Strategy set to tackle threats to peace process

The International Fund for Ireland has outlined a three-year strategy directed towards a range of issues threatening to destabilise the peace process.

The Community Transformation: Strategic Framework for Action aims to tackle segregation and promote reconciliation and integration where there are low levels of peace-building activities or where the peace process has delivered limited benefits.

The strategy will focus on community transformation rather than conflict management.

Dr Adrian Johnston, chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, said: “As peace building has evolved, so too have the challenges and much work is still needed to address prevailing sectarian tensions.

“The community transformation strategy recognises the new reality on the ground and looks to support communities that are still affected by the threat of violence. It is particularly focused on addressing the root causes of sectarianism and, in some cases, is making the first effort to tackle very difficult and sensitive issues.”

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said: “While much progress has been made in securing peace, the scars left by decades of violence and alienation heal slowly, and there is still much to be done in those communities that have not previously, or only partially, engaged in peace building and reconciliation activities.”

* internationalfundforireland.com