PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT-SENSITIVITY PROGRAMING
PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT-SENSITIVITY PROGRAMING
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We work with different local and national peace processes and with UN bodies involved with peace building. We facilitate dialogues and political negotiation, support the engagement of women in political negotiations, develop conflict mapping and conflict sensitivity analysis, and facilitate local mediation. We also provide support and a variety of training modules for peace initiatives and local stakeholders.
Our services in this field include:
Research & Analysis
Research & Analysis
We offer a range of tools for conflict mapping including stakeholder analysis, time-line and trend patterns of conflict dynamics, complexity analysis, and eco-system analysis.
The LUGARIT team provides deep research on the political economy of conflicts. We employ eco-system analysis to ensure broad unbiased understanding of conflict dynamics.
We study conflict drivers and help devise mechanisms for peace building efforts to navigate the complexity of conflicts.
Scenario Development
Scenario Development
LUGARIT specializes in developing simulation processes to create win-win negotiation outcomes, including physical and online participatory simulation exercises.
We support in the development of complex scenarios for conflict trajectories based on careful mapping of conflict drivers and their trends.
Advice
Advice
Our team helps in the design of track 1.5, track2, and track 3 dialogues and in developing management structures to sustain them.
We provide a wide range of facilitation and mediation tools to support stakeholders engaged in national dialogues, local peace initiative and political negotiations to conduct effective discussions with win-win outcomes.
We collaborate with other partners to create co-learning processes from different tracks and dialogues.
We support UN programming to develop conflict sensitive approaches to their work in conflict zones.
We provide support to complex aid programs, clusters, and aid initiatives on creating triple nexus approaches incorporating humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and recovery and development.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder Engagement
Our team facilitates different levels of track 1.5 - 2 - 3 processes and we help clients with strategic planning, logistics and reporting on such processes. We also evaluate different dialogues for relevance, effectiveness, and impact.
We support interagency coordination on sectoral and area based approaches to aid delivery. We facilitate dialogue among international actors to develop synergies and aggregate their impacts when working in conflict zones.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building
We provide a range of training modules for stakeholders engaged in peace building and negotiation processes, including modules on facilitation, negotiation, conflict mapping, advocacy for peace building, and risk analysis.
We support in developing training courses for professionals engaged in conflict resolution processes on understanding the interconnectivity with peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.
We help set up local community peace structures and developing local peace assets and building their capacities.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Monitoring & Evaluation
We work with different international stakeholders to benchmark their programs for do-no-harm approaches and to evaluate risks emanating from their programs in conflict zones.
Our experts engage in holistic evaluation processes to review aid programs in conflict zones. This includes DAC-OECD criteria, opportunity costs, positive and negative externalities, as well as mapping coverage and gaps.
We support monitoring and tracking processes for fragile post conflict situations and developing early warning systems to prevent the recurrence of violence.
Related Works
Related Works
Date: 01 May 2025
An article proposes six principles to guide Syria’s path toward civil peace, emphasizing inclusive citizenship, restorative justice, state legitimacy, and meaningful participation. It calls for rejecting sectarian narratives and engaging all Syrians in rebuilding a shared future—through dialogue, institutional reform, and a renewed social contract grounded in dignity and equality.
Date: 24-25 February 2025
We participate in the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, where Zedoun Al Zoubi led the Facilitator Team, and Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj contributed to discussions on the economy. The event gathered 900 in-person participants, while over 10,000 Syrians shared their views through an online questionnaire, shaping recommendations for Syria’s transitional leadership.
Year: 2024 - 2025
Client: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A project to support peace and reconciliation in Syria by engaging with civic actors and community leadership. Through dialogue, public discussions, workshops, and stakeholder consultations, the initiative strengthens grassroots activism and promotes inclusive dialogue, aiming to build a resilient foundation for Syria’s future.
Year: 2022 - 2025
Client: UN Women
A research, facilitation, and outreach project aims to empower Syrian women in peace processes by enhancing the Women’s Advisory Board's capacity, expanding outreach to women leaders, and developing research for evidence-based policies on women's issues in Syria.
