extensive humanitarian and providing reliable information, it Media in crisis situations development experience, MAI aims to supports peace, democracy and Media Action International, MAI provide reliable information to development in societies undergoing (www.mai.org), is another organisation populations affected by conflicts and crisis and change. IWPR says its work bridging some of the imbalances in disasters. They also advocate the is distinguished by intensive on-the- reporting from conflict and post importance of credible, independent job training, practical collaboration conflict zones. Their aim is to promote information in all humanitarian, between international and regional a more effective use of the media to peacekeeping, recovery and develop- journalists to transfer skills and help local populations in crises and to ment initiatives. experience for the long term. strengthen the role of information in Ed Girardet, founding member and IWPR base their work on an humanitarian and development president of MAI, concedes, however, that integrated programme that aims to initiatives. “We believe that informa- the media coverage in Iraq makes it now improve the capacity of local journalists tion is the foundation of all human more of a struggle to convince people of to produce balanced and accurate rights - and that it is especially vital in the need for credible information. reporting in the public interest. The times of crisis”, part of their mission “How can we go to Iraq and teach activities are designed to contribute to statement reads. them, when we have this record?” he public understanding of political issues They promote the effective use of asks, referring to what he regarded as within the region as well as internationally, with an emphasis on democratisation, human rights, conflict resolution and development. How did countries Both Internews and IWPR have in Africa been highly commended for their report the Iraq war? involvement in the war crimes tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Supporting people’s right to know and to bring the process of justice closer, credible, independent media for the the dismal reporting from some of the daily print news coverage including benefit of vulnerable populations in American networks. “Where lies our broadcasting has enabled affected crisis and post-crisis situations. Drawing credibility?”

New Routes 2/03 7 MEDIA IN WAR AND PEACE

Independence is another issue MAI has been involved in and Ecumenical news service which the war has put central stage. supporting practical endeavours. In Within the ecumenical family, an Girardet says that more than ever Rwanda the successful use of freeplay initiative was taken after the Septem- before, the need to be cautious is wind up and solar powered radios ber 11 events to set up an electronic imperative. He stresses that pro- provide a supplemental role and newsletter with particular focus on grammes, particularly those relating sustainable access to information and church voices and other alternative to information, must be multi-donor education for child led families. In a perspectives to the Northern media. The service is called Behind the News: Visions of Peace and Voices of Faith All human beings (website: http://www.wcc-coe.org/ have a right to wcc/behindthenews). Behind it stand the World Council of Churches, Action information that is credible. by Churches Together and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance. The purpose of Behind the News funded. “How can you argue country with only seven percent is to provide useful, unique, and di- independence if you are one hund- school enrolment, these radios are the verse information on the current si- red percent funded from the US?” he only sources of information and tuation of global conflict. Given the asks. education for a majority of children. dominance of the Northern media in Whereas Internews and IWRP tend The success of the Talking Drum Stu- reporting developments, Behind the to increase the capacity of experienced dio initiated by Search for Common News strives to circulate statements journalists, MAI aims to educate them at Ground in Sierra Leone and Liberia and action plans by churches, the early stage. In Afghanistan, MAI has is producing radio programmes by ecumenical bodies, and church-related been training young journalists from the children for children. organizations in other regions, three main universities. All ethnic groups While encouraged by the progress particularly Asia and the Middle East. are represented with a 60/40 male/ made, Ed Girardet feels incredulous that Analyses and reflections both from female ratio. An important result of this you still have to keep stressing that within the church constituencies and programme has been the production of information has an impact. “We still spend from other faith communities are also a youth magazine, which is distributed so much time having to advocate infor- presented. to high schools. MAI is also responsible mation. All human beings have a right to for the Afghan Monitor, a multi media information that is credible, allowing them Orla Clinton interactive forum providing up to date to be informed, so that they can make information on Afghanistan. choices relevant to their surroundings.”

New report from LPI Dr. Thania Paffenholz, peacebuilding entire peacebuilding community. researcher and practitioner, has studied Lessons for future practise of peace- LPI’s work in Somalia from the early building can be drawn, as well as 1990s. She found out that LPI has theoretical reflections that serve to developed its own specific peace- develop the theoretical concept of building approach. In this study, peacebuilding. ”Community-based Bottom-up This book makes the important Peacebuilding”, she draws many lessons experiences of LPI in Somalia available that can be used in other contexts and for the interested community of by other organisations working in this researchers and practitioners of conflict field, for example, the empowerment transformation and peacebuilding. of civil society, even in the absence of The book will be released in July. organised civil society groups. Order your copy by e-mail to To study LPI’s experiences is not [email protected] already now. only valuable for LPI itself but for the Coming in July.

8 New Routes 2/03 AGENTS FOR PEACE Media as agents for peacebuilding

cators, media have helped to remove There is a need to explore the value and the role dictatorial regimes, highlighted gross of media in its entirety – electronic, print, and violations of human rights and fostered narrow casting – including their outlets for the justice and reconciliation. Media can inform, educate, and enlighten citizens. promotion of civil society processes, such as They have promoted environmental change of behaviour, peacebuilding and protection and have backed the struggle reconciliation. This is both crucial and vital, against the hiv/aids pandemic. These particularly in the Horn of Africa region, which examples are indicative of the fact that, if strengthened as agents and/or tools continues to be devastated by violent and for peacebuilding and other positive protracted conflicts. social changes, media have numerous values. If peacebuilding means strengthening region of protracted conflicts, such as Robin Hay has stated that media the prospects for peace1 in conflict- the greater Horn of Africa. have obvious values2 in several con- countries and enhancing the capacities Although there are known cases in texts. As outlets for divergent opinions, of the civil society for non-violent Africa and in the Horn of Africa region media can assure people that society is conflict transformation, then media where media have been used to stir up moving towards a healthy openness in ought to be perceived, and conflict and exacerbate war, the power dealing with its affairs or conflicts. As strengthened as a component and a of media to transform violent conflicts watchdogs on politicians and civil powerful tool of the wider civil society into non-violent ones is too crucial to servants, free media can hold members that has a stake in social changes, as well be underestimated. Given the fact that of society and government accountable as in peacebuilding. media are a power that must be for their actions. We live in a time in history when reckoned with, and are civil society Media can monitor and report on many social norms and behaviours are agents and tools that can provide human rights violations and can becoming increasingly mediated and positive change and peacebuilding, it provide warnings concerning potential globalized. This exchange of informa- is imperative to invest in media, as well renewals of violent conflicts early tion in the twenty-first century as to tap their potential. enough for these situations to be includes the sharing of value systems Strengthened media can and should addressed or, at the very least, prepared and meanings. As the process of human bring about positive change, even in for. interaction is becoming increasingly the greater Horn of Africa. For mediated, social relations are more and example, free and strengthened media Advisory media more characterised by the sharing of can promote a popular culture of For example, it was excellent for the universally accepted and defined sets participatory democracy, basic human Life & Peace Institute to continue to of information, and the access and claim to universally accepted basic rights, even in regard to behaviour and The power of media social institutions. This means that no single individual to transform violent or social structure can take upon itself conflicts into non-violent the monopoly of determining or imposing on people (or society) a ones is crucial. socially acceptable set of moral values, virtues or meanings. Thus, it is necessary and useful for society to utilise media rights, coexistence, tolerance, and peace. advocate a participatory and popular to bring changes to life, especially in a As bearers of early warning indi- peace, such as in Somalia, via Horn of

New Routes 2/03 9 AGENTS FOR PEACE

room for attitudes of indifference instead of togetherness for a just world! Increased global forms of interactions are constantly bombarding societies. Though we live in a world without a fence, we cannot run away from its realities. For these and many others reasons, media’s pervasive and positive influence on life can be harnessed and made to strengthen peacebuilding processes. And this shall be done, to the benefit of mankind in this region, as well as to the stability and peaceful coexistence of the wider humanity. Governments, politicians and the civil society should move away from the socially held imagery that likens media to “vultures” to a perception that supports and develops them as integral aspects or agents of the wider civil society that are vital for peacebuilding. A Swedish-Tanzanian film team producing a documentary about HIV/aids in Tanzania. Photo: Tore Samuelsson Basil BS Nyama

Africa Bulletin. We believe that articles promote all kinds of vices and violence, 1 Robin Hay, Media and peacebuilding, Global Affairs Research Partners for the Institute such as Johan Svensson’s “Popular peace all detrimental to society. They can for Media, Policy and Civil Society for Somalia this time?”3 can solicit encourage what I may call the gun-and- 2 Ibid. favourable responses and actions. In blood culture, e.g. propaganda that 3 Horn of Africa Bulletin, Vol. 14, No. 5. Sept- some instances, it is possible for media promotes ethnic cleansing, ethnicity, Oct 2002 recommendations or highlightings to selfish hegemony, reprisal, repression, influence the making of racism, genocide, such as the one in decisions by regional or international Rwanda, etc). At other times they can Regular news from institutions on matters of concern. be motivated by incorrect interpreta- the Horn of Africa It is sad to note that media have, in tions and practice of limited spheres of some African instances, contributed life, such as religious, ideological or Get updated through the considerably to some of the many social theological hermeneutics. To see how Horn of Africa Bulletin and political upheavals. Perhaps due to media is a persuasive tool of com- LPI’s Horn of Africa Bulletin, reasons of ownership and purpose, as munication, one needs only to flash- produced in Nairobi, provides a well as misinformation due to false or back to the recent war in Iraq. digest of news and views from flawed information databases, media The realities of an almost Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, have contributed toward wayward contagious form of social behaviour Somaliland and Sudan. Covering behaviours that promote vices that and modus operandi of communication issues of domestic politics, relief, eco- destroy society. in a globalized world imply that nomics, health and others, the Bulle- tin monitors the development. Editor: Basil BS Nyama. Media have helped Subscription fee for organizations to remove one years, six issues: SEK 400/ dictatorial regimes. EURO 40/USD 50/GBP 30. Individuals: donation. Subscribe by contacting HAB, P.O. Box 21186, Nairobi, Kenya. Indeed, if recklessly used, media as nothing any longer exists in isolation. E-mail: [email protected] social agents have the potential to An indication that there is very little

10 New Routes 2/03 AGENTS FOR PEACE

Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Roadmap to a balanced media picture

beat one man until he was barely With a one-sided view on a complicated conflict conscious, the B’Tselem report said. like the Israeli-Palestinian one, both American - Move, let me show you how papers and English-language Israeli press tend to to beat, one soldier said to another when he wanted a turn at hitting give the readers a biased picture of the situation. the Palestinian, according to the Whether important details are left out, or specific report. events are described in generalizing terms, neither Pointing guns at the “ditch” offers a fair, balanced coverage of all sides Palestinians, the soldiers forced the of the case, according to the author who is a super- eight remaining men in the two taxis to beat one another. visor for students in journalism. - With tears falling from his eyes, the young [Palestinian] man started I follow news of the Israeli-Palestinian Copans, can be found in the Lexus- to beat us with his fist on our faces conflict closely. Like many Americans, Nexus database. It reads: and heads, passenger Khaled I consume the usual ‘name-brand’ U.S. Rawashdeh, 36, said in the report. mainstream media sources of informa- “The Israeli army said Monday that Rawashdeh said soldiers pointed a tion. But I do not consider my daily a group of soldiers beat a Palestinian gun to the man and told him to briefing complete until I have read the traveling in a taxi, forced the passen- beat harder. English-language Israeli press online. gers to beat each other, and slashed Four of the Palestinians needed It is here one finds the very small the tires of a vehicle. hospital treatment afterward, the details that generate the dramatic Responding to a complaint by report added. An army statement events we are witnessing now – the an Israeli human rights group, the acknowledged that a soldier made suicide bombings and military army acknowledged the soldiers passengers hit one another, and incursions and diplomatic initiatives. ‘acted with brutality toward passen- another soldier slashed the tires of But many of these details are rarely gers’ and said it was investigating a taxi. reported by mainstream American the July 23 incident outside the The army statement referred to media. West Bank city of Hebron. only one taxi, not two. Neither the In July 2001 the Israeli newspapers According to witness accounts army statement nor the B’Tselem Ha’aretz and the Jerusalem Post compiled by the human rights report gave any motive for the published English-language online group B’Tselem, three jeeps with soldiers’ actions. reports of an incident that was also soldiers detained 12 Palestinian The army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. reported by the Associated Press. passengers in two taxis. After letting Shaul Mofaz, condemned the Despite the exposure, then, that American foreign correspondents and editors had to the story, it was not What does a picture picked up widely by U.S. media. The of land confiscation incident is symbolic, emblematic, a look like? corroborative piece in a larger pattern that has gone all but unreported by most U.S. mainstream media in any an elderly man, a woman and a soldiers’ actions, saying such cases significant detail. child go, the soldiers told the taxis cause the army great damage, the The 300-word AP report, dated July to drive through an olive orchard Ha’aretz newspaper reported 30 and written by reporter Laurie to a hidden spot where two soldiers Monday.”

