The introduction to the Resource Pack contains a well designed glossary with the main terms that are used internationally both by research institutes as well as bi- and multilateral agencies. The Resource Pack was sponsored by IDRC, CIDA, Minbuza, GTZ and SIDA. These “Conflict-sensitive approaches to development, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding” were developed in consortium with partner organisations such as the Africa Peace Forum, International Alert and Saferworld. In order to promote an internationally shared understanding in our thematic field of action, we decided to integrate an entire “Resource Pack” in section four. The Tip Sheets are prepared by COPRET (Conflict Prevention and Transformation) in collaboration with consultants as well as by the donor community in the DAC/CPDC framework (the OECD Tip Sheets are called Issues Briefs). The latter highlight the main aspects of a specific topic. The first provide guidance for the best use of the CSPM instrument. We distinguish between methodological and thematic Tip Sheets.

The third section comprises an open series of Tip Sheets that will be updated whenever there is the need to deal with new topics. The CSPM puts an emphasis on power (shift, asymmetry, distribution, access, struggle) as one of the main sources of violent conflict in the local context of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. The section distinguishes between CSPM Basic and CSPM Comprehensive which are adapted to SDC’s PCM, and encompass the “Do No Harm” (DNH )-approach and a three-dimensional concept of violence prevention. The second section introduces Conflict-Sensitive Programme Management (CSPM) in order to prevent and mitigate violence and transform conflicts in the context of SDC’s work. The ten principles on peacebuilding reflect the SDC experience in this strategic field of action. They also provide some guidance to differentiate between what we would call long term “peace development” and more shortterm “peace promotion” at the political and the diplomatic level. If you wish to know more about SDC’s understanding of conflict transformation, we invite you to read the guidelines.

It starts with the SDC Guidelines on Peacebuilding. Published in six languages in February 2003, these policy guidelines help us to better understand the inter-linkages between conflict, peace, and development cooperation. The handbook is composed of four sections:

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