Role of the Diaspora in Violence-affected situations: case of CRC in DRC & UK
by Ben Mussanzi wa Mussangu
C.R.C BRADFORD
Biblical case: Nehemiah: ancient
Diaspora member
-He received information from original land > moved into tears > advocacy with decision maker > Action = rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem
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Introduction
Learning Outcomes:
-To showcase the role/added values of Diaspora involvement in Armed Violence Reduction & Prevention (AVRP) using CRC case
-To give key dimensions of the role that Diaspora can play
-Factors of success/failure for the D to play their role
-Key learning, gaps, Needs for action & conclusion
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The Diaspora is supposed:
- to know the importance of AVRP from the experience (being victim of small arms)
- to build on their own experience: Ben: nearly killed > opportunity for starting CRC > Reference : Peace Direct's book “Unarmed Heroes”
C.R.C BRADFORD Advantage:
-In Violence Affected Situations: 1st actors MUST BE people from the
community (civil driven change), but they need to have inspiration/vision
(example: US social movement)
C.R.C BRADFORD Key learning:
4) Gaps:
-ignorance of their role > no ideas
-Some have ideas, but don't know from where to start > these are to support
-Others don't care about Land 1 or Land 2 (refugee status is enough)
-Others just complain (against the government in L1, or D members who succeed etc)
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3) Key learnings:
The Diaspora needs:
- support emotionally (TH) and financially
-Partnership
C.R.C BRADFORD Need for action:
Partnership
Conclusion
Diaspora can play a major & positive role, if they are:
- informed (trained),
-supported
-and work in partnership with others.
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Recommended reference
International Alert, 2012, “VOICES ACROSS BORDERS: Policy makers & Diasporas in the UK working for peace and development”, London: Research report
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Q&A + contacts
Many thanks for listening: Any comments E:
07500410772
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