Heroes for a Better World

Hizkias Assefa
(1945-)

Professor, Reconciliation Mediator

birthdate: ?
birthplace:
?

QUOTES

The concept of a regional identity arising from a vision of regional integration could create a less threatening, consociational process where all the actors in the region could be engaged in building a more equitable and peaceful social contract that could lead to mutually enriching relation ships. Regional identity would not be an end in itself, but a step in a transition to more inclusive identities. It would challenge groups to recognize aspects of themselves that could they could share beyond the ethnic group and the state.

The major problem with the notion of ethnicity or nationality as a form of identity is that it is a very exclusive concept. It is preoccupied with the identification of how one is different from others. Without denying that aspect of identity which is exclusive, an equal amount of energy must be put into exploring and articulating more inclusive conceptions of identity as well.

Reconciliation is a process of restoring relationships between parties that have been deeply alienated from each other due to hurtful and destructive conflicts. Restoring such relationships involves multidimensional, complex, and far-reaching processes that aim at dealing not only with the past but also future relationships between the protagonists. Civil-society actors have a special role to play as catalysts and facilitators of societal reconciliation work.

if one is allowed to work with the parties step by step and layer by layer, it is possible to get them to meet at a deep level when they recognize the humanity of each other and recognize that their commonalities are much greater than their differences. And based on that they can have the vision, fortitude and mutual tolerance to work towards peace and reconciliation.

Mediation and reconciliation work is about a profound quest for justice and social transformation. But at the same time, they are about service, solidarity, about exploring and rediscovering the human spirit that has been lost or shattered through human conflict, cruelty, ignorance and greed…

It is when we come to recognize that we are as fallible and vulnerable as the protagonists but have had the good fortune of not being caught up in such difficult circumstances that we are able to place ourselves in the shoes of the adversaries and begin to understand their fears, needs and confusions. By so doing we become a bridge of understanding between the enemies.

What my experience has taught me is that regardless of how complicated the problems might appear, it is possible to work through them and find solutions that are mutually satisfactory to every stakeholder in the problem… most of our problems on this earth are created by us and therefore we have the capacity and the obligation to unmake them.

 


Better World Handbook
by Ellis Jones, et al

Buy This Book


All FREE printable materials © The People For Peace Project unless otherwise noted.
May be distributed for non-commercial uses only.

BetterWorld Heroes are included for illustration purposes. No endorsement implied.

We Can Build A Better World


BetterWorld Shopping Guide
by Ellis Jones

Buy This Book

 

THE BETTER WORLD SHOW
The Reality Show that will change reality ...

BetterWorldShow.com

BetterWorld.net
Be a Hero for a Better World - Every act of compassion makes a difference!

Global Movement | Calendar | Resources | | BetterWorld.net/clubs | About This Project