What the CPS does

When a conflict escalates into violence, this is rarely due to one specific cause, but a variety of factors acting together. For this reason, the Civil Peace Service does not have one cure-all remedy for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, but – depending on the situation – has various approaches and spheres of activity.

The CPS works in conjunction with local partner organisations which:

• build structures for cooperation and dialogue across lines of conflict (in doing so also strengthening traditional conflict resolution),
• create meeting points and secure spaces where parties to a conflict can meet,
• strengthen information and communication structures which trace the causes and consequences of violent conflicts (this includes the promotion of peace journalism, the integration of peacebuilding organisations, and monitoring the course of conflicts),
• provide assistance to groups particularly affected by violence, and ease their reintegration into society (e.g. by providing psychological and social support or by working with traumatised survivors),
• provide advice and training on methods and concepts of civil conflict resolution,
• run courses in peace education and dismantle enemy stereotypes, restore confidence in local law and order, and campaign for human rights.

For additional information, please contact the respective executing agency.