New Routes 2/03 11 AGENTS FOR PEACE

NewsHour’, among others. But if the media are just finding out what goes into the making of a suicide bomber because suicide bombing has become a recurring phenomenon, then it stands to reason that something – many things – have been left out of the reporting of this conflict all along the way. The other day I was discussing this issue with a friend of mine who is an editor on the Chicago Tribune foreign desk. He said: ‘We don’t report on the building until it catches on fire; we don’t write about the lake until someone drowns in it.’ True enough. But over time, the media should be reporting on the small details of the conflict that lead up to the large ones – before the fire becomes a conflagration and before the victims are being dragged dead from the water.

International aspects Jerusalem, a symbol of division and conflicts. Photo: Bernt Jonsson The second element often missing in reportage of the conflict is explicit ack- What is missing are gut-wrenching and horrific. They nowledgement that a body of interna- If we are to analyse U.S. mainstream are an important part of the story. But tional law and consensus exists that is media reporting of the Israeli- they do not constitute the full picture. relevant to competing Israeli and Palestinian conflict, then we should Where were the cameras when the Palestinian demands and claims – but examine what is not there as well as Palestinian taxi passengers were made the U.S. foreign policy tilt toward Israel what is. Let us consider three missing to beat each other by Israeli soldiers? has consistently marginalized these elements in this coverage. What does a picture of land important international aspects. Let me The first of these elements is details confiscation look like? What does a illustrate with a swatch of analysis on of Palestinian daily life under picture of the additional 90,000 Israeli coverage of Israeli settlements in the occupation as it has existed in one form settlers who moved to the West Bank, West Bank. or another, in periods of low crisis and nearly doubling the settlement popu- The Israeli settlements in the West high crisis, for the last 35 years. I would lation during the seven years of the Bank and Gaza – where some 200,000 argue that these details have been given Oslo peace process, look like? How Israeli colonists live among 3.2 million very scant attention in the reporting about the 7,000 Palestinian houses Palestinians – are a key issue in the of the conflict, because until now they reported by Israeli and international resolution of the conflict. Yet there has have not been deemed an important human-rights groups to have been been a virtual absence of critical enough obstacle to the pursuit of U.S. destroyed since 1967 – not including reporting in the mainstream media on interests in the Middle East. This has those houses destroyed by the Israeli the question of how, directly or left the American public without a military since the second Intifada broke indirectly, U.S. aid contributes to Israel’s complete picture of why what is out? ability to absorb the cost of building, happening now is happening. We are In the early part of 2002 we saw a enlarging and defending the seeing the effect to the near exclusion spate of mainstream media reports settlements. of the cause. under the collective headline ‘The In November 2000, the Israeli The pictures we see of the exploded making of a suicide bomber.’ These organization Peace Now reported buses and the shattered Passover seder reports have appeared in The New York that the government of then-Israeli tables and the ambulances collecting Times, The Washington Post, The Los Prime Minister Ehud Barak had ear- the Israeli dead and wounded on the Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and marked $300 million for the streets of Jerusalem, Hadera and Haifa Newsweek, and on ‘Nightline’ and ‘The settlements in 2001, a figure that

12 New Routes 2/03 AGENTS FOR PEACE represented a mere ten percent of Most of the stories mentioned the It is one thing for the Israeli govern- Israel’s overall foreign-aid package housing subsidies that the Israeli ment to claim that Yasser Arafat and from the United States for fiscal year government extends to settlers. But the Palestinian Authority are ‘not doing 2001. Similarly, reporting on the none of the stories reported how much enough to prevent terror’ and for the Clinton administration’s long-term Israel has invested in order to build and American president and secretary of efforts to advance the peace process defend the 140 settlements and their state to repeat this mantra incessantly. rarely if ever analysed the inherent supporting infrastructure in the West Such statements are newsworthy and contradiction between that intensive Bank and Gaza since 1967. None of should be reported as such. But where U.S. mediation and these facts about the stories explored how this are the American analysts from beyond the settlements: investment is likely to affect the deter- the Beltway – not to mention • that they are illegal under the Fourth mination of final borders in a Palestinian and Arab representatives – Geneva Convention, to which the negotiated settlement. Most of the to remind us, when this mantra is United States is a signatory; stories gave a figure for the settler invoked, that Israel under the Sharon • that they contravene UN Resolu- population, but none of the stories put government has consistently and tion 242, a pillar of the U.S.- that figure into the context of the systematically destroyed the physical brokered Oslo accords; Palestinian-settler population ratio, infrastructure of the Palestinian • and that successive Israeli govern- which is 15:1. Authority? Israel and the U.S. expect ments have continually enlarged Arafat and the Palestinian leadership the settlements since the accords Unequal partners in the conflict to act as statesmen and security agents, were signed, nearly doubling their The third missing element in but many of the physical tools to do so population from approximately mainstream media coverage of the have been denied or taken away. 110,000 in 1993 to 200,000 by the conflict is anything approaching con- Lesson No. 1, Day 1, Reporting 101: time of the Camp David sistent acknowledgment or recognition For every argument, especially in a negotiations in July 2000. that the two parties to the conflict are conflict situation, there is an equal and not equal – and that this is so largely opposite argument. Get both sides. From June to December 2000, six by virtue of the fact of the historic U.S. major newspapers published seven political, military and diplomatic Implications, qualifications, stories on West Bank settlements. The relationship with the State of Israel. prescriptions Baltimore Sun, Boston Globe, Chicago Further, reporting of the conflict What are the implications of these Tribune, New York Times and Washington minimizes or omits altogether the fact three holes in U.S. mainstream Post all ran long stories datelined from that this relationship has continued reporting of the Israeli-Palestinian different West Bank settlements during unchanged even as the U.S. has claimed conflict, which are, to recap: that period; the Los Angeles Times ran for itself the role of ‘honest broker’ in • The lack of the details of Palestinian two such stories. In general, the pieces the last decade of the peace process. daily life under occupation got considerable play: they averaged Diplomatic and political coverage of • The lack of acknowledgement that 1,300 words in length, two ran on the the conflict rarely challenges the tone international law and consensus front page and five were illustrated with or content of official Washington relevant to the conflict have been multiple photos. parlance, which routinely characterizes marginalized by U.S. foreign policy All of the stories revolved around the Israelis and the Palestinians as if they • The lack of recognition that the the settlers’ various points of view, were equals in the war they are making parties to the conflict are in many religious and secular. The reporting on each other. From the standpoint of important ways not equal focused on how the violence had each side’s right to live in peace, disrupted the settlers’ quality of life and security and dignity, yes, they are equal. The absence of these details from our their anxieties over what negotiations But from the standpoint of the politi- context-deficient daily diet of the could bring. Of the six papers, only the cal, diplomatic, economic and military Israeli-Palestinian conflict-cum-war Los Angeles Times, in one of its two stories, mentioned – in a passing For every argument, especially reference – that the settlements are illegal under international law. Only in a conflict situation, there is an two of the seven stories (the same Times equal opposite argument. piece and the Post story) quoted Palestinians, also in passing, on their view of how the settlements affect their weapons each side brings to this war, pose several dangers. First, it leads many lives and the peace process. they are not. in this country to the mistaken

New Routes 2/03 13 AGENTS FOR PEACE

postulate that what we are now receive accountability from their The constraints of space and time will witnessing can be distilled into an government for a failed U.S. Middle not allow for a recreation of the wheel Israeli war against Palestinian terrorism, East policy. It is a policy that is being or full-blown reiteration of partisan much the same argument that has been conducted by our government in all positions every time. But we should made for the U.S. military campaign of our names but without the consent expect context and balance in the body against the Taliban and al-Qaida in of many. This puts at risk not only of reporting over time. Afghanistan – even though the two chances for a sustainable Middle East Finally, what are the prescriptive phenomena are but superficially similar. peace, but it also jeopardizes the safety guidelines for full and fair media coverage This line of argument leads to the of Americans at home as well as our of Israeli-Palestinian issues? I believe that inevitable conclusion that military national interests and credibility abroad. they are the basics of reporting any story force should be the prime instrument Now for some qualifications. As well: Consider both sides of the story as in finding solutions to these conflicts. someone who has worked as an editor equally valid and give them balanced re- The second danger is that the and a reporter in the mainstream media, presentation and voice, not only in direct absence of these details exposes those and as one who now helps prepare quotations but also in characterization who would reveal them – be they students for journalism careers, I would and analysis. Do not rely on official individuals, news organizations or even like to offer two qualifiers to the fore- sources alone – and challenge them when whole societies (in Europe and the going critique. The first is that while appropriate. Do not perpetuate false Arab world) to charges of anti- media criticism is legitimate and comparisons and equivalencies by Semitism and other epithets. important, we should nevertheless reporting them unchallenged again and But the third danger is perhaps the neither blame the messenger nor view again. And always be aware of relevant greatest. It is that the absence of the the media as being responsible for context – be it historical or recent – and three elements in U.S. mainstream solving the conflict. include it even briefly via a parenthetical media reporting of the conflict ana- The second qualifier is that it is phrase or a few paragraphs. lysed here has retarded to near paralysis impossible to expect each individual Marda Dunsky the ability of American citizens, as news report to deliver full historical individuals or in groups, to demand and context and exact symmetrical balance.

