Lessons of Peace Building

In the post-cold war era, where most armedconflicts take place within rather than betweenstates, many Governments, Sweden’s included,have become increasingly engaged in resolvingconflicts and promoting peace. Sida supportsvarious activities to prevent outbreaks, escalationor return to violence. It also finances“peace building” projects, aimed at influencingthe parties involved in on-going armed conflicts.“Conflict management” is used by Sidaas a generic term for aid-financed projects implementedduring armed conflicts. This includesa broad range of activities such as establishingforums for dialogue, refugee assistance,strengthening of independent media, supportto human rights organizations and much morebesides. Target groups for activities in this fieldcan be anything from selected key individualsor groups of persons, formal and informalleaderships, to private and government organizations,institutions and bodies.