Skip to main content

IS “DO NO HARM” RELEVANT FOR OPERATIONS IN CAMEROON?


photo credit: Rose Obah

After over weeks of training to serve as Trainer in “Do No Harm,” thanks to the PCC Peace Office, the National Coordinator of the Cameroon Community Media Network CCMN Rosaline Akah Obah, had the opportunity to share this content in a presentation for over an hour last week.

photo credit: Rose Obah

The “Do No Harm” (DNH) is a concept used mostly by institutions and organizations to minimize harm in situations of violent conflicts and support local capacities to build peace. For example, how may aid be provided to IDPs in ways that, rather than feeding into an exacerbating conflict, help local people disengage from the violence that surrounds them and begin to develop alternatives?

At the end of the training, the Preachers of Peace in Mezam Presbytery were encouraged to go back and explain to others the concept of “Do No Harm”, apply the “Do No Harm” tools in context analysis, use the concept to assess the impact of humanitarian or development assistance on conflict and use the framework to plan, monitor and evaluate their programmes.

One very striking aspect of “Do No Harm” is that, “There are always options.” In case a particular decision reinforces a Divider( element that divides people) or undermines a Connector (element that brings people together and offers local capacities for peace), project implementers need to look for alternative ways of achieving their objective. Any option found to reduce a negative impact or to enhance a positive one must be checked again in order to avoid unintended side-effects.
There are seven lessons when exploiting the “Do No Harm” concept in a given context of conflict: Assistance becomes a part of the CONFLICT CONTEXT.

photo credit: Rose Obah

 It is not neutral, but becomes a part of the context; There are two realities in any conflict situation- DIVIDERS AND CONNECTORS. 

Dividers are those factors that people are fighting about or cause tension. Connectors bring people together and/or tend to reduce tension; Assistance has an IMPACT on both dividers and connectors. It can increase or reduce dividers or increase or reduce connectors; 

RESOURCE TRANSFERS are one mechanism through which assistance produces impacts: what aid agencies and organization bring in and how they distribute it; 

IMPLICIT ETHICAL MESSAGES are the other mechanism of impact: what is communicated by how agencies and organizations work; 

The DETAILS of assistance programmes matter: what, why, who, by whom, when, where, and how and there are always OPTIONS for changing assistance programmes to eliminate negative impacts (increased conflict) or to improve positive contributions to peace.

In order to understand the potential impact of a programme on a context of conflict, it is important to be aware which conflict one is talking about. Who are the two groups that are on the different sides of a conflict line, and how can we describe the identities of the two sides? Remember not all conflicts are bad. Different views may be an expression of a healthy process of change that may lead to development.
However, when we cannot accept different viewpoints, it can turn into destructive violence between parties involved that may prevent progress. This is where DNH comes in.

The great Peace Crusaders of Mezam also embraced other insights on Peace and peacebuilding, mediation and conflict management. Given our current dispensation, this training serves as a veritable tool box to cure the malady ravaging our society in various forms.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wum Gears Up for a Flawless 4th General Population Census: Over 50 Enumerators Empowered for Success.

The air in Wum subdivision is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose as over 50 dedicated individuals are currently undergoing intensive training for the upcoming 4th General Population Census. These aspiring enumerators are being equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to ensure this crucial national exercise is conducted not just accurately, but also with remarkable efficiency and without a hitch. The comprehensive training workshop, a vital precursor to the census, is meticulously designed to instill confidence and expertise in each participant. From understanding census methodologies to mastering data collection tools and ethical considerations, these individuals are being thoroughly schooled to deliver a flawless enumeration process. Leading the charge in this endeavor is  the esteemed Controller, Mr. Ebua Christantus. His presence and unwavering support underscores the significance of the census for the future of Wum subdivision. During the training sessions, he passion...
Post a Comment
Read more

CAMASEJ NW TAKES STOCK OF 2019 .

       The last NW CAMASEJ  Chapter meeting for the year 2019 took place yesterday December 13th, at the conference Hall of one of Bamenda's most prestigious BLUE PEARL HOTEL, thanks to those designated host for the month of December. Chaired by it's charismatic president Ambe Macmillan AWA, the meeting paved the way for the Exco that's been in office for just one year, to present a balance sheet of it's ACHIEVEMENTS  and  CHALLENGES  in tandem with it's vision and objectives of the year, followed by a financial statement of account alongside projects/prospects the chapter interns to execute in line with the vision of the newly elected national Bereau in 2020. Members in attendance who adopted the plan of action, were also given the floor to air their grievances, factor-in ideas that will permit the association function better as a body, as well as judge the conduct of the last EGA in Douala. After all was said, he called on ...
Post a Comment
Read more

SDO REINSTATE CLEAN UP CAMPAIGNS.

By Stephen Ojang The Senior Divisional Officer for Menchum Division, Abdoullahi Aliou, has reinstated the clean up campaigns in order to salvage the battered image of villages and towns in Menchum Division. This move is contained in a circular addressed to traditional rulers, Ardos, quarter heads, religious leaders, youths and vigilante groups as well as the entire population. The circular that was signed on December 12th 2019, was handwritten, as a result of the more than six months blackout that this division has witnessed. The clean up campaign consists of cleaning premises, villages and communities which have become bushy and dirty, thereby affecting the beautiful environment and the health of the population. The move has been seen as a positive step towards consolidating the peace and harmony that the population are gradually enjoying. This consolidation can only be effective in a clean environment since a healthy body can only live in a healthy environment.
Post a Comment
Read more