Developing an Alternative Dispute Resolution Manual for Afghanistan

DeveloAID’s expertise in designing context-sensitive training resources was demonstrated in the development of a comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) manual for Afghanistan. This project, commissioned by Search for Common Ground, aimed to equip trainers with the tools to coach local civil society organizations (CSOs) in resolving conflicts at the community level. The manual was designed to address Afghanistan’s unique socio-political challenges, where informal justice mechanisms are often more effective than the formal legal system.

Street Scene in Afghanistan with Diverse Crowd
Developing-an-Alternative-Dispute-Resolution-Manual-for-Afghanistan

Project Overview

The ADR manual was structured as a six-day training package, incorporating nine interlinked sections. It covered foundational concepts of conflict resolution, practical mediation skills, and insider mediation approaches. The training aimed to build the capacity of trainers to deliver workshops that empower local CSOs to mediate disputes and promote social cohesion in conflict-affected regions.

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DeveloAID’s Role

DeveloAID led the creation of this specialized manual, ensuring it was tailored to Afghanistan’s cultural and conflict dynamics. Our contributions included:

  • Research and Content Development: Synthesized international best practices with local insights to develop a culturally appropriate ADR methodology.
  • Training Framework Design: Structured the manual to ensure logical progression, integrating interactive exercises like conflict mapping, mediation simulations, and communication skills development.
  • Inclusivity and Sensitivity: Prioritized gender-sensitive approaches and emphasized inclusivity, ensuring the manual addressed the needs of marginalized groups, including women and ethnic minorities.

Key Features of the Manual

The manual’s innovative approach included:

  1. Practical tools for conflict analysis and mapping to identify root causes and stakeholders.
  2. Step-by-step guides for mediation and insider mediation processes, tailored to Afghan community settings.
  3. Interactive exercises designed to simulate real-world conflict scenarios, enhancing trainers’ ability to deliver impactful workshops.
Traditional Afghan Attire in Rural Setting
Children Receiving Toys in Afghan Classroom

Impact

This ADR manual empowered trainers to enhance the conflict resolution skills of local CSOs, enabling them to mediate disputes effectively. By integrating insider mediators—trusted community figures—into the resolution processes, the project fostered sustainable peacebuilding initiatives. The manual also promoted greater social cohesion by bridging divides within and between communities, addressing identity-based conflicts, and mitigating resource disputes.

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