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• Peaceful solution of conflicts

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Peaceful solution of conflicts

In the late 80s, in Somerset (UK), the secret conversations held between a group of ANC members, the National Party and a professor from the University of South Africa helped to topple South Africa’s apartheid, a segregationist regime imposed by the governing white elite on the black majority of the population. This circumstance, combined with talks between the different people involved, national/international pressure and the efforts of groups opposed to the government, brought an end to a political, economic and social system which had for years denied human rights to the black population.

Thus, in 1994, the first democratic elections were called in South Africa, with the result that Nelson Mandela, after 27 years in prison for having defended the rights of black people, was elected president.

In the same way as South Africa, other countries have similarly organised talks and negotiations with an eye to achieving peace or solving deeply rooted conflicts. In some cases, these formulas endeavouring to bring an end to the violence have failed in their efforts, normally due to a repeated series of obstacles: the refusal to recognise mutual legitimacy by the conflicting sides prior to entering talks or negotiations, delays in the demobilising and disarmament processes, accusations of failing to respect ceasefires, and distrust or non-fulfilment of previous agreements.

As indicated by Vicenç Fisas, director of the Escola de Cultura de la Pau, UAB, Barcelona, “The agents facilitating dialogue often fail either due to imposed mediations or because they are not trusted by all of the parties involved in the conflict.”

Therefore, when launching a talks process, it is essential for both the mechanisms chosen and the parties represented (governments, armed groups, opponents) to mutually recognise and accept one another. Luis Mariano Negrón, Professor at the Faculty of Law of the Universidad Interamericana in Puerto Rico, explains that, whatever the method used to solve a conflict, “it must be correct, impartial and transparent. Acceptance and legitimacy of the result of the process, of its agreements, will depend on the extent to which it is trusted by the participants. All sides will appreciate and recognise the benefits of a process that they see as being free of defects, irregularities and abuses.”

Experience shows that dialogue, along with the search for the truth, justice, recognition and making amends with the victims, are essential factors in being able to achieve and maintain lasting peace.

• © 2010 8th Human Rights Film Festival