In response to Koffi Annan… The European Centre for Conflict Pre- North America, Central America & Netherlands early June. There is scope for vention (ECCP) has developed a plan to Caribbean, South America, Arab World/ collaboration and mutual interest also in start at three-year integrated programme Middle East, Western/Northern Europe, relation to the international consultation of research, consultation and discussion Balkans and the Caucasus have been and conference “Tools for Peace – the role around the role of civil society and NGOs identified. After the launch and planning of religion in conflicts” to be arranged in in conflict prevention. Following a series in June, the initiators are expected to play Sweden in June 2004. The Christian of preparatory meetings and regional leading roles in the organisation of the Council of Sweden, Life and Peace Insti- conferences in 2004, the programme will regional conferences. tute, the Central Board of Jewish culminate in an international conference The initiative has been developed by Communities and the Muslim Council at the UN in 2005. ECCP in collaboration with member of Sweden are jointly arranging this The official launch of the programme organisations in response to an appeal conference, which is expected to gather took place in the Netherlands beginning from the Secretary General of UN, Mr. some 300 participants from all over the of June. Selected participants from regio- Koffi Annan, speaking on the prevention world, representing all world religions. nal and international NGOs together of armed conflicts. Annan urged NGOs Read more about the programme on ECCPs with observers from governments and “with an interest in conflict prevention website: http://www.euconflict.org the UN agencies discussed the structure, to organise an international conference For more information regarding the process and content of programme. Some of local, national and international NGOs Swedish initiative Tools for Peace, contact 150 key NGOs world-wide have been on their role in conflict prevention and Kristina Herngren at the Christian Coun- informed and consulted by ECCP future interaction with the United cil of Sweden ([email protected]) during the pre-phase. Potential initiators Nations in this field”. or Tore Samuelsson (tore.samuelsson@life- in the respective regions i.e. North Africa, Life and Peace Institute has been peace.org or Ulla Vinterhav West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, involved in the planning and was ([email protected]) at LPI. Central Asia, South Asia, Asia & Pacific, represented at the meeting in the

14 New Routes 2/03 AGENTS FOR PEACE

Israel-Palestine: ’Our’ victims are tragedy - ’theirs’ are statistics

dehumanize the ‘other’ side. This is Is there a difference when journalists in Israel and particularly obvious in the impersonal Palestine write about news from the ‘own’ and descriptions of the ‘other’s’ victims. the ‘other’ side, respectively? A recent media study Israeli media avoids giving names, printing photographs, and giving per- shows how journalistic mechanisms are used by sonal details of Palestinian civilian both sides to further the own interests and casualties, said Wolfsfeld, but will give dehumanise the other part. Thus, media often the background of assassinated encourage hostility toward the ‘other’ part in the Palestinians involved in attacks against conflict, instead of giving an objective description Israel. “A targeted strike is put in the con- and analysis. text of the person who carried out terrorism, without arguing the point,” Neither the Israeli nor the Palestinian descriptions versus impersonal and described Wolfsfeld. “The question is media show photos of civilians from analytical descriptions, which what the media emphasizes or doesn’t the ‘other side’ who have been killed. dehumanize the ‘other.’ For example, emphasize. Instead of mentioning the Journalistic mechanisms are used by the killing of a civilian in the conflict civilians killed, it indicates the act [the both sides to exaggerate, misrepresent, would be put on a front page if he were terrorist] did.” dehumanize, and encourage hostility from the ‘side’ of that media, and on a Similarly, Dajani described how, after toward the ‘other.’ These findings were much later page with less coverage if Palestinian militants operations against made by Professor Mohammed Dajani he were from the ‘other’ side. Israel, there are “no photos of the family of the Sartawi Center of Al-Quds Moreover, newspapers give a sense [of Israeli casualties] or of mourning; University and Professor Gadi Wolfsfeld that “we’re all in this together, so that we just the operation.” of the Truman Institute of the Hebrew can identify with the tragedies,” said Each side tries to legitimize its own University of Jerusalem during a four Wolfsfeld. Ethnic and nationalistic actions by telling patriotic stories of months’ research how the Israeli and solidarity are stimulated by the use of flags those involved and by using military Palestinian media perceived the ‘other’. in photographs as well as cultural and descriptions. Moreover, the use of maps, The findings included commentary religious symbols. The names ‘Passover military operation names (such as by Dr. Hanna Siniora, publisher of The Massacre’ and ‘Al-Aqsa Intifada’ help “Operation Defensive Shield”), and Jerusalem Times, a daily English- readers identify with those involved. weapon names, sterilizes the events, language Palestinian paper, and Shmuel according to Wolfsfeld, rather than Rosner, news director at Ha’aretz, a ‘The other side’ dehumanised describing the actual action and its daily Hebrew-language Israeli paper. According to Wolfsfeld and Dajani, consequences. “The use of journalistic mechanisms both Israeli and Palestinian media Another mechanism to makes the readers believe that ‘our’ victims are a tragedy and ‘theirs’ are “The names statistics, ‘our’ actions are legitimate and ‘theirs’ are evil, our aspirations are noble ‘Passover Massacre‘ and theirs are despicable”, said Professor and Wolfsfeld. ‘Al-Aqsa Intifada‘ The depiction of only one side’s tragedy is accomplished by the location help readers identify and space allotment of the news items with those involved.” and by personal and dramatic

New Routes 2/03 15 AGENTS FOR PEACE

Still room for peace vision in Israel-Palestine? Can media mobilize public opinion toward peace, or only conflict and war? Illustration: Lika Tov

disenfranchise the other side is through which is the advantage it has, because Rosner also expressed the fear of the use of language. The ‘other’ side any Israeli officer can show a paper and losing readers: “We have to consider ‘claimed,’ while the respective media’s say this is a closed military zone. How how far we must go from our readers side ‘declared’ or ‘stated’. Dajani said the can the press tell the facts if it can’t go that they are able to read and still stay use of vague language also contributes and see them? So we fell into the trap with us, and not abandon the to hostility, as in an example from one of being inaccurate.” newspaper.” Palestinian paper that stated ‘a large “The role of any newspaper is not Both professors say there were few number of women and children were only as a journalistic tool but also as a examples of news items that showed killed.’ tool in creating a sense of community understanding of the tragedies of the Although Rosner and Dr. Siniora among its readers,” said Rosner. “It has other side, although there were some acknowledged the exaggerations and some obligation toward the com- notable exceptions. In general, both misrepresentations, they explained why munity it serves and, if the community people’s media contribute to it happens. feels grief, anger and frustration towards mobilizing public opinion toward “Regarding Jenin there certainly the Palestinians, there is no chance the conflict and war, they said. was Palestinian exaggeration,” admitted newspaper will not mirror or reinforce Siniora, “But Israel prevented coverage, these feelings towards the other side.” Orly Halpern

“Both Israeli and Palestinian media dehumanize the ‘other’ side.”

16 New Routes 2/03 PAX AMERICANA Pax Americana or World Peace?

so much power that they can go against The members of the Project for the New Ameri- world opinion, as well as public opinion can Century might aim at American hegemony in their own country and start a war. of the world. In a personal reflection, Hans Exaggerations? Romkema points to the risk that the world leaves Before continuing on this track, I too many complicated issues to the United States. propose to sit back for a while and If this trend is allowed to continue, the author reflect on whether the above is not fears that we might be facing even more serious exaggerated. Saddam Hussein was indisputably a tyrant, and the attack on wars than the recent ones. the Twin Towers was just as real as it was cruel. The Taliban rule was indeed In 1997 a group of American politicians one of the four aims of the US military a curse for Afghanistan. On the other and analysts created an ‘NGO’ called is to “fight and decisively win multiple, hand, despite some flaws, the US people The Project for the New American Century simultaneous major theatre wars”. As there have freedom of expression; there is a (PNAC). These people were not happy are no criteria presented as to who functioning justice system (although with the policies of the Clinton admi- could be the enemies, or examples of this does not include Guantanamo nistration. In PNAC’s founding scenarios that could lead to the Bay), and every four years the American document it was stated: “We seem to have necessity of fighting ‘simultaneous major people have the chance to elect a forgotten the essential elements of the theatre wars’, one tends to conclude that president. Reagan Administration’s success: a military for PNAC, wars are an objective and The US army did, in the case of Iraq, that is strong and ready to meet both pre- not a means to achieve political goals. indeed help the people to get rid of sent and future challenges; a foreign policy Why should one take PNAC one of the worst dictators in modern that boldly and purposefully promotes seriously? Every country has its history. When I was employed in Iraqi- American principles abroad; and national extremists and radicals, but this case is Kurdistan from 1993 till 1995, I worked leadership that accepts the United States’ particular. Some of the most influential in an area as big as the Netherlands, global responsibilities”. people in the Bush administration, where the regime flattened all villages The name of the project and state- Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary and gassed thousands of people in ments such as the above indicate clearly of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy towns like Halabja on the Iranian that the members and sympathisers of Secretary of Defence Paul Wolfowitz border and Goptapa in the Gedo this organisation are aiming for an and Cheney’s Chief of Staff Lewis Region. My Kurdish colleagues told American hegemony of the world for Libby, are founding members of me that they were initially happy when a prolonged period. From various PNAC. the Americans intervened in 1992, documents produced and published by One can fear the worst, when when Saddam occupied Kuwait. PNAC (see PNAC’s website: http:// people in key positions in the US However, this did not last. When the www.newamericancentury.org), it is quite obvious that the PNAC members believe that the American century or The attack on the the “Pax Americana” must be achieved, Twin Towers was just as at least partly, through the use and real as it was cruel. further development of a superior US army. According to a report published by Government have fighting wars and US Army was advancing towards PNAC in September 2000 (Rebuild- dominating the world amongst their Baghdad, the Kurdish peshmerga, a ing America’s Defences; Strategy, Forces principle objectives. The Iraqi case has guerilla group, took advantage and and Resources For a New Century), already provided proof that they have occupied the entire North East of the

