OUR METHODOLOGY

Integrative Mediation does not seek to replace or to remove ownership over the peace process. By complementing existing initiatives and peace processes, Integrative Mediation provides local parties with a variety of options that enables them to identify obstacles to their conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts. The main goal of Integrative Mediation is to place decisions and the search for solutions in the hands of local actors and to strengthen the work of local peace initiatives, thereby facilitating democratization, co-existence and re-integration at the local level.

One of the underlying principles of Integrative Mediation is that no individual mediator should perform all roles and services in mediation. It is therefore essential for multilateral mediations at the local level to include a team of mediators working together and adapting the necessary roles and services to the specific needs of the conflict.

Regular team consultations before, during and after the work allow the mediators to create a comprehensive mediation framework which meets the needs of the conflicting parties. In an ideal situation, the team’s tasks can be grouped into five areas: problem-solving, reconciliation, rule of law, democratization, and capacity-building. Each of these functions should ideally be performed by a different mediator but can be combined depending on the specific conflict situation.

In addition to the mediation team, the CSSProject is complemented by a series of support measures, strategic partnerships with mediation organizations in the field, and local initiatives. The team works together with strategic partners on the spot to fulfill certain tasks. Donors involved in confidence-building measures and training institutions are included during the whole mediation process.

CSSP seeks to further enhance the mediation team’s work by establishing strategic partnership with local mediation organizations. Close cooperation between local and international actors who make up the mediation process helps to strengthen civil society and provides local mediation efforts the possibility to gain visibility and credibility.