"The application of Communication for Development (C4D) in conflict prevention, conflict reduction and post-conflict reconstruction interventions is a relatively new field. International organisations that have begun to adopt new communication & media designs in their peace work are progressively of
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fering a credible baseline to engage in the assessment of this practice. In this paper, I offer a short compendium of the evaluation frameworks I have developed through my empirical research on the impact of Communication for Development in Peacebuilding; this is presented alongside a number of reflections and followed by concluding considerations on the state of the field." (Abstract)
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"La comunicación para la transformación de conflictos es un área relativamente nueva dentro del vasto campo de prevención de conflictos y construcción de paz y por tanto ha sido sometida a escasos procesos evaluativos. Con el fin de comenzar a crear un modelo evaluativo que posibilite un análi
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sis de las acciones emprendidas en el marco de la comunicación para la transformación de conflictos y una aproximación holística que permita que la evaluación se convierta en una verdadera herramienta de aprendizaje, este trabajo repasa las propuestas evaluativas que han surgido desde las áreas de prevención de conflictos y construcción de paz así como las reflexiones generadas en la línea de medios de comunicación y conflictos. Desde el análisis de un proyecto llevado a cabo en Colombia, propone nuevas aproximaciones a la evaluación que reincorporen los procesos presentes en la transformación de conflictos." (Resumen)
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"Based on a bibliometric and scientific study of research conducted in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Arab world, parts of Africa and Asia on the links between the use of social media and the phenomena of radicalization, the Report analyzes more than 550 studies published i
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n scientific literature and “grey literature”, covering outputs in English (260), French (196) and Arabic (96). It shows that very little research has focused on the effective role of the use of social media in violent radicalization. Although many articles deal with electronic strategies and the use of the Internet and online social media for recruitment, there are very few empirical studies that describe and examine the real effects of these strategies on youth, and they rarely examine gender aspects. The Report examines the specificities of online prevention initiatives: counter/alternative narratives and media information literacy (MIL). Several formal and informal MIL initiatives have been implemented around the world according to MIL as a pedagogical practice with a specific set of skills that can respond to narratives of anger and revenge." (Executive summary, page 5)
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"In September 2016, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) broke new ground with the unanimous adoption of HRC Resolution 33/2 on the safety of journalists. The HRC is the world’s highest human rights body and its resolutions are a strong collective commitment from States to act on priority human right
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s violations and abuses. On paper, the Resolution is the most ambitious global agenda yet to act on the safety of journalists. However, the reality for journalists facing daily threats and attacks remains dire [...] This important UN resolution must be met with action from States if it is going to ensure safety for journalists and end impunity for crimes against them. To break the cycle of violence, HRC Resolution 33/2 commits States to act on three fronts to: prevent, protect, and prosecute [...] Is HRC Resolution 33/2 legally binding? No. The HRC is a political body constituted by States (rather than by international judges or independent experts), and its resolutions constitute political commitments. Nevertheless, HRC Resolution 33/2 is a significant commitment by States to take action. It is rooted in their international human rights law obligations, and gives an insight into how States view their legal obligations relating to the safety of journalists." (Introduction, page 5-6)
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"Die vorliegende Studie gliedert sich in einen einführenden Teil, in dem das Phänomen Hate Speech dargestellt ist, und einen empirischen Teil, in dem Äußerungen mit thematischen Bezug zu „Gender“, „Homosexualität“ sowie „Flucht und Islam“ im kirchlichen und diakonischen Rahmen analy