New Routes 2/03 17 PAX AMERICANA

country, including the oil-rich city of report about grave negligence from the members, are now operating in broad Kirkuk. Shiite groups did the same in US military concerning the protection daylight. This forces us to pose several the South. Then the US army of nuclear sites in Iraq. Moreover, on very disturbing questions. Will they leave voluntarily? Will they be able to secure certain elements of their policy One should not count on to an extent that makes it impossible the humanitarianism of for future presidents to take a radically US army operations. different direction? Do they have sufficient grip on American politics and the army to “fight and decisively win surprisingly stopped advancing and the BBC internet site, a report was multiple, simultaneous major theatre wars”? allowed the Republican Guard to move printed about the looting of one of the Other strong players in the inter- away from Baghdad and suppress the most important Iraqi nuclear facilities national community, like some of the Kurdish and Shiite revolts. This was at Al Tuwaitha. The lack of protection European countries, Russia and China, already difficult to digest for many of these sites may already have led to also have a responsibility. In the case of Iraqis, but what made it worse was that the theft of nuclear materials. This Iraq, the US was indeed given an the Americans observed grave human shows that even the proliferation of opportunity to start a war, as most other rights abuses during the counter-attack weapons of mass-destruction does not countries allowed the Iraqi from the Republican Guard without seem a major preoccupation of the Government to continue frustrating intervening. United States, despite all its claims to the disarmament process. It was left to One Kurd told me that an Iraqi the contrary. the US, and to a lesser extent Great army helicopter fired on a large group A personal experience in 1994 Britain, to remind the Government, as of Kurdish refugees that fled the attack further supports this thesis. In my office well as the United Nations, about the on Kirkuk. He was one of the survivors in Sulaymanya, I was approached by a disarmament requirements to which and was still astonished by the fact that smuggler who came from Government Iraq was subject since the first Gulf War. the much larger US helicopter that was territory and who offered to sell a piece The world very often seems quite observing the scene did not intervene. of metal in a tight plastic cover. On the happy to leave complicated dossiers to The entire world thought that the US cover was a written message that the the Americans. This was, to a large and Iraq were still at war, but the US metal contained a few percent of extent at least, the case in former allowed the Republican Guard to fire uranium and that the supplier was a Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, in the Israel- at innocent civilians, where it would German firm. I reported this to a US Palestine conflict and now again in have been easy to stop the senseless Government official based in North Korea. This attitude, in particular killing … Sulaymanya and assured him that if he from the Europeans, should change. The above episode shows that one reacted quickly, I would be able to trace Otherwise the US will be able to should not count on the humanitari- the smuggler through some Kurdish continue its current strategy of relying anism of US army operations, despite contacts. There was, however, no on its military superiority. Here we do the claim of freeing the Iraqi people follow-up of the matter. not suggest that the European from a ruthless dictator. The US army countries, Russia or China should start was sent in 1992 to defend the interests Future perspective similar operations as the United States. of the United States of America, and The future does not seem too bright, On the contrary, they should develop there is no reason to believe that this is unless there will be a change in US a more proactive approach to different in 2003. The Kurds and other policies. But one can question, with developing crisis situations that focuses Iraqi opposition groups are of course such large interests at stake, whether on political, rather than military, happy that they have received US this will happen any time soon. The solutions. assistance to finally achieve a regime US people will continue to be able to If no major effort is made to change in their country. But the Iraqi elect their presidents and, as such, counterbalance the current American people, and I bet this includes the influence the foreign and internal approach to complicated political Kurdish politicians, are aware that the policies of their country, but even those problems, the situation may, at some assistance did not come for free and presidents have to deal with strong point in a not too distant future, that at the end of the day only the US powers behind the scenes. The completely get out of hand and cause interests would count. unfortunate situation the world is a war of a much greater magnitude than This was once again underlined, facing today is that those who usually the wars in Iraq, Kosovo or Afghanistan. when, in the first week of May this year, operated in the shadows, or were dis- the BBC world-service broadcast a persed over several services, the PNAC Hans Romkema

18 New Routes 2/03 ARGENTINEAN RECONCILIATION

Argentina: The painful march towards reconciliation

also frightening, if interviews had been In a project called Reconciliation and the conducted with torturers, to get some Churches in the Transition to Democracy, the Life insight into their world of thoughts and & Peace Institute has published a series of studies feelings … The book treats its subject in three examining the role of churches in countries where parts: I. Dictatorship 1976-1983, II. dictatorial rule is giving way to democratic Democracy 1983-1989, and III. Fiften governance. One of these studies is Andiñach, years later, a new world panorama 1990- Pablo R & Bruno, Daniel A: Iglesias evangélicas y 1999. It is unavoidable that the period of dictatorship is the most dramatic part derechos humanos en la Argentina (Evangelical of the description, not least because of churches and human rights in Argentina). In this the cruelty with which the military and article, Anders Ruuth gives a personal reflection the so-called security forces attacked and analysis of the difficult but necessary suspected individuals and organisations. reconciliation process. The extent of the crimes against human rights during the first epoch is shown in the following numbers: 9 000 people Can a book of 160 pages, with a picture lesson from General Pinochet in Chile reported disappeared to The National of a little red lamp on its black cover, on how to silence the opposition, when Commission on the Disappeared have a chance to be spread in a wider Salvador Allende was overthrown. (Comisión Nacional sobre Desaparición de circle? I hope so, because it treats a It is, however, a very important book, Personas, CONADEP), which was set up wound, which is still felt with pain by which should be studied and reflected after the fall of the military regime. A many people after the many acts of on by both individuals and parishes. total of 30 000 people are estimated to violence during the “dirty” war in During the reading I have asked myself be victims of the military dictatorship Argentina. Is reconciliation possible? many times: How would I have (p 21). The book gives rise to many reflections, reacted? How much would I have some of which are presented here. dared to protest against obvious Before the dictatorship Since “la conquista”, Latin America injustices? How would my church, my Even if the coup d’état in 1976 came has a tragic history of crimes vicar, my bishop react to kidnappings as a surprise, it was still expected and committed against fundamental human and disappearances? partly longed for. To restore order after rights, above all against the most critical The book is well written and the deeply corrupt and unskilfully lead one: the right to live. Guatemala with documented with many illustrative government under Isabel Perón was by its secret courts, civilian troops and quotations and a valuable bibliography. most people seen as necessary. Many, death squadrons during the latter part Of course, it also leaves many questions in addition to the military, however, felt of the 20th century. Or El Salvador with unanswered. What I really wish had called to do this from different its corrupt military rule, which, among been described more, are the reactions perspectives, which gave the military other things, proved “brave” enough to of individuals and parishes to the further reason to intervene. There were, kill six Catholic priests and their house- disappearances. Were there attempts to for example, the guerilla groups Los keeper in the dark night hours of the keep the names of the disappeared, for montoneros and Ejército Revolucianario 16 November 1985, and to shoot example, with photographs or Popular. Another event which stirred Bishop Oscar Romero in his back, commemorative plaques in parish violent feelings was the kidnapping and while he was celebrating mass on the houses? Argentineans are usually quick murder of the country’s ex-president, 24 March 1980. As if it were needed, with “pergaminos” to notice people. It general Aramburu. Argentina’s military in 1973 had a would have been valuable, but maybe This event was enormously publi-

New Routes 2/03 19 ARGENTINEAN RECONCILIATION

of the churches towards the military began to show in different statements. Even if the investigation first and foremost concerns Evangelical chur- ches, many examples are given from the Roman-Catholic church, too. Officially, it took, with several shining exceptions, side with the military. Its attitude to human rights issues was characterized as tibia, pale and lukewarm. The following statement by the military bishop Victorio Bonamin is in its compliancy and servility to the generals an almost tragic example:

When blood is shed, there is reconciliation. God reconciles the Argentinean nation through the army (…) It is said that the military are a group of honest people, pure, ready for battle. Yes, to the extent that they have come to Jordan to Violent protests in the capital of Buenos Aires. Photo: Pressens Bild clean themselves from the blood and take the lead of the country. (p. 23)6 It is said about the Evangelical cized and attracted a great deal of Revolución, which was published in 30 churches that the majority of them, attention, not least because a member “ample issues between September 1966 joined in the organisation Federación of the then much discussed movement and September 1971”4 . Yet another Argentina de Iglesias Evangélicas, with in Argentine, Priests of the Third World1 , document, which gave the military few exceptions had a passive attitude was said to be involved in revolutionary legal support for measures of a more at the start. The reason for this is, activity. After a thorough investigation strategic nature, was the discussion according to the authors, not within he was, however, released. In the time about Seguridad nacional, a concept the scope of their investigation. It is before the dictatorship other which could be used to justify many deplorable, because if there is anything phenomena were also evident, which measures. The concept was developed one wants to know, it is how churches glorified the revolution and created in Brazil in the 1950’s, in Doutrina serviço and their boards reasoned, face to face martyrs: the death of the Colombian de segurança nacional, and was one of the with perilous and obtrusive violence. Catholic priest Camilo Torres in a foundation-stones for the military Circumstances, however, forced them guerilla battle in 1966, and, above all, regime there up to 1985.5 to increased consciousness of their the death of Che Guevara on 9 responsibility. Among other things they October 1967. The papal document During the dictatorship formed an advisory body, Consejo about the development of the peoples, When the revolution broke out on 24 Consultivo de Iglesias. It was made up of Populorum progressio, supported the poor March 1973 in the name of Proceso de the presidents of the following but was also conceived as a certain Reorganización Nacional it was to some churches: Iglesia Anglicana, Iglesia legitimising of the use of violence in a extent expected. The military junta Reformada, Iglesia Discípulos de deep crisis for a country.2 imprisoned the President and the Cristo, Iglesia Luterana Unida, Iglesia During this period some words Government, dissolved the Congress, [Evangélica] del Río de la Plata, Iglesia were specially loaded. “Words like as well as provincial authorities and the Metodista, Iglesia Valdense del Río de revolución, cambio, violencia, liberación were courts of law, and took control over the la Plata y la Iglesia de Dios. The group extremely topical, and for many young mass media. At the same time, the appeared to be efficient and could be people the creation of a revolution that arresting of individuals started, with a assembled in a few hours, often in was necessary for greater justice special focus on intellectuals and often localities belonging to the Evangelical probably appeared to be the only truly young people, who were suspected theological faculty, Instituto Superior Christian way.”3 Another document members of, or sympathizers with, the Evangélico de Estudios Teológicos was the journal Cristianismo y guerrilla movement. Soon, the attitude (ISEDET).

20 New Routes 2/03 ARGENTINEAN RECONCILIATION

A former organisation, Comisión ning the methods used for arrests support the claim that these islands Argentina para los Refugiados, which was and disappearances was brutally belong the Argentina - and so do all created to receive refugees from Chile after the coup there, contributed to a certain preparedness and experience to 30 000 people are estimated to be help refugees. Other organisations that victims of the military dictatorship. were formed were, in 1974, Servicio de Paz y Justicia with Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, who later received the Nobel punished. To supply any data Argentineans - we do not think this peace prize, in 1975, Asamblea whatsoever about arrested or is the right time to go to war about Permanente de Derechos Humanos, and in disappeared persons - place, state or them.” The defeat also meant an 1976, Movimiento Ecuménico por los fate - was tantamount to death. It inglorious end for the social engage- Derechos Humanos. During this period, was even forbidden within the unit ment of the military. The fall after six the group of the “Insane mothers”, las to comment on implemented ope- years of dictatorship and the Abuelas, grew, from a loose and rations. Every sign of humanity beginning of a period of democracy temporary community, to a movement shown to a prisoner was punished was crowned by a mass demonstra- which gives opportunity and courage with utmost austerity (p. 63).7 tion with 300 000 participants at the to protest against the disappearances of end of 1982. It had the parole Marcha daughters and sons. Generals and police The coup, thus, caused immeasur- por la vida (March for life) and was had hardly calculated on such a persis- able suffering, first and foremost for the organised by the groups for human tent and untiring protest. But mothers victims and their families, but also for rights. At the head of the enormous who lose their children at last lose the many others, in the form of anxiety procession were, among others, the fear of protesting. and suspiciousness. Many people “Insane mothers”, Adolfo Pérez Repression grew, not only in commented on the disappearances Esquivel, the Methodist bishop Buenos Aires, but also in the interior with “Por algo será”, which means Federico Pagura, and the Catholic of the country. The book quotes a something like: “There must be some bishop Jorge Novak. The demonstra- number of examples, one of them that reason”. Or as an insensitive pastor in tion also showed that people were 40 persons belonging to Evangelical a charismatic church answered a beginning to lose their fear of police churches disappeared and were killed, worried mother: “The devil to pay is and military. among them the principal of the death.” The insensitivity of some people university in San Luis, Dr Mauricio caused much suffering, as did the fee- After the dictatorship López. Two Catholic bishops were ling of loneliness among people who Of course, most people felt great joy killed in strange car accidents, two had nobody to talk to. For many people, when the dictatorship had fallen and a French nuns disappeared, as did a most offensive phenomenon was that democratic constitution had been thirteen Catholic priests. Bombs the military made use of Christian reintroduced. But now other difficulties exploded in front of churches that symbols, like crucifixes and pictures of followed. For the churches, this meant, displeased the regime. With the “Flight the Madonna, in the torture-chambers, among other things, a long and difficult of Death”, victims were made to which could make the torturers cure of souls to follow up and support disappear by being thrown out into the imagine that they were committing a families and relatives in their grief, Río de la Plata River, “a practice deed which pleased God. A highly- which could now be done more thought out to eliminate all traces of ranked military man, Emilio Massera, openly and to a greater extent. To this the fate of thousands of people” (p. 39). stated: “Even when we act as a politi- was added the infected discussion about But this was, of course, not only to cal force, we are still Catholics ... reconciliation. When the new eliminate the traces of these people, but However, as we all work out of love, government, bravely enough, had as much to eliminate the traces of the which is the source of our religion, we arranged trials against the highest crimes the security forces committed. have no problems ...” (p. 39). military leaders with many convictions, There is a thorough-paced evil in this The political leadership of the the military, with very concrete threats, practice to conceal the truth. In a report military became more and more forced through laws of amnesty, at from CONADEP, it is said about the hollow. To divert the attention from which point the question of imperative principles for the implementation of internal problems, the military obedience was decisive. the repression, among other things: initiated the unsuccessful war over The reconciliation which the the islands in the South Atlantic, Las military wanted to reach was, however, Every sign of hesitation within the Malvinas or the Falkland Islands. “Even more or less to wipe out what had army and the security forces concer- if ”, in the words of ISEDET, “we passed and forget it all. Many churches