Date: 22 April 2025
This paper examines conflict in Baʿshiqa, highlighting how the Iraqi education system’s emphasis on religious difference perpetuates discrimination, especially against Yazidis. It calls for inclusive reforms that acknowledge diverse histories, foster shared humanity, and promote equality, justice, and psychosocial support as foundations for sustainable peace and social cohesion.
Date: 20 March 2025
A study examines conflict dynamics in Tal Afar. Although it appears peaceful, underlying conflicts persist due to alliances between select tribal leaders and hashd al-shaʿbi, at times manipulating aid access and reinforcing patron-client ties. While sectarian divisions are overstated, Sunni-Shiʿi intermarriages persist. Young residents advocate for equal rights, merit-based employment, and fair access to services, challenging entrenched power dynamics.
Date: 20 February 2025
A study examines conflict dynamics in Telkeyf, revealing that divisions stem from historical social hierarchies rather than ethnicity or religion. It highlights demographic shifts, armed group interference, and ineffective conflict resolution. The study calls for legal reform, access to justice, and economic revitalization to foster sustainable peace and social stability.
Date: 21 January 2025
A paper examines Sinjar's interconnected conflicts, including insecurity from armed groups, impunity for genocide perpetrators, land disputes, and challenges faced by Yazidi women and children. It critiques ineffective resolution mechanisms and emphasizes the need for political solutions, justice reforms, and inclusive recovery efforts to rebuild trust and foster lasting peace.
Date: December 2024
Publishers: Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) , LUGARIT
A paper examines Syria’s volatile landscape following the collapse of the Assad regime, highlighting fragmented governance, economic collapse, and persistent security challenges. It proposes gradual transition frameworks, economic opportunities for refugee reintegration, and context-specific constitutional dialogue, emphasizing the need for international consensus and inclusive governance to stabilize and rebuild the country.
Date: 21 September 2024
A conversation discusses how heritage, especially intangible cultural practices, can foster peace in conflict settings like Syria. The dialogue highlights the role of heritage in rebuilding social cohesion and economic resilience and urges immediate action on heritage-based peacebuilding, even amid ongoing conflict, to preserve shared identity.
Date: 12 September 2024
LUGARIT facilitated a PeaceGame play session at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, part of the Executive Program on Conflict and Fragility Management. The session, centered on the Syrian civil war, provided mid-career professionals with hands-on experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Participants praised its realistic approach to negotiations and strategy-making.
Date: 20 August 2024
An article explores the evolving rapprochement between Damascus and Ankara, highlighting its potential impact on Syria's future and regional stability. It examines the challenges and opportunities in shared security, economic cooperation, refugee returns, the fate of armed factions as well as the implications for the Syrian opposition, emphasizing the need for strategic dialogue to shape a unified Syria.
Date: 26 July 2024
An article explores various interpretations of citizenship in Syria, advocating for a middle ground that integrates individual and group rights. Drawing on Will Kymlicka’s theory, it emphasizes constitutionalizing group rights to protect minorities, while ensuring that group rights do not infringe on basic individual rights of their members, to achieve a balanced, inclusive framework for Syria's democratic transition, avoiding sectarianism and majority dominance.
Date: 23 July 2024
An article advocates for leveraging living heritage in conflict zones like Syria to support peacebuilding. It critiques traditional top-down heritage conservation approaches and emphasizes the need for inclusive, community-focused strategies that integrate socio-economic development, promote social cohesion, and respect diverse local traditions and histories for sustainable peace and recovery.
Date: 9 July 2024
An article explores the Syrian Constitutional debate, highlighting the tension between identity and citizenship. It argues that both principles are essential for a cohesive state, discussing religious and linguistic diversity, and illustrating how respecting identity and guaranteeing equal rights can coexist within a constitutional framework.
Year: 2022 - 2024
Client: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A project aims to improve track 1.5 and 2 negotiations in the Syrian peace process using a digital tool for dialogue facilitation. The project focuses on scenario simulation and consensus building among political actors and mediators, producing policy papers to facilitate peacebuilding. The project targets local and national reconciliation, emphasizing early recovery.
Year: 2024
Client: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
An interactive online platform that facilitates scenario-based dialogue for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. By integrating simulations, strategic gameplay, and real-time analytics, it enables stakeholders to test strategies, negotiate agreements, and explore solutions in complex conflicts. The platform bridges field realities with policy-making, fostering collaboration and informed decision-making.