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siert werden. Die anschließenden Kapitel beinhalten eine übergreifende Interpretation der Analyseergebnisse und bieten einen Rahmen zur Einordnung der Hasskommentare und den damit verbundenen Argumentationsstrukturen. Das nun folgende dritte Kapitel beschreibt den Weg vom Phänomen Hate Speech und dem in der Studie zugrunde liegenden Begriffsverständnis bis zu den Zielen und Forschungsanliegen dieses Projekts. Welche Daten zur Beantwortung der Forschungsfragen analysiert werden und welche spezifischen Merkmale sie aufweisen, ist Inhalt des vierten Kapitels. Darauf folgen in Kapitel 5 eine theoretische Einbettung, eine Erläuterung der methodischen Grundlagen und des Forschungsdesigns sowie eine Darstellung der Typisierung des Datenmaterials und des Aufbaus des Kategoriensystems. Im sechsten Kapitel sind in den drei thematischen Abschnitten „Gender“, „Homosexualität“ und „Flucht und Islam“ die zentralen, deskriptiven Befunde der qualitativen Analysen hinsichtlich der unterschiedlichen Formen von Hate Speech systematisch dargestellt. Anschließend ordnen wir diese Resultate im siebten Kapitel in den Bereich Diversität ein, zeichnen die Dynamik von Hate Speech und Kommentar-Verläufen nach, bündeln Erkenntnisse, diskutieren welche Erkenntnisse diese im Hinblick auf Kirche und Diakonie bringen und bieten einige theologische Ansatzpunkte zur Weiterarbeit. Dabei werden die relevanten Argumentationsstrukturen zusammenfassend erläutert. Zudem leiten wir Kriterien zur Einordnung einer degradierenden Sprachhandlung ab und erörtern die Möglichkeiten einer Abgrenzung von Hate Speech. Im Anschluss daran erfolgen in Kapitel 8 sowohl eine Reflexion der Studienergebnisse als auch ein Ausblick auf weiterführende Forschungsfragen." (Seite 17-18)
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"Erdöl, Gas, Kupfer, Coltan - ohne diese und andere Rohstoffe wäre unser Lebensstil nicht denkbar. Einerseits ist die Weltwirtschaft von ihnen abhängig, andererseits spielt ihre Herkunft in der öffentlichen Debatte wohlhabender Länder kaum eine Rolle. Einige der größten Vorräte dieser Bodens
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chätze liegen auf dem afrikanischen Kontinent – und ihr Abbau ist mit weit reichenden politischen, gesellschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Folgen verbunden. Der Investigativjournalist Tom Burgis hat unter anderem in Angola, Nigeria, Südafrika und der Demokratischen Republik Kongo recherchiert. Präzise und faktenbasiert beschreibt er die in höchstem Maße intransparenten Strukturen des Rohstoffhandels und stellt personelle Netzwerke und Verflechtungen dar. Nutznießer, so Burgis, seien oftmals international agierende Konzerne, gut vernetzte Geschäftsmänner, aber auch Kleptokraten, Kriegsherren und Schmuggler. Wenig Nutzen aus dem Rohstoffreichtum ziehen hingegen die lokalen Bevölkerungen. Weil die Gewinne aus dem Rohstoffhandel vielerorts den Großteil der Staatseinnahmen ausmachen, würden Autokraten und ihre Cliquen gestärkt, politische Partizipation unterbunden, Konflikte geschürt und Anreize zu Korruption und Selbstbereicherung geschaffen. Damit sei der aktuelle Umgang mit Afrikas Bodenschätzen in vielen Ländern ein massives Hemmnis für deren ökonomische und demokratische Entwicklung." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
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"This Research Paper examines the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Unit’s (PMU) messaging on the organisation’s website and social media platforms through early January 2017 to develop a more nuanced understanding of the PMU’s outlook, both present and future. After providing an overview of the PMU
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s media presence online, the paper discusses how the organisation promotes its core narrative: that it is a cross-confessional and patriotic force for the defence of all Iraqis against a brutal and evil IS. The paper then addresses the PMU’s use of messaging to refute the sectarian portrayal of the organisation in some quarters before turning to the way the PMU approaches regional and international states in its media. Finally, the paper summarises the PMU’s messaging strategy and discusses how this strategy implies a less threatening future for the organisation than is often anticipated." (Abstract)
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"In this chapter we have discussed a number of concrete strategies and practical examples on how to implement digital media literacy projects even in a difficult political and socio-cultural context like South Sudan. These are based in developing a holistic approach that considers citizen interactio
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n with media via the accessible vehicle of social media platforms, as an integral part of both a peacebuilding as well as literacy development strategy. From raising awareness of the direct effects of media-induced hate speech on the conflict, even for citizens who are not media literate, to the training of technical ICT, text messaging and social media skills, familiarizes people with a technology and social process such that they feel empowered to take action to move beyond conflict. Social media interaction can also be transformed from a very individual practice, into a truly social and collaborative exercise, for example through "peace jamming" or integrating social media into the many peacebuilding conferences and youth actions that regularly take place across the country. Where often the manipulation of social media with the intention to exacerbate conflict and instability comes from outside the country, learning counter-messaging skills, employing and understanding social media ethics, and identifying the vocabulary of dangerous speech can act toward occupying an undefined social media space with a language of peacebuilding, rather than leaving that space open to agents of conflict." (Conclusion)
