Conflict sensitivity work – Aceh, Sumatra Indonesia – January 2006
Aceh in northern sumatra was one of the regions most affected by the 2004 tsunami. Prior to the devastation of the wave the area had been in the grips of a thirty year conflict which saw the region divided into sections which were controlled by either government or anti government (GAM) forces and factions. The tsunami to some extent signalled a new phase and lessening of tensions, clashes were replaced by cooperation. Save the children had been active in the districts of ache prior to the natural disaster, but mostly in government controlled areas, in the aftermath of the earthquake it’s operations and resource bases were increased greatly, & a need was recognised to further address problems and disparities in the areas that had been affected by the conflict. This coincided with GAM areas being opened up to more international NGO activity. Particularly in the light of the internal displacement of entire populations that the tsunasmi prompted, save the children recognised a need for a greater degree of conflict sensitivity to help manage the new populations and potential interactions. Over 4 weeks we delivered workshops with local save the children offices which covered conflict sensitivity and management & provided training in interactive methods for use in working with villages in GAM areas.