New Routes 2/03 21 ARGENTINEAN RECONCILIATION

protested against this understanding. from the then Lutheran Theological reconciliation possible. The book is a Reconciliation is possible only when faculty in José C. Paz outside Buenos testimony about the efforts of many crime has been confessed and clarified. Aires. brave people, worth much respect and The truth must first be put forward. When the authors present the humility. The same thing concerned the indulto, collected experiences, a first impres- remitting of guilt, or grace, which the sion is that, in crises like this, shattering Anders Ruuth government and the military strived tensions easily arise, creating conflicts for, but the answer of the churches was: and a feeling of depression. Another Translation: Kristina Lundqvist Grace is possible only when there is experience is that peaceful, we would confession. From the replies that the say ‘normal’, protests were met by the 1 In the bibliography I miss Sacerdotes para authors of the book present from military as if they were attacks from el Tercer mundo – crónica, documentos, reflexión. Buenos Aires 1970. See also different church communities, guerilla groups. A third experience is Ruuth, A: The church in Argentine. Verbum Catholic as well as Protestant, it is the necessity to organize relief actions, 1976. 2 shown that there was unanimity about to support each other and not stand “Everyone knows, however, that revolutionary uprisings – except where this issue. alone. The book ends by stating that there is manifest, longstanding tyranny, Others had a sharper view on the there are still people who do not which would do great damage to funda- issue of remission of sentence. After a understand that Christian faith and mental personal rights and dangerous harm to the common good of the country – number of executed persons had been human feelings sometimes lead to engender new injustices, introduce new identified by a group of legal confrontations. inequities and bring new disasters. The evil anthropologists, two prosecutors said: One of the reports from the situation that exists, and it surely is evil, may “The awfulness [of the crimes] itself Ecumenical movement for human not be dealt with in such a way that an even worse situation results.” Populorum makes only the thought of remission rights was called Nunc mas, Never again. progressio 1967. of sentence monstrous.” (Su propia The cardinal of São Paulo, Brazil, Dom 3 Ruuth, p. 32. 4 atrocidad torna monstruosa la mer hipótesis Paulo Evaristo Arns, lead a fact-finding Peralta, Amanda: Theory and practice in the universe of the poor, an investigation on the his- de la impunidad. p. 57) commission of victims of torture and tory of ideas in Latin American liberation The book also includes interviews torturers during the military dictator- theology. Daidalos, Göteborg 1995, pp. 56f. with twelve persons about their ship in Brazil in the 1960’s and 1970’s, 5 See, for example, Equipo SELADOC: Iglesia y seguridad nacional, Sígueme experiences and memories from the based on secret protocols from military Salmanca, 1980. years of dictatorship. Their testimonies courts In a publication from this 6 “Cuando hay derramamiento de sangre, are restrained and objective but also investigation, he writes: “I remember a hay redención. Dios está redimiendo a través upsetting. It is moving to hear a little conclusion by a general, himself an del Ejército a la Nación Argentina (…) Se suele decir que los militares son una fal- girl who said that she did not dare to opponent to all torture: He who has ange de gente honesta, pura. Hasta han swim in Río de la Plata for fear of once actively exercised torture, will be llegado a purificarse en el Jordán de la sangre coming across some dead person who destroyed by its demoralizing effect. He para ponerse al frente del país.” 7 “Todo signo de discrepancia dentro de had been thrown down from the who exercises torture four or more las FFAA y de Seguridad con los métodos “Flight of Death”. It is interesting to times, will become so brutalized that utilizados para la detención y eliminación observe that the chapel of a he experiences physical and mental de personas fue sancionado de modo bru- tal. Brindar alguna información a los Pentecostal community, among the enjoyment, to such an extent that he familiares de detenidos-desaparecidos sobre poor, sometimes was a meeting-place, will be able to torture persons even su localización, estado físico o destino era not only for church services but also from his own family!”8 equivalente a la muerte. Estaban prohibidos, for birthdays, vigil wakes etc. That gave What happened with the incluso, los comentarios entre las propias filas sobre los operativos realizados, people a greater sense of community Argentinean reconciliation? It might sancionándose con el mayor rigor cualquier than the loneliness in a private house still be an open question. The little red signo de humanidad que pudiera tenerse or the lack of understanding in their lamp on the book cover indicates that con el prisionero.” (p. 63) 8 “Lembrei-me então da advertência de um own parish. for some, reconciliation has been general, alias contrário a toda tortura: quem Among those who were possible, whereas for others, the wounds uma vez practica a ação, se trastorna diante interviewed, I know personally are still painful. Maybe for some, the do efeito de desmoralização infligida. Quem repete a tortura quatro ou maiz vezes Rodolfo Reinich, chairman in the words of St. John’s gospel have become se bestializa, sente prazer físico e psíquico Lutheran-Reformed Church, which real: “See the Lamb of God, who takes tamanho que é capaz de torturar até as under his leadership also later stood away all sin.” Nunca mas, never again! It pessoas mais delicadas da própria família!” up to defend human rights. The pas- is a pious hope, which can be realized In “Brasil – nunca mais”, p. 13. tor and Th.D. Arturo Blatezky worked, only through vigilance. The ecumenical and still works, together with him on work plays a very important role here this issue. They both had their exam – to investigate crimes to make

22 New Routes 2/03 20 YEARS AGO From Life and Work to Life and Peace

conventional arms made the world an Twenty years ago a Christian world conference unsafe place. on Life and Peace took place in Uppsala, Sweden. The present Life and Peace Institute can be seen Conference for church leaders In this scenario many conferences were as a direct follow up of this conference. From the arranged on the issues of war and peace. first thought to the magnificent inaugural service The idea of a conference for church in the mighty Cathedral of Uppsala lay more than leaders dealing exclusively with the two years of preparatory work. In this article Björn threat of a nuclear war came up before the start of 1981. In June 1982 a Special Ryman outlines some sketches from a broader Session for Disarmament was to be study of the inception of the Institute. convened by the United Nations. From the beginning, the thought was to Without Archbishop Olof Sundby of The second cold war started around influence this session through assem- Uppsala, the Life and Peace Conference 1980. Cruising missiles were to be bling a real Pan-Christian meeting in in April 1983 would never have taken installed in western Europe. The Soviet Sweden. For this purpose the Pope and place. True, many conferences for peace Union enlarged its big armaments of the Patriarchs of Constantinople and were held when the escalation of nuclear both conventional and nuclear Moscow, as well as the Archbishop of weapons reached its height, but none like weapons. The arms race was to reach Canterbury, should not only atttend, the one which happened in Uppsala. In a proportions never before experienced. but also issue the invitations to the brief sketch of its historical roots, I will try The leader of the Soviet Union, Leonid conference. None of this materialized. to paint a picture of the ideas which were Brezhnev, was visibly ailing and as such None of them came, but they all behind the conference. Why was it held at in the hands of the generals. In the supported the conference and sent this particular time? Who were the actors? United States Jimmy Carter was adequate delegations. Why did not the Pope and other church replaced by Ronald Reagan as Presi- Olof Sundby wanted the conference leaders come? Was the emphasis on the dent. Jimmy Carter had tried to make to follow in the footsteps of Nathan political agenda for peace or on the Biblical peace in several places and succeeded Söderblom, who was Archbishop of agenda for shalom? in the peace agreement of 1978 Uppsala 1914-1931. In 1925 he called Archbishop Olof Sundby took the between Israel and Egypt. His policy the churches together to a historical lead in quite radical issues for peace was to try and stop the arms race ecumenical meeting. In one sense it was and justice. After the 1968 WCC through the SALT agreements. the start of the modern ecumenical assembly in Uppsala the issues of social President Reagan received public movement. To Nathan Söderblom, a justice were high on the agenda. The endorsement for a policy of true European, the outbreak of the First upheaval of the 1968 revolution turned confrontation with the Soviet Union World War, was a setback. He served as many familiar church traditions upside including heavy rearmament and a visiting professor to Leipzig in down. “The world sets the agenda”, was launching of star wars. This policy was Germany in 1914, just as the war dogs a phrase adopted by Olof Sundby. He supported by Margaret Thatcher, started barking. He had also served as tuned his traditional ears to the new Prime Minister of the United King- a pastor in Paris in the 1890’s and taken language he heard. He listened dom. The platform on which she was his doctorate of theology in Paris. The particularly to the church leaders from elected was the same as that of presi- Anglican Church with its stress on the South and their plea for justice. He dent Reagan on economic and Apostolic succession of bishops and took into his heart the cries of the defense issues. A new aggressive policy clergy and its rich liturgy had appealed starving people of Africa, appallingly had taken a fast hold. Compared to to him. portrayed in the Sahel emergency in the détente of the 1970’s the world The fact that these three European 1973 and the political upheaval in had moved into a new paradigm. Both countries with strong Christian Ethiopia in its wake. the nuclear arms proliferation and traditions went to war with each other