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"Das Handeln von Fotojournalisten in Konflikten stellt einen bisher wenig beachteten Teilbereich des Auslands- und Konfliktjournalismus dar. Felix Koltermann wirft erstmals in Form einer vergleichenden Kommunikatorstudie einen differenzierten Blick auf journalistisches Handeln internationaler, israe
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lischer und palästinensischer Fotoreporter in Israel/Palästina. Ausgehend von 40 qualitativen Interviews arbeitet er Unterschiede in den Routinen und Praktiken der Nachrichten- und Dokumentarfotografie heraus und rekonstruiert den Einfluss des israelischen Besatzungsregimes auf die Akteure und Strukturen des internationalen Fotojournalismus in der Region." (Klappentext)
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"In recent years, authorities have banned the use of drones for journalism in many countries. Therefore, it is valid to claim that practicing drone journalism often leads to questions of freedom of the press, the right to receive ideas and information, and also the freedom of expression. Clearly, th
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e best opportunities for developing drone journalism are in those countries that respect human rights, freedom of the press, and the right to obtain information. There are certainly a great many countries that bear little or no such respect, and also those where legal scholarship, as well as initial practical cases on this subject, are still developing. The ethical codes are also still under construction. The basics of journalism ethics are, indeed, very valid when practicing drone journalism. In addition, the discussion of drone journalism ethics has so far mainly focused on safety and privacy issues, with more analysis needed of the ways in which background information and context can be included by reporters using drones." (Conclusion)
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"The aim of this handbook is to support the work of reporters in covering the variety of conflicts and fragile situations in Africa and beyond in ways that are both gender-transformative and conflict-sensitive. The handbook provides tools for challenging negative stereotypes of masculinity and femin
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inity, portraying women’s lives in conflict settings more accurately and ensuring greater accountability for Women, Peace and Security commitments in the continent. It seeks to contribute to the increase in quality coverage about and by women in Africa. The handbook addresses the specific challenges faced by women reporters when covering conflict settings, and seeks to promote the engaging of more women in reporting on peace and security issues. The goal is to encourage and support men reporters, as key partners to promoting the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment, to create more inclusive stories." (Page viii)
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"This handbook links the growing body of media and conflict research with the field of security studies. The academic sub-field of media and conflict has developed and expanded greatly over the past two decades. Operating across a diverse range of academic disciplines, academics are studying the imp
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act the media has on governments pursuing war, responses to humanitarian crises and violent political struggles, and the role of the media as a facilitator of, and a threat to, both peace building and conflict prevention. This handbook seeks to consolidate existing knowledge by linking the body of conflict and media studies with work in security studies. The handbook is arranged into five parts: theory and principles; media, the state and war; media and human security; media and policymaking within the security state; new issues in security and conflict and future directions. For scholars of security studies, this handbook will provide a key point of reference for state-of-the-art scholarship concerning the media–security nexus; for scholars of communication and media studies, the handbook will provide a comprehensive mapping of the media–conflict field." (Publisher description)
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"The impact assessment comprised a survey, focus-group discussions and key informant interviews as its sources of data. The survey covered 194 members of the Peace Radio listener clubs, in which members discuss the Peace Radio contents and initiate peace initiatives on the basis of a standardised qu
