Conflict and violence prevention and transformation

​"The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them." Thomas Crum (1998). “The Magic of Conflict", Simon & Schuster

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​Conflicts and violence are crucial challenges that threaten to slow down or to reverse development achievements. They adversely affect the lives and dignity of millions of people and drive most of the humanitarian needs worldwide: individuals are displaced, families separated, livelihoods are devastated and opportunities for broader growth, development and prosperity are destroyed. Addressing challenges in these fragile settings is a strategic priority for SDC. Switzerland's involvement in fragile and conflict-affected regions (FCAS) calls for long-term engagement with a flexible approach and a thorough understanding of the conflict in all its dimensions.

Conflicts are the expressions of tensions and incompatibilities between different interdependent parties regarding their needs, interests and values. Conflicts are not exclusively negative, as they can also help societies to develop. The problem starts when conflicts are settled through violent means and when they threaten to reverse development achievements.

"Conflict and violence prevention and transformation" refers to processes and activities supporting structures to prevent / transform conflicts, solidify and establish peace, and avoid relapse into conflict. SDC ai​​​ms at building peace by addressing the structural causes and drivers of the conflicts and taking State building factors into account, in order to achieve good governance, the rule of law, the protection of the citizens and the respect of human rights, and thus promote constructive conflict and violenc​​e prevention and transformation.​