Date: 25 June 2024
The Syrian refugee crisis is a complex issue entangled in political, economic, and social challenges. With no immediate solution in sight, stakeholders either lack the will or capability to address the crisis. Political agreements and localized solutions are crucial to improving conditions and facilitating refugee return.
Date: 20 June 2024
An article discusses the challenges of "reconciliation" in Syria, critiqued as synonymous with surrender. It advocates for an inclusive, Syrian-led dialogue addressing justice and integration issues, essential for preventing further fragmentation and fostering national unity under the complexities of current political and social divisions.
Date: 04 June 2024
The Brussels conference marked a shift towards early recovery in Syria, focusing on empowering communities and revitalizing the local economy. This approach requires leveraging local resources, changing donor mindsets, and fostering new local leadership. Effective early recovery hinges on balancing humanitarian aid, political reforms, and practical, inclusive solutions for long-term stability.
Date: 25 May 2024
An op-ed argues for reconciliation in the Arab region, both within states and with external neighbors, to end internal conflicts and begin true reform for stability. It critiques the prolonged conflicts fueled by political naivety, external influences, and lack of mature political dialogue. The piece calls for embracing community recovery, rule of law, and democratization through dialogue and reconciliation, rather than awaiting external intervention or victory in conflicts.
Date: 19 March 2024
An article examines the unintended humanitarian impacts of sanctions and the phenomenon of overcompliance, highlighting the challenges it poses to non-sanctioned entities, particularly in conflict zones like Syria. It emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to mitigate these impacts, advocating for clearer guidance and dialogue between sanctioning bodies and affected stakeholders.
Date: 05 March 2024
An article explores the impact of gender dynamics on societies at war to derive a deeper understanding of how the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda can reflect its focus on women to shape a more nuanced analysis of conflict drivers. Analyzing territories from a gender lens, it argues for a more nuanced approach to peace negotiations to address the complex dynamics of conflict.
Date: 13 February 2024
An op-ed discusses the imminent youth bulge in the Arab region, pointing to past unrest and highlighting the complex interplay of factors like governance, economic crises, and demographic shifts. It stresses the urgency for regional actors to de-escalate conflicts, foster economic-security cooperation, and improve governance to mitigate future crises.
Date: 14 November 2023
At the "Structured Chaos" webinar, experts including Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj discussed not-for-profits in conflict zones, focusing on Syria. They explored the economic impact of these organizations, emphasizing the need for a shift towards sustainable development and recovery, and critiqued current aid models for their focus on short-term relief.
Date: 12-13 July 2023
In preparation for the Rome MED conference, we participate in a regional meeting titled "Track II: Exploring Positive Measures for A Sustainable Solution in Syria," focusing on developing strategies for US and European engagement on Syrian policy. Key discussions included minority issues, regional priorities, and leveraging Arab rapprochement with Damascus for a constructive approach.
Date: 30 May 2023
We participate in the "Peacebuilding in a Changing Risk Landscape" Expert Group Meeting, held on May 30, 2023 and organized by ESCWA, focused on risk interplay in the Arab region, discussing risk assessment and prevention strategies, with emphasis on conflicts, climate change, and governance, reflecting on the World Bank report "Pathways for Peace”.
Date: 10-14 July 2022
At the 24th International Symi Symposium in Greece, we discuss the impacts of the Ukraine war on Syria. We highlight the country’s dilemmas; aligning with Russia and financial dependence on Iran. And we emphasize constitutional debates and link development aid to human rights progress.
Date: 5-7 October 2020
At the high-level virtual conference "The Elders in conversation on women in mediation in the Arab world," held in Wilton Park, UK, over 60 participants discussed the critical role of women in Arab peace processes. Key themes included addressing systemic gender inequalities and enhancing women's roles in high-level mediation.
Date: 11 March 2020
How can Europe improve its approach to Syria? Three paradigm shifts are needed: supporting decentralization within Syria, modifying European funding strategies, and redefining benchmarks for transformation. A shift from short-term solutions to long-term, sustainable support is crucial for addressing Syria's escalating crisis and averting broader regional instability.
