IRSS, through its program on international conflict management, works with other organizations to build capacity and develop policies whereby conflict-torn communities engage in cooperative actions that promote peace and social reconstruction. The program is directed by Dr. Paula Gutlove. Over the last decade the program has developed and demonstrated a strategic approach to conflict management, featuring “integrated action,” the deliberate integration of conflict management with selected social activities. This approach allows conflict management to have sustainable application by using it to help strengthen civil society.

IRSS utilizes an integrated-action approach in several field projects. The largest of these is the Health Bridges for Peace (HBP) project, which utilizes a shared concern for public health as a vehicle to convene, train, and engage health care professionals in conflict management and community reconstruction programs. Through the HBP project we have developed medical networks for social reconstruction and conflict management in two regions that have suffered violent conflict and war, the Balkans and the North Caucasus. Requests to develop similar programs have come to IRSS from other parts of Eastern Europe, and from South America, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Another part of the program involves working with international organizations to propagate our strategic approach. We have consulted to, or collaborated with, numerous international organizations, including: the World Health Organization  (WHO); the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Council of Europe; International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), and CARE International.

Related Links: 

UN Institute for Training and Research Programme of Correspondence
Instruction in Peacekeeping Operations (UNITAR POCI)  Enroll now.

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