Businesses are commonly seen as the ‘bad guys’ in fragile and conflict-affected areas. However, the roles businesses play in such environments are more complex. While some companies have been accused of committing human rights violations and exacerbating conflicts, others have been commended for advocating a peaceful resolution to conflict or actively engaging in international peace initiatives. One factor that heavily influences the way in which businesses operate in conflict contexts is their relationship to other actors like home states, host states, non-state armed actors, other businesses and civil society organizations.

In this course participants will:

• Get a global understanding of the various positive and negative impacts companies may have in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
• Develop knowledge on some key international policy frameworks on business, peace and human rights and their challenges.
• Learn more about conflict-sensitive business practices that help businesses operate successfully in fragile and conflict-affected areas while having a lasting impact on peace.
• Better understand the perspectives of state actors, businesses and civil society organizations.
• Exchange experiences and become part of a community of practice.

This course is an ideal preparation and complement to the participation at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, taking place from 25 to 27 November 2019 in Geneva.

Further information: swisspeace course "Business, Conflict & Peacebuilding"