Conflict & Governance
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Photo: Miguel Samper for Mercy Corps
War tears at every fiber of society, but conflict doesn't have to be violent to harm communities. Mercy Corps works to help families rebuild after the destruction of war and engages citizens to find mutually beneficial solutions for change.
Especially in post-conflict settings, we facilitate collaboration between government officials and the people they serve, leading to more accountable and productive leadership. Addressing the root causes of conflict today can help avoid tomorrow's wars and other crises.
All stories about Conflict & Governance
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Iraq: My meeting with Vice President Biden July 6, 2009
I met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden last Friday in a small roundtable discussion to discuss reconciliation in Iraq. Three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were represented — Relief International, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting and Mercy Corps.
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Honduras: Opportune dialogue in Honduras July 6, 2009
I still remember the dark days and the fear that the Cold War imprinted in all our souls. El Salvador and Guatemala were at war then, and Nicaragua became a communist state where Russian language was taught in schools. In the streets, hundreds died and thousands were missing.
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Colombia: Tools for life July 2, 2009
As I stand over a particularly energetic fifth grade boy to keep him from kicking the girl next to him, I’m amazed: they’re actually quiet. And still — for the most part. These five minutes of stillness could be the most important gift that these kids have received all week.
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Iraq: Getting to "yes" in Iraq July 1, 2009
Iraqis are celebrating on the streets as the U.S. withdraws its troops from the major urban areas of Iraq, but the fresh violence in Kirkuk serves as a sober reminder of the country's still fragile security condition.
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Tajikistan: A ritual for healing July 1, 2009
This past Saturday we celebrated the National Day of Reconciliation, which marks the day when President Imomali Rakhmonov and United Tajik Opposition leader Said Abdullo Nuri signed a peace agreement in Moscow in 1997.
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Iraq: Ned Lamont calls out Mercy Corps' work on The Huffington Post June 30, 2009
Today Ned Lamont — businessman, former Democratic Senate candidate in Connecticut and Mercy Corps board member — called out Mercy Corps' work with Iraqi refugees in an insightful piece on Huffington
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A million subtle shades of gray June 26, 2009
For the most part, black-and-white thinking doesn’t hold that true anymore for me. There’s nothing really akin to the moral absolutism of standing ground against a schoolyard bully.
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Uganda: New beginnings June 24, 2009
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Sudan: A step forward in Darfur June 23, 2009
Mercy Corps Scotland is preparing to enter Darfur to help thousands of Sudanese impacted by the continuing strife there. These are families who have lost nearly everything — their homes, their farms, their loved ones — and have been living in tent camps ever since.
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DR Congo: Simple things can make the biggest difference in the DRC June 19, 2009
When asked by family or friends after a field visit, "How was your trip?" or "What's new in Africa?" I'm often guilty of giving oversimplified responses, though I realize our programs go way beyond "fine" and "interesting."