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CDNH: Conflict prevention Rakhine

Project completed

After the events in Rakhine in August 2017, violence and communal tensions are still prevailing and mistrust has increased among and between communities, state and village officials and security authorities. The need to gather the stakeholders around conflict prevention, livelihood skills enhancement, conflict analysis and gender and civic education is repeatedly expressed by all. This project helps to improve the relationship between the main key actors in and around Rakhine to lower the potential of further tensions, abuses and install trust-building mechanisms.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Myanmar
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Conflict & fragility
Gender
nothemedefined
Protection, access & security
Conflict prevention
Sexual & gender-based violence
01.11.2018 - 31.08.2021
 CHF  1’235’000
The project in brief
Background After the violent events in northern Rakhine State in August 2017, when over 700’000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh, the spectrum of tensions has drastically widened among all ethnic minorities, Rakhine and Bamar communities, and has impacted the political relationships between Rakhine State and Union Government in Nay Pyi Taw. The crisis has not only a humanitarian dimension, but also development and human rights issues, compared to what was perceived in 2017. The planned refugees’ repatriation and the closing of IDP camps are so fare not made in a manner conducive to fostering the relationship between communities and authorities. Trust disappeared not only among them, but also towards the international donors’ community and the UN system. The increase of hate speech, the influence of hardliners over moderate community leaders and violent demonstrations have increased and continue to contribute to the fragility of the context.
Objectives This contribution will improve social harmony in Rakhine State by reducing conflict, enhancing tolerance and understanding through interaction and dialogue between and within communities, governmental actors and the international partners.
Target groups

Muslim, including Rohingya, Rakhine and ethnic minority communities and their leaders of Rakhine State affected by the different ethnic violence and tensions.

State and Union government officials, village administrators, stakeholders representing the civil society working in conflict prevention in Rakhine.

Women, men of small vulnerable ethnic communities with almost no access to livelihood opportunities.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Awareness and understanding on conflict prevention and peace is increased among communities and governmental officials in Rakhine State.

Outcome 2: Increased capacity of local government and stakeholders to react adequately to violence and increased conflict sensitive behaviours to avoid exacerbating tensions

Outcome 3: Improved institutional capacity and equipment to work in Conflict Sensitive Programme Management (CSPM) approach
Results

Expected results:  

  • A needs assessment for northern Rakhine State on trust building, conflict prevention and community reconciliation is elaborated.
  • The updated baseline data contributes to the formulation of policies on Rakhine related issues.
  • The Early Warning and Early Response Programme is extended to other places with communal problems in the country.
  • Communities’ livelihood skills trainings are organised to facilitate the promotion of human rights and social harmony
  • Awareness-raising and capacity-building trainings among all relevant stakeholders are organised in the entire Rakhine State.
  • The Union Government’s conflict prevention system is introduced and government officials can take measures accordingly.
  • The coordination and communication between the local communities, State and Union Government, UN, diplomatic community and INGOs is improved in conflict prevention and cooperation.


Results from previous phases:   The Centre for Diversity and National Harmony (CDNH) developed the Early Warning and Response Programme (financed by HSD) in 2014 to monitor communal tensions, which was applied after the 2016 and 2017 events. Till mid-2018, 500 awareness-rising and capacity building trainings and dialogue meetings were undertaken with Muslim and Rakhine communities. This contributed to increase the understanding of human rights and the importance of social harmony among the Muslim and Rakhine communities.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO


Other partners
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
Coordination with other projects and actors

USAID/OTI intercommunal reduction violence project in Myanmar (implemented by Search for a Common Ground) and the Bago Peace Network combatting misinformation on social media.

UNHCR and UNDP Rakhine repatriation and ending displacement activities under the tripartite MoU of June 2018.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’235’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’166’117 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’085’000
Project phases

Phase 1 01.11.2018 - 31.08.2021   (Completed)

  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Material relief assistance and services
    Civilian peace-building, conflict prevention and resolution
    Ending violence against women and girls
    Cross-cutting topics Crisis prevention
    Aid Type Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F09883

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Last update 06.03.2024