New Routes 2/03 23 20 YEARS AGO

Archbishops of Sweden and Finland and the primates of Oslo and Copen- hagen. Four ecumenical representatives from Scandinavia, representing different denominations should also be among the invitors. Olof Sundby acted as chief of staff to get things organized for the conference. He called up two young theologians from the University of Uppsala to participate with their special skills. They made two drafts of papers to state the purpose of the Conference. One of the drafts had as its headline Life and Peace. The paper starts: “The Ambassador Olle Dahlén welcomes the first Director of the Life and Peace mind of the spirit is life and peace Institute, Roger Williamson. Photo: Jim Elfström/LPI (Romans 8:6). Jesus Christ came that we may have life and peace (John 10:10 was a severe blow to Nathan Söder- conference of top church leaders had and 14:27).” The organizing committee blom. As early as at the beginning of failed, but the idea had been welcomed decided that the Conference and all the war, he pursued the idea of calling by many, including the Pope. that it entailed would be called Life church leaders from Europe together and Peace. This was approximately one to a peace conference. This failed. Not Ecumenical experience year before it was to happen. until after the war did Söderblom try Around him Archbishop Olof Sundby The six-page memorandum closes again to engage the churches for a had gathered a few Swedes as an with a prayer of peace by Nathan peace conference. He succeeded in advisory committee. They included his Söderblom, probably used 58 years 1925, and most of the deliberations colleague and friend, Bishop Martin earlier at the 1925 Ecumenical meeting. were held in Stockholm. The final Lönnebo, the original initiator of the That meeting had ended in a decision service was held in the Cathedral of conference, MP Evert Svensson, the to start Life and Work. To Olof Sundby, Uppsala, but the see of the Archbishop Minister for Education, Jan-Erik it had been clear from the beginning did not have enough facilities at the Wikström, and former ambassador and that the intention of the 1983 time to hold such an international MP, Olle Dahlén. They all had long conference was the same as the 1925 conference. The continuation of the experience with the ecumenical move- conference. This is inscribed in the first meeting was called Life and Work. ment both nationally and internationally. and last words of the document: Life Both Olof Sundby and the Swedish Olof Sundby was Vice-President of the and Peace – Prayer of Peace by Nathan politicians involved saw the conference WCC and had participated in the Söderblom. they planned in the light of Nathan highest body of the LWF. Olle Dahlén The Life and Peace Christian World Söderblom. His prayer for peace was was chairperson of the Churches Com- Conference started in the Cathedral of used by Olof Sundby. Still this should mission on International Affairs. He had Uppsala, where Cardinal Paolo Evaristo not be an ordinary ecumenical also served as an ambassador of the Arns of Sao Paolo preached. Much of conference for professionals within the Government to have special contacts the conference was spent in the Cathedral ecumenical movement. It should be with NGOs both in Sweden and abroad, and in Bible studies. Archbishop Sundby extraordinary in the sense that church including most of the ecumenical said that it was a calling, triggered by the leaders on the highest hierarchical level organizations. His network was vast and conviction of conscience to arrange this should invite around 150 other church he had been professionally involved at conference, guided by the Holy Spirit. leaders. Although Olof Sundby himself many crises, for instance in Sudan. Olle The conference succeeded in many visited Pope John Paul II in Rome, the Dahlén was to work full time for the things, among them in gathering many Pope could not make it to Sweden. No preparation of the conference and leaders of different churches and pope in office had ever visited Sweden. afterwards to establish the Life and Peace denominations, maybe one of the richest The Vatican, however, gave a positive Institute. He traveled extensively around in diversity. One of their proposals for response to the conference and the world to invite people and seek peace education was to initiate the Life promised to support it. Two months support. and Peace Institute. later the Pope was almost killed by a Olof Sundby proposed that an gunman. The original idea for the invitation should be signed by the Björn Ryman

24 New Routes 2/03 PAIX EN RDC

Pour une paix durable en RDC: Le point de vue de la population

démocratiques pour la libération du A l’heure des Accords de paix et de la mise en Rwanda (FDLR, ex-ALIR) ayant été place du gouvernement d’union nationale, nous motivée par la lutte contre l’ennemi avons voulu savoir comment les populations commun, l’APR. Notre enquête a montré que cette volonté de rompre s’inscrivent dans le processus de paix en cours. l’alliance avec les forces FDLR est Cet article va s’intéresser à traduire, à la lumière largement partagée par les Mayi-Mayi. des réalités locales, trois grands thèmes que les Les organisations locales, comme populations enquêtées ont identifiés comme Synergie Vie3 , ont elles aussi entrepris indispensables pour l’instauration d’une paix des actions de sensibilisation pour encourager le rapatriement volontaire durable: le rapatriement des militaires et des des civils et des militaires Hutu rwandais. réfugiés Hutu rwandais, la formation de l’armée Les civils et les militaires Hutu nationale et l’unification du pays. rwandais sont présents sur le territoire de Bunyakiri depuis 1997, ce séjour prolongé ayant eu pour conséquence Le contenu de cet article est basé sur Démocratie (RCD) aux Mayi-Mayi. Cette le développement de logiques les résultats de trois mois d’enquêtes nouvelle évolution a d’ores déjà entraîné d’installation à long-terme. sur le territoire de Bunyakiri.1 Ces d’importants déplacements de populations Dans la plupart des cas, les réfugiés et les enquêtes menées conjointement par et nous craignons la recrudescence des militaires Hutu rwandais se sont installés l’Institut Vie et Paix et la PADEBU exactions à leur encontre. dans les forêts, en marge de la population (Plate-forme d’Associations de Déve- locale. Près de la localité de Nyamirwa, les loppement de Bunyakiri) ont touché Priorité rapatriement réfugiés Hutu ont installé leur village avec une quarantaine de localités où nous Pour les populations de Bunyakiri, leurs propres infrastructures (école, centre avons conduit des entretiens collectifs depuis le retrait de l’APR et l’arrêt des de santé) et leur pouvoir coutumier. Ils avec des femmes, des jeunes, des affrontements, le rapatriement des entretiennent des relations occasionnelles hommes, des organisations locales, des réfugiés et des milices Hutu rwandais avec les populations locales: les réfugiés sont églises et des autorités coutumières, et est cité comme la priorité pour une utilisés comme main d’œuvre par les locaux, de façon informelle avec les militaires. paix durable au niveau local. Les fréquentent le marché et les offices religieux. Le territoire de Bunyakiri, peuplé populations dénoncent l’insécurité liée L’alliance entre les Mayi-Mayi et les en majorité par l’ethnie Tembo, est situé à l’utilisation par les groupes armés de groupes FDLR a dans certains cas à 80 km de Bukavu. Il est considéré la prédation (pillage, viol, torture, favorisé l’intégration de ces populations comme un haut-lieu de la résistance meurtre) comme moyen de subsistance. au sein des communautés locales. La Mayi-Mayi (mouvement nationaliste Pour les populations autochtones, localité de Cinéné était le quartier de résistance). Depuis le retrait de civils et militaires doivent indifférem- général du groupe Mayi-Mayi de Padiri l’Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR, ment rentrer au Rwanda. « Nous ne de 1997 à 2001. L’alliance militaire qui aujourd’hui RDF) en octobre 2002, il savons pas distinguer les militaires des existait entre les Mayi-Mayi et les forces était entièrement contrôlé par le civils: un jour ils sont civils et le FDLR a permis l’installation des groupe Mayi-Mayi placé sous le lendemain ils portent l’arme. »2 militaires et avec eux des réfugiés Hutu commandement du Général Padiri. Avec le retrait de l’APR, le Général rwandais. Dans cette localité, les Depuis le 5 mai dernier, le territoire de Padiri s’est exprimé pour le rapatrie- populations autochtones et les réfugiés Bunyakiri connaît de nouveaux ment volontaire des militaires Hutu vivent ensemble. Trois des quatre affrontements opposant les forces du rwandais sous son commandement, enseignants que compte l’école de Rassemblement Congolais pour la l’alliance des Mayi-Mayi avec les forces Cinéné sont des réfugiés Hutu. Les

New Routes 2/03 25 PAIX EN RDC

enfants congolais et rwandais étudient de formation morale et manque de nombreux jeunes ont choisi de ensemble et des mariages ont été conclus maturité intellectuelle. » 4 « Pour ces rejoindre l’armée, ou encore pour les entre des congolais et des rwandais. enfants, tuer c’est un jeu. Ils ne savent filles, d’aller vivre avec un militaire. Du côté des Mayi-Mayi, malgré la pas distinguer le bien du mal. »5 volonté du Général Padiri de se Des organisations locales et interna- Unité nationale et désolidariser des FDLR, des obstacles tionales ont déjà mené des actions pour réconciliation subsistent. La collaboration avec les démobiliser et réintégrer ces enfants La constitution de la transition, FDLR permet aux Mayi-Mayi mais ce processus se heurte à l’hostilité promulguée le 4 avril 2003 par le d’assurer un certain contrôle sur ces des Mayi-Mayi. Une organisation Président de la République définit les groupes. Dans la chefferie de Kalonge, locale, Initiative Pour la Paix (IPP) principes de la mise en place d’un les autorités militaires Mayi-Mayi et les déplore le fait que nombre des enfants gouvernement d’unité nationale coutumiers ont mis en place un qui avaient été démobilisés ont été rétablissant l’autorité de l’Etat sur système de prélèvement de rations sanctionnés comme déserteurs et forcés l’ensemble du territoire national. alimentaires destinées aux FDLR afin de réintégrer le mouvement. Il est Les revendications nationales, notam- d’éviter le pillage des populations. difficile d’imaginer que tant qu’il y aura ment la réunification du pays, s’affirment Un deuxième argument doit être des affrontements, les autorités Mayi- très fortement dans le discours des pris en compte. Les militaires Hutu ont Mayi acceptent la démobilisation. populations. Ces revendications pour beaucoup reçu une formation Concernant les adultes, les populations répondent en écho au discours véhiculé militaire professionnelle. Cette appuient l’idée que chacun, individuelle- par les Mayi-Mayi, soit la lutte contre compétence militaire ainsi que leur ment, devra prendre la décision de quitter l’occupation étrangère. « Tous les détermination au front représentent un ou de rejoindre l’armée, mais relèvent le Congolais qui sauvegardent le territoire atout non-négligeable pour les Mayi- fait que beaucoup ont déjà acquis un congolais sont Mayi-Mayi. »7 Mayi. Un enfant-soldat nous a confié esprit militaire. Un jeune militaire nous Comme le discours des Mayi-Mayi, que « lors des affrontements, ce sont disait que lui ne pouvait plus rejoindre la le nationalisme défendu par les les Hutu qui sont en première ligne et vie civile car il n’avait plus que la guerre populations offre peu de perspectives manipulent les armes lourdes.» en tête. L’intégration dans l’armée nation- politiques et s’enferme dans une logique La reprise des hostilités risque de ale, c’est aussi la perspective d’être enfin de résistance et d’opposition. Les renforcer chez les Mayi-Mayi l’idée reconnu par le gouvernement. populations réclament l’unité du pays qu’ils ne devraient pas se séparer des « Beaucoup de militaires sont très mais le processus politique conduisant militaires FDLR. contents à l’idée de rejoindre l’armée à la formation du gouvernement de nationale. Ils se sont beaucoup battus pour transition nationale semble leur Formation de l’armée nationale être reconnus par le gouvernement. »6 échapper. Les populations attendent des Le processus de formation de l’armée Au-delà du processus de signes tangibles d’unité, et l’unité du pays nationale devra tout d’abord s’atteler à démobilisation et de formation de cela veut d’abord dire l’arrêt des identifier les futures recrues de l’armée l’armée nationale, il est nécessaire de affrontements et la liberté de circulation. nationale et à démobiliser et désarmer réfléchir à un processus de Derrière cette visée nationaliste, le les autres. Dans ce processus, la prise « désarmement » de la société. Huit mouvement Mayi-Mayi conserve une en charge des enfants-soldats s’impose années de guerre ont contribué à dimension locale. La population comme une priorité. l’imposition d’une logique de violence reconnaît le mouvement comme une Le mouvement Mayi-Mayi est (« c’est l’arme qui fait la loi ») au émanation locale (« Ce sont nos caractérisé par un nombre important détriment des structures d’autorité enfants ») qui s’est affirmé pour d’enfants-soldats, certains n’atteignent traditionnelles (les coutumiers, les défendre la population (« sans eux, les pas l’âge de 7 ans. Beaucoup de ces administratifs, les enseignants, la famille). Tutsi nous auraient tous exterminés »). enfants ont rejoint les Mayi-Mayi pour Cette nouvelle logique s’est parti- Leur demande de reconnaissance des échapper à la pauvreté et au culièrement imposée chez les jeunes et combattants Mayi-Mayi, c’est aussi une désœuvrement, certains autres ont été les enfants. L’arme est entrée dans la culture demande de reconnaissance de l’effort recrutés de force ou encore appelés par des enfants. Certains enfants peuvent au de la communauté. En l’absence d’un un membre de leur famille. La présence bruit d’un tir reconnaître l’arme. soutien extérieur, ce sont les de ces enfants dans l’armée est Les déplacements de population et populations qui ont cotisé pour assurer largement condamnée par les la pauvreté liés au conflit ont obligé la ration alimentaire des Mayi-Mayi. populations qui souhaitent leur chacun à s’assumer seul. Les parents, ne Plus largement, les populations démobilisation et leur prise en charge. pouvant plus répondre aux besoins de affirment que le mouvement Mayi- « Il faut démobiliser ces enfants car ils leurs enfants, ont perdu leur autorité. Mayi a contribué à renforcer la sont impolis et insolents. Ils n’ont pas Contre l’avis de leurs parents, de reconnaissance des Batembo par les