Date: 25 February 2020
In an interview with Felm, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj emphasized the need for community-based aid and cooperation in Syria, moving beyond traditional material support. He highlighted the importance of community capital and shared inspiring examples of communal initiatives fostering unity and peace.
Date: 18 February 2020
At the PRIO seminar in Oslo "Shifting Paradigms: Moving Forward in Syria," Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj explores deep economic structures, the transformation of the political economy, and possible realistic perspectives to enhance peace efforts in Syria.
Date: 28 January 2020
In Episode 18 of Jointly Venturing, Scott Leckie and Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj discuss the Middle East's crises, including conflict, poverty, climate change, and potential famine. They emphasize the urgency of regional solutions and explore how world citizenship concepts could lead to a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
Date: 30 October 2019
Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj addresses the UN and Constitutional Committee reflecting on the devastation of the Syrian war, emphasizing the need for unity, pluralism, and equal rights. He focuses on recognizing diverse representation, building a strong, law-abiding state, ensuring societal participation in governance, fair political economy and local development. Mr. Hallaj urges collective responsibility to stop the war and draft a constitution that lays the foundation for peace and a better life, recognizing the urgency as lives continue to be lost.
Date: 22 November 2018
The Middle East faces a 'perfect storm' of socio-political and economic challenges post-Arab Spring, with a looming youth bulge, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental issues. Conflicts like in Syria exacerbate the situation, necessitating collaborative political strategies and careful reconstruction efforts to prevent further instability and economic hardship in the region.
Date: 21-22 November 2018
Our expert participates in the Policy Planner’s Forum on Strategic Stability in the MENA in Rome, discussing critical issues like the future of the Iran deal post-U.S. withdrawal and the endgame in Syria. The event, part of the 2018 Rome MED, aimed to foster dialogue for regional stability.
Date: April 2017
Publisher: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
A paper examines land conflicts in Myanmar and Syria, highlighting their role in broader societal issues and conflicts. It advocates for a systemic approach in national dialogues and peace agreements, emphasizing the use of existing legal frameworks and the development of new legislation and local reconciliation infrastructures.
Date: March 2017
Publisher: New England Journal of Public Policy
An article analyses the evolving geopolitical landscape in Syria post-Vienna Accords and UN Security Council Resolution 2254. It highlights the challenges in resolving the conflict, emphasizing new geographic realities and governance structures. The focus is on how territorial control by various actors has fostered radicalization, impacting the Geneva process.
Date: 24 March 2016
The Ash Center hosted a conversation with Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj to discuss the challenges of the Syria peace talks in Geneva, emphasizing how local governance, war economy, and new geographic realities shape diplomacy. He highlighted the need for understanding local dynamics and a bottom-up approach to support the fragile Geneva talks.
Date: 10 March 2016
Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj discusses the complex nature of the Middle Eastern conflict, emphasizing the multifaceted rise of ISIS in Syria. He highlights the need for a new governance model beyond the traditional nation-state system, urging Europe and the international community to engage realistically and ethically for long-term stability and prosperity.
Date: May 2015
Publisher: Clingendael & NOREF
A paper examines how Syria's conflict has created a war economy, where warlords and groups like ISIS finance their operations through illicit activities. This economic dynamic undermines peace efforts, suggesting a need for strategies beyond political arrangements to address war profiteering and rebuild livelihoods.
Date: 21 April 2015
An article examines the historical and socio-political dynamics in Syria, highlighting the evolution of national identity and societal aspirations. It critiques the legacy of colonialism, internal power structures, and advocates for inclusive dialogue to establish a balanced, representative national framework, focusing on local democratization and reform.
Date: April 2014
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
A paper provides a detailed analysis of the Syrian conflict, emphasizing its complexity and the importance of understanding diverse local and historical factors. It highlights the need for a nuanced approach involving Syrian stakeholders for effective peacebuilding, considering the interplay of various social, political, and economic forces.
Date: 18 November 2014
An interview highlighting the detrimental impact of identity politics and external funding on Middle Eastern societies, advocating for stronger intra-regional connections and a move away from oversimplified narratives. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies in conflict resolution, emphasizing the limited effectiveness of humanitarian aid alone in fostering long-term peace and development.
Related Works
Related Works
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