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Mediation and Reconciliation Services
(MARS)
The MARS programme is located within the REP-USM. It is part of the Unit’s
commitment to be more involved in community level work and contribute to
a more peaceful society. This programme draws on two important levels in
conflict resolution: Mediation and Reconciliation.
Mediation is a special type of negotiation where a third party assists
the conflicting parties to find a suitable and long lasting resolution
to the conflict.
Reconciliation, which implies long-term conflict resolution, brings people
together, enabling them to grow beyond the past to re-establish a normalized,
peaceful and trusting relationship in the present.
The main objectives of the programme are to promote awareness of the need
to resolve conflict at the early stage using proactive prevention techniques
that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict using the problem solving
approach.
Under the MARS Programme we offer:
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Short Courses |
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Customized Training |
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Seminar and Workshop |
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Facilitation and Mediation |
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Counselling |
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| 2. |
Peace for Aceh Program (PAP)
The Aceh Conflict is a developing high-intensity conflict case today. It
is at a deadlock in the peace negotiations between the Indonesian Government
and the Free Aceh Movement or GAM due to the ongoing Martial Law implementation
that started May 19,2003. In such a condition, more Acehnese were forced
to flee to nearby Malaysia. Solidarity for Aceh, an NGO based in Malaysia,
estimates at least 20,000 Acehnese refugees in Malaysia most of which have
yet to be given refugees status by UNHCR for them to be safeguarded and
ensured of survival. Moreover, within the period of May to October 2003,
there have been more than 1,000 Acehnese casualties and human rights victims
recorded, mostly belonging to civil society.
The Peace for Aceh Program is aimed at strengthening the role of the Acehnese
civil society in the pursuit of the peace process. Theis is being done
through capacity building activities and by providing avenues or “democratic
spaces” for the Acehnese to be heard and find ways to uplift their
current situation. This program also conducts humanitarian activities to
help war victims and refugees.
Resources:
1. Aceh Chronology of Events
2. Proceedings
of the Aceh Informal Discussion and Group
Statement held during the SEACSN Conference
in January 12-15, 2004 in Penang, Malaysia
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| 3. |
Mindanao Peace Program
Peace in Mindanao remains to be elusive despite the Final Peace Agreement
between the Philippines Government and the Moro Nation Liberation Front
(MNLF) signed in 1996. This time, the government is negotiating with the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and with Malaysia taking the critical
mediator role. Since February 2003, the conflict escalated in Central Mindanao
as the Philippine government pursues a strong “anti-terrorism” campaign
implicating the MILF and putting the peace process in limbo. However, with
the help of an intensified peace movement and advocacy in Mindanao and
the mediator’s supportive role, both parties are slowly gaining pace
in resuming the round of peace talks to be held in Kuala Lumpur in at the
end of 2003. The Mindanao Conflict situation is a case of special interest
and relevance within the region that requires resolution. A peaceful Mindanao
is the key to the economic well-being and political stability of the Philippine
nation and security in neighboring Malaysia.
The establishment of a Mindanao Peace Program provides a knowledge base
on the Mindanao Conflict situation in Malaysia. it promotes collaboration
among individuals and organizations keen on bringing peace and development
to the people of Mindanao.
Resources:
1. Mindanao Chronology of Events (Coming
Soon)
2. Proceedings
of the Mindanao Informal Discussion held during the SEACSN
Conference in January 12-15, 2004 in Penang, Malaysia
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