26 New Routes 2/03 LPI IN SOMALIA

autres communautés (bien que la outre ces réalités locales. La guerre a 1 L’ensemble des résultats de cette enquête paraîtront dans un article en septembre 2003. création d’un territoire Tembo particulièrement affecté les milieux 2 Entretien avec les populations de Lailai, autonome ait été officialisé par les enclavés, comme le territoire de Bunyakiri, le 12/04/2003. 3 Rapport disponible sur le site de l’Institut autorités du RCD le 09/09/1999) . où un grand nombre de mouvements Vie et Paix. « Avant les Batembos étaient toujours armés a trouvé refuge. Aujourd’hui, ce que 4 Entretien avec les représentants de la chef- ferie de Hombo-Sud, le 04/04/2003. derrière une autre ethnie: à Bunyakiri ces populations demandent avant tout, 5 Entretien avec le prêtre catholique de ils étaient derrière les Havu, à Masisi c’est la prise en considération de la voix Kalonge, le 26/03/2003. 6 derrière les Hunde et à Walikale et de la souffrance de leur communauté Entretien avec le Comité de sécurité civile de Bunyakiri, le 30/04/2003. derrière les Nyanga. Aujourd’hui, les et l’appui aux actions de développement 7 Séminaire de sensibilisation organisé par Tembo ont une identité propre.»8 dans leur milieu. les Mayi-Mayi pour les populations de Bunyakiri, le 19/04/2003. L’unification du pays ne pourra passer Hélène Morvan 8 Entretien avec un originaire de Wola- Luanda à Goma, le 15/03/2003.

Summary in English their wish to see them repatriated. Some • National unity and reconciliation This article is based on the results of three obstacles, however, still persist, especially The reunification of the country is the months of fieldwork done in the as the Mayi-Mayi largely benefit from fondest wish of the population. Bunyakiri territory (South Kivu, the competences of the Hutu militaries. However, in spite of the Mayi-Mayi Democratic Republic of Congo) by • Demobilisation and training of the rhetoric, this nationalism is locking Hélène Morvan, who works as a research national army. itself into resistance and opposition. assistant at the Life & Peace Institute’s Two key issues have to be addressed Moreover, the people call for the office in Bukavu. This paper deals with here. The first one concerns the reunification of Congo, but the politi- three major themes that the local popu- demobilisation and the reintegration cal process for the creation of a lation identified as being key issues for a into civilian life of child soldiers who transitional government of national future sustainable peace in Congo: have been massively enlisted in the unity is totally beyond their control. • Repatriation of the refugees and of Mayi-Mayi troops. Some international The future reunification of the the Rwandan Hutu militaries. and local organisations have already country will have to take into account Rwandan Hutu civilians as well as embarked on this process, facing some these local realities. The protracted militaries have been present in this area hostility from the Mayi-Mayi who armed conflict has particularly affected since 1997. Even though the forced hardly want to be deprived of their landlocked regions, such as the alliance between the Democratic Forces numerous young soldiers, especially in Bunyakiri territory, where many armed for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR, a time of renewed violence. The second groups have found refuge. What the ex ALIR) and the Mayi-Mayi in some issue deals with the necessary disarma- population is asking now is some con- cases might have favoured the integra- ment of the Congolese society, where sideration of its suffering and support tion of these groups within local carrying a weapon is synonymous with to development efforts in their communities, both the population and making the law to the detriment of the communities. the Mayi-Mayi leadership have expressed traditional structures of authority. Somalia: Ten years and many lessons learned A new book published by the Life & Peace Programme. The focus is on action research, Institute, called Communitybased Bottom- covering a range of activities in the region, up Peacebuilding, by Thania Paffenholz has in particular support for community-based as its aim the analysis of the peacebuilding peacebuilding programmes. approach of LPI within the Somali context The author, Thania Paffenholz, gives some during the period 1990-2000. From these glimpses from the research behind the book. experiences, a number of lessons were learned The background to the research project for the practise and theory of peacebuilding is that when I was working together that contribute to the further development of with LPI in Somalia, we often had civil society and grassroots implementation. discussions about the role of LPI. I The book is included in LPI’s Horn of realised that the constant challenge of Africa Series, which documents diverse working under difficult circumstances Thania Paffenholz, researcher aspects of the work of the Horn of Africa in Somalia put so much pressure on behind the Somalia report.

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handling the operational side of the specific approach among the peace- • There is a need for ongoing good programme that there was not building and conflict transformation analysis and concrete implementa- sufficient time to reflect deeply about approaches. Moreover, the many lessons tion strategies in combination with the work. On the one hand LPI held that came out of LPI’s work in Somalia flexibility and openness. important reflection meetings from can now be used for peacebuilding in • Finding the right partners, time to time, that always brought other countries by organisations that including donors, is important. important changes and adaptations to are working for the empowerment of • Building structures for peacebuilding the programme. On the other hand, I people in conflict countries. and thinking in processes rather than had the feeling that the important Secondly, it was an important per- in a series of single events are important experiences of LPI in Somalia needed sonal experience, as it gave me the ingredients for peacebuilding. to be more researched and made opportunity to reflect on a part of my • The need for long-term commit- available for the interested community own experiences of my work in ment is crucial! of researchers and practitioners. Somalia, which was an important • Built-in learning processes are To undertake this was a tremendous learning experience as well. needed, as well as making the pro- learning experience! First of all it was a In summary, the experiences of the cess sustainable from the beginning. fascinating research project. From the LPI involvement in Somalia are the beginning in the early 1990s, LPI’s work in following: LPI stayed on in the country One of the most important findings Somalia had many elements that are now when almost every other organisation from LPI’s Somalia experience is the acknowledged by most peacebuilding had left in the mid 1990’s. The long- following: LPI demonstrated that researchers and practitioners to be of stra- term engagement in Somalia gave LPI empowerment of civil society is tegic importance for supporting sustainable the possibility of testing a variety of possible, even in the absence of organi- peacebuilding, such as long-term different strategies to support building sed civil society groups. This finding is engagement, the focus on empowering peace in Somalia. The main general of particular importance, both for internal actors from within the conflict lessons can be summarized as follows: research and the practice of peace- country and the strong focus on advocacy building, as the whole concept of for people-based peacebuilding. • The strong vision and belief in empowerment builds on groups that This was at a time when the people-based peacebuilding was the can be empowered. Thus, LPI’s concept discussion about peacebuilding and driving force behind all activities of how to do empowerment without conflict transformation had not even that enabled LPI to overcome these groups can now be further fully started. Therefore, it was so inte- difficult stages in the peace process. developed and used for other processes. resting to study the experiences of LPI • A clear understanding of roles is in Somalia systematically. As we can see essential for peacebuilders: LPI Thania Paffenholz now, LPI has developed its own always sees itself as a facilitator to approach, which may be seen as a serve the interests of people.

Excerpt from Community-based Bottom-up Peacebuilding by Thania Paffenholz

Timing: The need for long- provoked a debate in research, coming danger that external actors remain inactive, term engagement and to the conclusion that the concept is as they do not see a ripe moment. “windows of opportunities” helpful, as it makes actors more sensitive With the evolution of transforma- The right timing of interventions is a to these indicators. tion and process-oriented approaches subject that takes up a great deal of However, the practical use of the to peacebuilding, the concept of discussion in the literature on conflict concept is limited, as ripeness can ripeness is not seen to be of such transformation and peacebuilding. For usually only be analysed ex post, or is importance any more. The focus is now many years there has been a debate empirically very difficult to distinguish more on long-term engagement in about the ripeness of conflicts for from the success of outcomes. It order to establish relationships and resolution and the need to time peace becomes thereby tautological: If the structures for peacebuilding over time. interventions according to this ripeness. conflict is not ripe, there is no chance In consequence, it is necessary on all Zartman and others analysed that a for successful peace interventions – if levels of interventions to think in peace intervention can contribute to peace interventions succeed, the longer time frames, as only many solving a conflict, only if a conflict is conflict was ripe. different interventions at various times ripe for resolution. Moreover, in focussing too much on of the entire process will lead to The concept of ripeness has the concept of ripeness, there is even a successful conflict transformation.

28 New Routes 2/03 LPI NEWS AND REVIEWS LPI News

Eritrea: doubt religious leaders will play a Peacebuilding major role also in the future peace for religious leaders process of Ethiopia-Eritrea. - There is a real hunger for this. People At this point, however, the aim is have been at war for so many years. to strengthen local leadership and They have had enough of bloodshed enable leaders and potential trainers and want to see development and a to bring the message back to their peaceful society. respective local communities. It is a Florence Odeour, Training matter of both conflict transformation coordinator at the LPI Horn of Africa and prevention. Programme, is enthusiastic about the - It is important to build on the two workshops held in recent months for relative harmony between Christians religious leaders from all over Eritrea. and Muslims, says Florence Odeur. In The first workshop in November the training, we are looking at the many 2002 gathered 40 participants from the different traditional ways of solving Orthodox, Roman Catholic and the conflicts in different parts of Eritrea, Evangelical Church of Eritrea. The and we bring in new, additional group included men and women, knowledge and experiences. The pastors as well as lay leaders. In addi- attitude from the participants is not “we tion, a special one-day workshop for know it all”; rather there is genuine youth was arranged. The original plan interest in learning. I am astonished by was to hold a joint workshop with the hunger to learn and exchange leaders from the Muslim community, experiences. but due to the Ramadan the Muslims One of the tasks in the peacebuilding Training Coordinator Florence Odeur at the peacebuilding workshop in Asmara. could not attend. That group of 25 workshops is to identify causes of Photo: Johan Svensson representatives therefore met in March conflict, and to suggest specific solutions. this year for a parallel workshop. - It was the first time Muslim leaders met for this kind of a basic peacebuilding workshop, says Johan Svensson, LPI Horn of Africa Programme Representative. In the follow-up three weeks long Training of Trainers in May, the participants were from both the Christian and the Muslim communities. The training was carried out in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid’s Eritrea Programme, and the project is part of the LPI Horn of Africa Framework Programme. Other similar initiatives are planned for Sudan and Ethiopia. - It is a remarkable contrast to the simultaneous developments around Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, says Johan Svensson. While tensions between Christians and Muslims are building up there, we find ways of joint peacebuilding in Eritrea. No Participants came from all over Eritrea. Photo: Johan Svensson

