This blogpost by Mie Roesdahl argues that peacebuilders must seek out creative ways to conduct their much-needed peacebuilding work even at a time when their space for physical movement may be decreasing, and that they must seek out ways to contribute to preventing and dealing with the potential negative consequences of the pandemic on peacebuilding efforts.
Based on their knowledge, Conducive Space for Peace recommend the following:
- That funders and funding mechanisms allow for more flexibility in implementation of peacebuilding programmes, and if possible, shift the modality of funding to core operating support.
- That expressed needs of local peacebuilders in order to protect them and allow them to continue their work are met to the degree possible, even when these may be needs that do not necessarily fit into normal ‘boxes’ of support (such as an internet connection at home).
- That online platforms for local peacebuilders are mobilized to allow for dialogue on the scenarios for and implications of the Covid19 virus spread in conflict affected countries and regions, and how these implications can be addressed.