Opportunities for Violent Conflict Prevention - How We Use Them
Zaal Anjaparidze, International Center for Conflict and Negotiation (ICCN), South Caucasus Dialogue Program Coordinator
Georgia is one of the vivid examples of violent conflicts of various kinds and origins. After the restoration of independence, conflicts, including violent ones, have become an attribute of our recent history and have cost the country enormous, including human losses.
However, there are still unanswered questions. In particular, what conclusions did the state and society draw from this, and how correct were these conclusions? What was done to prevent conflict during the peace period? Were all resources used, including civil society resources and the experience of civil peace activists?
The development of effective tools for conflict prevention (prevention) and their constant updating is important, as evidenced even by the crisis in Ukraine, which is developing in a very dangerous way before our eyes. The question of whether it was possible to prevent escalation remains open.
The examples of both Ukraine and Georgia show that the escalation of violent conflicts, even after a temporary truce or ceasefire, is not uncommon.
Repetitive cycles of violence can be broken by addressing the root causes of the conflict and taking into account state-building factors. There is an expectation for our government in this regard to achieve good governance, the rule of law, inclusive decision-making and the protection of human rights and thus contribute to a constructive resolution of conflicts.
This is what creates "resilience" and "pliability" to conflict along with other components. Prevention of violent conflicts therefore aims to resolve social and political conflicts peacefully. Promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies is one way of doing this.
The problem starts there and then when the temptation to resolve conflicts by force arises, ignoring the above factors. Unfortunately, we can find many examples of this in Georgia, which have had tragic consequences for the country and the society, with the effect of long-term negative impact.
In general, violent conflicts are seen as an expression of tension and incompatibility between different, interdependent parties regarding their needs, interests, and values.
It is necessary to study, discuss, and reconcile the historical context of the conflict, at least because conflict resolution efforts can always be interpreted "at the right time" to remind different stakeholders (ethnic, religious, etc.) of some painful episodes in their history and other sensitive aspects for artificial cultivation of conflict.
Consequently, dealing with a painful past, no matter how long and difficult, is an essential component to creating the environment needed for conflict prevention, transformation of the existing conflict, and long-term peace.
In this regard, within the framework of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) South Caucasus Dialogue, ICCN seeks to involve young people in the process of analyzing the conflicts in Georgia in the historical context. As is well known, young people are characterized by a new vision of how to assess conflicts and resolve them, which may differ in individual components from the visions of the older generation, or effectively complement them. In particular, the research of the Ilia University History Student Club was supported: "The instrumentalization of history and its role in the process of emergence and perpetuation of conflicts in Georgia." The ICCN believes that this approach promotes greater access for young people to a space for peace dialogue and advocacy for conflict prevention initiatives. This promotes meaningful involvement of the youth in the peace process.
Sincere and thorough analysis of the history of the conflict with the participation of all stakeholders is not intended to justify or rehabilitate one or all of the parties to the conflict. It explores the cause-and-effect relationships of the conflict with the involvement of all, directly or indirectly, stakeholders and contributes to the transformation of the conflict.
Solid peace can only be achieved through the tireless labor of all.
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Conflict in Georgia: Secretary General’s Consolidated Report says little progress in human rights and humanitarian situation in conflict-affected areas
Strasbourg, 19.04.2023 – Serious concerns persist regarding the human rights situation in the areas affected by the armed conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia in August 2008, according to a report by Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić presented to the Committee of Ministers and published today.
The bi-annual report (covering the period November 2022–March 2023) on the conflict in Georgia highlighted that core issues concerning the human rights and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected areas continue to see little progress. Various restrictions on freedom of movement and access to education and healthcare remain of serious concern, including in terms of their impact on vulnerable groups.
Against the continuous impediments by the Russian Federation to peaceful conflict resolution, security, and stability in the wider region, the Secretary General welcomed Georgia’s continuous efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and their provision of free access to health care, education, and other social benefits for all residents of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as their efforts to address the needs of internally displaced persons.
During the period under review, operational activities on Confidence-Building Measures were continued. The report, for instance, notes that archive specialists from both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) continued to work in online format and met in person, for the first time since the Covid-19 public health crisis. Efforts have been initiated to facilitate dialogue between psychologists specialised in war traumas and on the prevention of gender-based violence on both sides of the ABL. The development of further initiatives continues in close co-ordination with the Office of the State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality.
Secretary General stressed that continuing her periodic reporting to the Committee of Ministers on the conflict in Georgia will remain a high priority.
Note for Editors
Consolidated reports on the conflict in Georgia have been prepared by the Secretary General since 2010, following a Committee of Ministers decision. The current report is based, inter alia, on the results of the fact-finding visit to Tbilisi on 13-14 February 2023. The delegation also had the possibility to observe the situation at the Administrative Boundary Line.The current Consolidated report examines, inter alia, the implementation of the European Court’s judgments in the two inter-state cases “Georgia v. Russia (II)”, concerning the armed conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation in 2008 and its consequences, and "Georgia v. Russia" (I)” concerning arrests, detentions and expulsions from the Russian Federation of Georgian nationals in 2006-2007.