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In the discussions, a “bridge” of peace little parallel between the world Peace? – the Role of Religion in with a need for pillars is created. Among today and the situation 20 years ago, Conflicts. In June 2004, a major in- the pillars mentioned in the workshops when Archbishop Olof Sundby and ternational, inter-faith peace are fair distribution of jobs, security for Ambassador Olle Dahlén invited conference on the same theme will all people, freedom of religion, church leaders from all over the be arranged in Sweden. For more in- communication infrastructure, world to discuss the nuclear threat formation regarding this, contact LPI, democratic practice, a good constitution, and the cold war, suggested Andrew Ulla Vinterhav (ulla.vinterhav@life- good neighbours, education, equality, Kirk, and continued to explore how peace.org), or Christian Council of justice and harmony between Christi- religion is used in positive and Sweden, Kristina Herngren ans and Muslims. negative senses. ([email protected]). If you want Among the international Religion may be a main cause, an to get in touch with Andrew Kirk collaborators and financial contributors indirect cause and a contributing regarding his seminar, drop an e-mail to the project are currently Sida, factor to violence, conflicts and war. to him on [email protected] Church of Sweden and Norwegian On the other hand, religion may be a Church Aid. means of resolving conflicts through Flashback on 2002 theoretical analysis of the causes, by In the annual report of work in 2002, Seminar 20 years after bringing in a vision or by insisting on it can be noted that LPI initiated a In April 2003, exactly 20 years after justice. Andrew Kirk also proposed peacebuilding programme together the original Life and Peace that the pastoral capacity of religions with churches and other local partners Conference, LPI Uppsala arranged a could be used to promote diversity, in the Kivu provinces of Congo special seminar with participants pluralism and tolerance, but there is Kinshasa. The programme is supported from Uppsala University, Swedish need to learn how to practice financially by governmental Mission Council and Swedish concepts like forgiveness and development agencies in UK, The Missions Research Institute, staff and reconciliation. Netherlands and Sweden. Similar work board members of the Institute itself. The topic of religion in relation in Congo Brazzaville continued, with Speaker was Dr. Andrew Kirk from to conflicts is very central in the support from Sida, Sweden, and Birmingham and the theme was current work of LPI, and the theme UNESCO. Religion, conflicts and globalisation. of the upcoming consultation in In the Horn of Africa Programme, - Apart from the date, I see very Uppsala 8-12 October is Tools for a restructuring towards a more regional framework took place. The longstanding commitment to training and capacity building in Somalia turned into a partnership relation with the Somali NGO, Forum for Peace and Governance, which receives support from Sida through LPI. A couple of specific research projects, one about the role of churches in countries in transition to democracy, and another on militarization and economic penetration in the Pacifics, were completed. LPI staff also partici- pated in a number of consultations, workshops and seminars. Preparations for a joint Masters course in “Religion and Violence” with Uppsala Univer- sity was initiated. The total financial turn over at the The LPI Horn of Africa Programme has carried out a three week long Training of Institute, including the field program- Trainers for selected leaders from Southern Sudan. The training, held at mes, was 20 million SEK. Embagathi, outside Nairobi, Kenya, gathered some 30 participants. Among the organizers and teachers were Florence Odeur, Johan Svensson and Basil BS Nyama from LPI. Photo: HAP

30 New Routes 2/03 LPI NEWS AND REVIEWS

Minority rights in a future Iraq focusing on financial sanctions, the Interlaken experience in conflict-affected regions. The For decades, the people of Iraq have lived with Process. This was followed by the initiative report outlines five key issues for EU the very opposite to democracy. Gross violations of Germany, the Bonn-Berlin Process, member states and the Commission to of human rights have been targeted at specific dealing with arms embargoes, aviation address in order to enhance the EU’s capa- ethnic and religious groups. The combined sanctions and travel bans. These processes city to prevent violent conflict: effects of economic sanctions and wars left the brought together experts, academic research- - Mainstreaming conflict prevention po- population impoverished and highly dependent ers, diplomats, practitioners and non- licy and practice within EU policy on the state for their basic needs. governmental organisations. - Strengthening EU-Africa engagement Since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s After the two volumes presented to the in conflict prevention totalitarian regime in April this year, a UN late 2001, a third process, the Stock- - Integrating crisis management with transition period is taking place in Iraq, the holm Process, was initiated. The aim was to conflict prevention outcome of which is still uncertain to all concentrate on the implementation of - Tackling terrorism, organised crime parties involved. Before these events targeted sanctions; there must be effective and illicit trafficking occurred, a report named Building Democracy actions between words and wars. - Enhancing co-ordination across EU in Iraq was published by the Minority The final report, Making Targeted Sanctions institutions Rights Group International. The authors Effective: Guidelines for the Implementation of behind the report are Yash Ghai, Mark Lat- UN Policy Options, was presented to the Each chapter is illustrated by one or several timer and Yahia Said. The report is partly Security Council in March 2003. The result concrete case studies, and there are clear based on interviews with Max van der is summarized under ten headings: recommendations (to EU) under each heading, Stoel, Gudmundur Alfredsson, Asma 1. Design sanctions resolutions with which makes it a very practical and useful Jahangir and Donald Horowitz. implementation in mind document. The report has been produced in The report presents a detailed analysis of the 2. Maintain international support for the collaboration with the European Peace-build- options for a constitutional process and the sanctions regime ing liaison office (EPLO). Contact Alice Hut- establishment of inclusive democracy in a post- 3. Monitor, follow-up and improve the chinson ([email protected]) or totalitarian Iraq. It considers the need to entrench measures throughout the sanctions regime Lindsay Alexander (lalexander@international- the features that are essential to a genuinely 4. Strengthen the sanctions work of the alert.org) for copies of the report or to discuss democratic society. In particular it analyses the UN Secretariat the content. risk posed by inter-ethnic and inter-confessional 5. Although different, much can be lear- conflict and the action necessary to try and avoid ned from the UN Counter-Terrorism … and on future it. On the one hand, Iraq has a recent history of Committee development cooperation systematic discrimination and violent repression 6. Effective sanctions require capacity- building and training programs A discussion paper, European Development targeted at particular ethnic and religious groups. Cooperation to 2010, from UK-based On the other, it has traditionally been a relatively 7. Implementation can be enhanced through a model law Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and well-integrated society. If not properly informed, the European Centre of Development Po- major political change and international inter- 8. Implementation will vary depending on the type of sanctions licy Management in the Netherlands is vention pursued in Iraq, may together risk laying out the agenda facing Europe in exacerbating the potential for division. 9. Maintaining accuracy in sanctions targeting is crucial coming years. The six themes are: The report considers, in turn, the The development landscape to 2010 specific challenges for establishing a multi- 10. Reporting on sanctions implementa- tion Europe in the world ethnic, multi-confessional democracy in Trade Iraq, the social and political aspects of The final report from the Stockholm Process Development and humanitarian aid managing post-totalitarian transition, and Politics and partnerships options for a constitution-building process, suggests that to make sanctions effective, they have to be implemented through a chain of The architecture of development drawing on the experience of other states cooperation in transition. actions involving all levels of decision-ma- king: the Security Council, Sanction At the end of the report, the Minority Rights The authors, Simon Maxwell and Paul Engel, Group gives seven recommendations, the so Committees, Member States. International organisations, the private sector and NGOs assisted by a group of collaborators, Ralf J. called Ground rules for building democracy in Leiteritz, James Mackie, David Sunderland and Iraq. Relevant international instruments are also also have roles to play. In the process, led by Professor Peter Wallensteen at Uppsala Uni- Bettina Woll, report about the significant presented, from the United Nations Interna- change in European development cooperation tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, versity, three working groups developed a number of recommendations. In addition, since the 1990’s. And there is more to come the United Nations Declaration on the Rights with a new wave of changes at the horizon. of Minorities, and the Universal Islamic specific proposals are made for different types of targeted sanctions. The scenario planning exercise in the paper Declaration of Human Rights. identifies two key drivers of European The report also includes a number of The report is available on www.smartsanctions.se and at Department of development cooperation. The first is the depth well-arranged boxes with useful facts and of commitment to coherence, as opposed to background material. Peace and Conflict Studies in Uppsala, phone: +46 18 471 16 96, fax +46 18 10 63 97. independent policy-making by Member States. To order the report, or for further infor- The second is the degree of commitment to mation, contact the Minority Rights Group Tore Samuelsson the Millennium Development Goals, especially International ([email protected]), the goal of halving global poverty by 2015. or visit the website: www.minorityrights.org The four scenarios suggested are: Integration, Advising EU Compartmentalization, Segmentation and Kristina Lundqvist on conflict prevention… Individualization. Get hold of the paper and The report Ensuring progress in the prevention read more about the need for a “road map” for Making targeted of violent conflict is the result of a joint initiative the EU. Contact the respective institutes for sanctions effective by International Alert and Saferworld. The the paper and more information: Targeted sanctions have been the subject of purpose is to enhance the EU’s ability to [email protected] and an international diplomatic and academic prevent violent conflict through providing [email protected] process, which was initiated by Switzerland, quality research and expertise, based on Tore Samuelsson

New Routes 2/03 31 language not related to the languages of Meet LPI Board Member Elsi Takala our neighbours, has also been helpful in Elsi Takala from Helsinki, Finland, has been You have long experience in international work. understanding the situations and survival a member of the LPI Board for one year. What are the most important experiences you mechanisms of different minorities. The She is an agronomist by profession and has have had and where did you have them? What importance of trying to learn and under- worked for twenty years at the Finnish use can you make of them today? stand other cultures I learnt very early from Ministry for Foregin Affairs. Elsi Takala is my mother. She was a professor of one of the 58 000 members of the One basic experience, which has helped education and already in 1960’s-70’s did a Orthodox Church of Finland. New Routes me throughout my work, comes from the huge job in Finland to promote peace asked her a few questions, which she ten years I worked in agricultural research education and international understanding. answered just before she went to work as a and extension in Finnish Lapland, the volunteer for a couple of weeks in the northernmost part of my country, before garden of the Valamo Monastery in the lake joining the Ministry. There I learnt to region of Finland. recognize the centre to-periphery nature of society and the usual experiences of What is the driving force behind your work, both peripheral groups (often very true both at in your commitment as an LPI board member, the local and global level!): ‘Those in the and in your daily work at the Ministry for centre do not understand our point of Foreign Affairs? view’. Keeping this in mind makes it easier to see people behind figures and papers and I believe that God has meant us to be his to avoid excessive bureaucracy. co-workers in order to make true love grow The time in Lapland was also otherwise and be fulfilled already in this world. The useful. The indigenous Same people are a joy of Easter, the resurrection of Christ, very non-aggressive people. There is no should give us the strength. It is true that in word for ‘war’ in the Same language. Maybe the daily work, in the middle of news about the extreme climatic conditions have forced wars and violence in the world or petty people to concentrate on essential issues. quarrels in the Ministry or in parish coun- Belonging to a minority church in a Elsi Takala enjoying her work in the cil, it is not always easy to remember this. small country (5 million people), with a monastery of Valamo.

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