An Unlikely Dilemma

In a world where armed conflict, repression, and authoritarian rule are too frequent, human rights and peace-building present key concepts and agendas for the global and local struggle for peace and development. But are these agendas congruent? Do they support each other? Many organizations, states, and individuals have experienced how priorities of one agenda create friction with the other. For instance, are justice and reconciliation incompatible goals? If not, do they lead to counteracting initiatives? How can local and international actors develop support to societies that search a way out of violence and repression without violating universal moral standards, in an imperfect and resource-scarce situation? This study departs from the view that both human rights and peace-building are agendas with specific and unique contributions. In order to deal with overlapping claims that the two agendas sometimes formulate, in both conflict and post-conflict situations, this study suggests specific approaches in order to create synergy effects of agenda cooperation. ""This is an excellent book that reaches beyond intellectual niceties that are often removed from the real-life social and economic concerns of the victims of violence and abuse in different parts of the world. It draws on five case studies (Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Palestine, and Timor-Leste), where the lives of people are torn apart by lasting oppression, greed, slaughter, and generational defeat. It ponders realistic solutions to what are often perceived as insurmountable problems, which require nations to tackle the major dilemmas facing post-conflict societies. Goran Gunner and Kjell-Ake-Nordquist remind us that sustainable stability requires this dilemma--likely and unlikely--to be resolved."" -Charles Villa-Vicencio Senior Research Fellow Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, South Africa ""This book skillfully demonstrates that there is no lasting peace without respect of human rights. Peace and justice have to be pursued as simultaneously as possible. In fact, peace development and human rights are indivisible. The sooner the world realizes this, the safer it will be."" -Jan Eliasson Former President of the United Nations General Assembly Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden Goran Gunner is Associate Professor in Mission Studies, Uppsala University, and Researcher at Church of Sweden Research Unit, Uppsala. Dr Gunner is also Senior Lecturer at Stockholm School of Theology, Stockholm, Sweden. Kjell-Ake Nordquist is Associate Professor in Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, and Visiting Professor and Head of Research Program on Human Rights and Peace-Building, Stockholm School of Theology, Stockholm, Sweden.