On 20 April, the European Court of Human Rights is due to deliver a ruling on the inter-state application “Georgia v. Russia (IV)”, lodged by the Government of Georgia in August 2018, which concerns the alleged deterioration of the human rights situation along the administrative boundary lines between Georgian-controlled territory and Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
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On 17 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reiterated their support for Ukraine for as long as needed, and their determination to provide continued security, economic and institutional support to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future and deter future Russian aggression.
The G7 also remains committed to intensifying sanctions against Russia, coordinating and fully enforcing them, and countering Russia’s and third parties’ attempts to evade and undermine sanctions. The ministers also said that “any resolution to the conflict must ensure Russia pays for the damage it has caused” and that “there can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities, such as Russia’s attacks against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure”.
G7 Foreign Ministers called Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and its threat to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus “irresponsible” and “unacceptable”. “Any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would be met with severe consequences,” said ministers in a statement. They also condemned Russia’s continued seizure and militarisation of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), “which could lead to potentially severe consequences for nuclear safety and security”.
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The fifth high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue took place on 25 January 2023 in Tbilisi. It reflected the strong level of commitment by both parties to take cooperation forward, including on foreign and security policy, in line with the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
The parties highlighted the historic importance of the decision of the European Council of 23 June 2022 to recognise the European perspective to Georgia.
The participants discussed the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, including the conflict dynamics in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. They called on the Russian Federation to fully implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire Agreement.
They also highlighted the important role of the EU Monitoring Mission for peace and security in Georgia, and underlined the necessity of ensuring the full implementation of its mandate. The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The meetings of the high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue are held once a year and cover issues of common interest in the field of foreign and security policy.
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The final document of the International Conference "Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace", held in Ashgabat on December 11, 2022 in the frames of the Ashgabat International Week, was published in the six official languages of the UN (A/77/651) as an official document of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly under paragraph 14 Agenda "Culture of Peace".
The document reflects the fundamental goals and principles of the UN Charter, which include obligations to resolve disputes by peaceful means and methods. In this context, the document emphasizes that inclusive dialogue in its various manifestations plays an important role in strengthening relations and cooperation among UN member states.
The Outcome Document also supports the initiative of the UN Secretary General on the formation of a New Agenda for Building Peace, which is consonant with the initiative of Turkmenistan to promote the philosophy of "Dialogue as a guarantee of peace".
In addition, the published document notes the need to implement global strategies and programs of the UN, in particular, the joint implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Final Document emphasizes that the policy of neutrality plays an important role in the development of a peaceful dialogue, trusting, friendly and mutually beneficial relations between the countries of the world and contributes to the strengthening of international peace and security at the regional and global levels. At the same time, the importance of preventive diplomacy is emphasized, in particular, the effective activities of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat in order to support the efforts of the world community to peacefully resolve conflicts in the interests of maintaining peace, as well as the need to develop and strengthen preventive diplomacy tools.
The Global Initiative “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace” promoted by Turkmenistan is aimed at consolidating the efforts of the international community in strengthening the traditions of peaceful and trusting coexistence of the peoples of the world, restoring values and worldviews, defining a culture of peace and trust as an integral factor in international relations.
The conference “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace”, which laid the foundation for the launch in 2023 of the Global Campaign for Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, has become a clear confirmation that Turkmenistan, being an active member of the world community, is not limited only to putting forward significant initiatives aimed at developing wide international cooperation that meets the fundamental interests of all countries and peoples, but also takes consistent steps towards their practical implementation.
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On December 11, 2022, on the sidelines of the International Conference "Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace", timed to coincide with the International Day of Neutrality and the 27th anniversary of the Neutrality of Turkmenistan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ( UNECE) Olga Algaerova.
The distinguished guest expressed her gratitude for the invitation to the events and the hospitality provided within the framework of the Ashgabat International Week dedicated to the Day of Neutrality of Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan remains committed to the development of cooperation with the UNECE in such issues as strengthening the transport and transit potential of the region, building up trade and economic ties and integration, maintaining environmental safety and energy efficiency.
The parties noted with satisfaction the fruitfulness of the long-term cooperation of Turkmenistan with the UNECE in a wide range of areas. The important role of the UNECE in coordinating relations between the countries of Europe and Asia in the field of transport, trade, energy and environmental protection was noted.
Discussing the topic of environmental protection, it was stated that Turkmenistan is an active participant in the global campaign initiated by the UNECE "Trees in Cities" to support actions related to climate change in cities.
Special attention was paid to the issues of cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). In particular, the Turkmen side expressed its firm commitment to further development of cooperation with the SPECA countries. The prospects for cooperation were also outlined, taking into account the proposals of UNECE and ESCAP experts. In this context, issues of improving the structure and reforming the activities of this Program were discussed, including the establishment of the SPECA Trust Fund and its Secretariat.
An exchange of views was held on interaction with the UNECE in the format of the Framework Program for Cooperation on Sustainable Development between the Government of Turkmenistan and the UN for the period 2021-2025.
In this regard, the Executive Secretary of the UNECE highly appreciated the work of the Government of Turkmenistan to implement the concept of sustainable development, the effective measures of the state to implement the UN sustainable development goals and their indicators in national programs.
In the process of discussing the planned significant meetings and events under the auspices of the UNECE, concrete steps of interaction for the coming year were outlined.
