Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Terminology

Limited and particular action decided on short-term bases. If conducted efficiently, the choice of tactics will be informed by a strategy.

An individual or group that gets involved to help disputants resolve their problem, typically as mediators, arbitrators, or conciliators. The person should not have a vested interest in the outcome, and be able to treat the other parties impartially.

Refers to society-wide efforts to address past human rights violations in order to acknowledge the past, end impunity and hold perpetrators accountable, reaffirm the rule of law and provide justice services, and help the country heal and achieve social reconciliation.

Visibility or accessibility of information regarding decision-making and financial practices, such that stakeholders not only have access to the decision-making process but also the ability to influence it.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.

A legally binding written agreement of mutual relations that is ratified/confirmed by two or more nation-states or other internationally recognized subjects.

In international law, this term is sometimes used for courts set up for special purposes, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda or the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which were established by the UN Security Council.

Refer to single key acts, events—or their anticipation—which will set off violent conflicts or their escalation. They can occur in situations of high tensions as well as during transition periods. They can be deliberate as well as accidental, and generally provoke the use of violence or armed force.

The belief that other people, including adversaries, will keep their word and do as agreed. It implies a vulnerability and hope that the other party will not take advantage of a weakness but will respond in kind.

A temporary fact-finding body that aims to elucidate past human rights violations and war crimes and address issues of reparation and rehabilitation.