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estionnaire of open and closed questions [...] The impact assessment came to the following conclusions: The Peace Radio approach, using broadcasts in combination with listener club meetings, has the potential to reach a broad audience effectively. It was generally found to be well appreciated and considered relevant by its target communities. The diversity of media formats used in the Peace Radio make the programme attractive and unique, as different media formats correlate with different listeners’ preferences. The very high attendance of listener club meetings indicates its high level of attractiveness. Listener clubs are appropriate forums where people from different (ethnic) groups – even from conflicting parties – come together and discuss issues in a constructive and peaceful manner. The clubs are an essential part of the Peace Radio Programme. The programme equips listener club members with basic peace-building skills, with members feeling able to apply them. Changes in attitude are very difficult to achieve. Increasing tolerance and respect towards other groups and communities usually takes years, if not decades, to achieve. As the findings of the impact assessment indicate, the Peace Radio approach was able to achieve measurable change in attitudes in a short time period of 2-5 years. Prejudices and stereotypes which had previously served as a breeding ground for conflicts were significantly reduced through the broadcasts but also through the interaction in the (joint) listener club sessions. This is a very impressive result." (Executive summary)
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"Welcome to this practical guide for media professionals reporting on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Whether you are reporting on the work of the ICC from the building itself, or if you are overseas, this practical guide will help you find what you need to report effectively on the Court’
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s work." (Page 3)
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"This book constitutes a milestone in journalism for both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot editors and journalists across the island as it offers alternatives to the dominant “war journalism” approach that Cyprus journalism (as part of a global pattern of contemporary journalism), has become ha
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bituated to. “Peace Journalism: A Practical Handbook for Journalists in Cyprus” offers an opportunity to journalists who want to escape the blame game, open up opportunities for the resolution to ongoing conflict through serious reporting, and transcend the “them/us” and “we’re right/they’re wrong” dichotomy that has become the hallmark of contemporary journalistic framing." (Foreword, page 6)
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"Seit März 2007 organisieren lokale und internationale Aktivist*innen in verschiedenen Teilen Afghanistans beinah täglich Aktivitäten mit den unterschiedlichen Techniken des Theaters der Unterdrückten (TdU) des Brasilianers Augusto Boal (1931-2009) sowie anderen emanzipatorischen Theatermethoden
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. In diesen rund zehn Jahren kontinuierlicher Anwendung hat sich das sogenannte „Applied Theatre“ als zentral für die systematische Arbeit mit dem Thema Straflosigkeit bzw. Aufarbeitung von mittlerweile knapp 40 Jahren des ununterbrochenen gewalttätigen Konflikts erwiesen. Hauptzielgruppe der verschiedenen Theateraktivitäten sind die direkten Angehörigen der nach Schätzungen etwa drei Millionen Menschen, die in den unterschiedlichen Konfliktperioden ums Leben gekommen sind. Einige wenige waren bereits zuvor in offiziell registrierten Opfer- oder Witwenverbänden organisiert, während die meisten mit ihrer Trauer allein blieben und isoliert um das bloße Überleben kämpften." (Seite 52)
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"Nigerian researcher Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob compares the impact on people in the Kivu provinces of eastern DR Congo of United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) communication programmes encouraging militia to return to the country and Radio Okapi’s informative debate programme 'D
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ialogue between Congolese' at a time, between 2008 and 2010, when Fondation Hirondelle was co-managing that radio station with the UN. He concluded that the UN communication programmes provoked emotional reactions that were not very favourable, while 'Dialogue between Congolese' gave its listeners a better understanding of the political situation and a sense of collective responsibility to resolve the conflict." (Sacha Meuter, Legal adviser and research coordinator at Fondation Hirondelle, in News from Fondation Hirondelle, Nr.54, Winter 2017-2018, page 2)
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