What we offer

Reconstruction for crisis prevention
We support rehabilitation and reconstruction measures. Furthermore, we promote decentralised public and private structures and assist the population in securing a livelihood. During and after conflicts, we promote demobilisation and the reintegration of soldiers, for example, and support reconciliation processes. Increasing safety for the population and preventing violence are significant elements of our work.

Peace building and crisis prevention
We help to orient country and sector programmes towards the prevention of violent conflicts. We support complex programmes that aim to establish social, political and economic stability and build peace. We foster conflict transformation methods and capacities and support education for peace, especially among the younger generation. We advise supraregional organisations on peace and security.

Security sector reform 
We provide advice and support in the fields of local civil security, gender and the security sector, and help to develop methods and standards in connection with security sector reforms. We also provide support in controlling small arms, demobilisation, and reintegration.

What you can achieve with us

Crises and violent conflicts destroy the livelihoods of the population. The majority of violent conflicts take place in developing and transition countries. Within a very short space of time they destroy the results of many years of development investment. There are many reasons why it is important to strengthen the ability of social groups and institutions to resolve conflicts peacefully and remove their causes. The main aim is to empower the people we work with to

• recognise tension and crises early on and approach these non-violently, and
• promote economic, social and political development in the wake of a conflict or crisis.
  

How we work

We deliver measurable results by tailoring our services efficiently and precisely to the specific requirements of each country and its population.

The following principles govern our work:

• 'Do No Harm': Unintended impacts of humanitarian aid and DC, especially those that are relevant to conflict, are identified, avoided and buffered.
• Strategic links: Activities in the fields of crisis prevention, conflict transformation, peace building and security policy are coordinated with other (structural) DC measures.
• Strengthening peace constituencies: Civil society actors and public institutions that promote non-violent conflict solutions are strengthened and networked.
• Coordination of measures: Peace and development measures of national, bilateral, multilateral and private sector initiatives are coordinated.
• Cultural appropriateness: Conflict transformation and peace building methods are adjusted to the social and cultural setting, while any traditional conflict transformation methods are strengthened.
• Skills development: Continuing training measures systematically enhance the skills and competencies of staff working in crisis and conflict areas.
• Personal security: Security aspects in connection with activities in crisis and conflict regions receive appropriate consideration.
  

Our successful approach is based on our technical expertise and our experience in providing consultancy for complex processes of change. It further stems from our internationally acclaimed competence in project and financial management, placement of experts and capacity development. In addition, our partners benefit from our alliances and collaboration with numerous institutions and experts. Worldwide we cooperate closely with scientific and policy institutes, international organisations and bilateral development agencies within the Conflict Prevention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction (CPR) network, as well as at country level. In Germany, we collaborate closely with the Working Group on Development and Peace (FriEnt) and the organisations it represents.