Marginalized populations are often the most affected victims of social conflicts. Institutions involved in peace-building, and the world of communication and the media in general, must develop approaches aiming at preventing violence and at limiting crises that increasingly have religious components.

Michel Beuret, from the Fondation Hirondelle, talked about the importance of creating inclusive contents in a context of conflict. Mons. Laurent Dabiré, Bishop of Dori (Burkina Faso) and President of the Episcopal Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger, reported on the characteristics and impacts of the communication approach of the interfaith dialogue association Union Fraternelle des Croyants (UFC) of Dori, in its peacebuilding activities.

What makes this experience relevant to others?

One of the main sources of conflict is the lack of dialogue, encounter and knowledge of the other. This rule is true in proximity (tension in disadvantaged, intercultural, neighborhood or even family suburbs), as well as in distance (geopolitical). In a democracy, freedom of speech, religion and opinion guarantee the possibility of exchanges. Nurturing them effectively prevents tensions that could turn violent in the absence of a discussion mechanism. To reopen the dialogue where it has disappeared is to give a new horizon to living together. Information, public debate and media forum is a crossroads of this essential work.

Interested in further resources?

Find here a selection of online publications on Conflict-Sensitive Communication, Peace Journalism & Media in Conflict Transformation from the CAMECO literature database.