Peacebuilding When Civil Society is Under Attack

With violent conflict affecting millions worldwide and many governments growing more repressive, implementing peacebuilding programs in partnership with local civil society can be risky and complicated. Due to concerns about outside influence, fear of democratization or growth of resistance movements, or a desire to maintain control over the population, governments increasingly restrict civil society space-whether through formal measures like “foreign agent” laws or by creating bureaucratic obstacles to registration and implementation of activities. Where authorities impose harsh restrictions or interfere in programs, donors and implementing agencies must think creatively about how to achieve peacebuilding goals and make progress toward safe, just, and healthy societies. This session will feature program directors from around the world who will share insights and experiences implementing peacebuilding initiatives in countries where civil society collaboration can be especially challenging and lessons that can be scaled and applied widely.
Moderator:
Kelsey Hampton, Senior Officer - Global Policy & Outreach, Search for Common Ground
Speakers:
Rebecca Besant, Latin America Regional Director, Search for Common Ground
Zuhra Bahman, Afghanistan Country Director, Search for Common Ground
Kenesh Sainazarov, Uzbekistan Country Director, Search for Common Ground