Conflict Sensitive Program Management
Conflict sensitivity is the awareness that our work, presence, and behaviour can have unintended consequences on conflicts and social relations. It means taking action to avoid negative effects and to reinforce our positive impact. Conflict sensitivity is an institutional approach at Helvetas, which means we integrate conflict sensitivity into all that we do.
Why conflict sensitivity matters
Conflict sensitivity should be an integral part of all humanitarian and development interventions. Working in a conflict-sensitive manner reduces the risk of inadvertently contributing to tensions and conflict, and helps to identify opportunities to contribute to social cohesion. It increases acceptance, reduces security risks, and strengthens project sustainability. In fragile and conflict-affected situations the risks of doing harm are particularly high. For this reason conflict sensitivity is a core component of Helvetas’ Fit for Fragility framework.
How can Helvetas support you?
- Provide access to tools and instruments for applying conflict sensitivity
- Conduct conflict sensitivity assessments and evaluations
- Assist in finding specialized partners or consultants
- Provide coaching and advice on applying conflict sensitivity
- Design and deliver trainings and workshops on conflict sensitivity
- Develop organizational strategies for mainstreaming conflict sensitivity
- Document good practices and lessons learned
Further information
See below for guidance, tools and case studies related to conflict sensitivity. For publications related to our work on conflict see our conflict transformation page.
Publications
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Conflict sensitivity case study: Tea businesses MyanmarPDF (1.21 MB)
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How to make a project document conflict sensitivePDF (0.1 MB)
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Conflict-sensitive project design: facilitation guidePDF (0.83 MB)
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Conflict-sensitive project design: workshop presentationPDF (4.88 MB)
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Conflict-sensitive project design: worksheetsPDF (0.42 MB)
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Capability Statement Conflict TransformationPDF (0.86 MB)
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Stories of Applying Conflict Sensitivity at HelvetasPDF (1.05 MB)
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Histoires Illustrant L’application du Principe de Sensibilité aux Conflits Chez HelvetasPDF (1.24 MB)
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Manual: 3-Steps for Working in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations (WFCS)PDF (2.75 MB)
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Field-Guide: 3-Steps for Working in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (WFCS)PDF (1.86 MB)
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Action Plan: Keeping Fit for FragilityPDF (0.44 MB)
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Natural Resources and ConflictPDF (0.3 MB)
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Transversal Navigation ToolPDF (2.23 MB)
