Using Dialogue to Build Strong Alliances for Effective Sharing of Information Between Organisations - Africa's Great Lakes Regio

"The League acts as an umbrella group, gathering together 22 members from different countries (Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo). The Great Lakes region has long suffered from violence cased by ideological and ethnic mistrust or hatred. Some organisations in the region, including human rights groups, reflect these divisions, taking actions on behalf of narrow, ethnically based constituencies."

"When divisions within the LDGL emerge, leaders of the group try to understand the underlying problems creating the dispute. When an understanding of this has been gained, the LDGL maps out potential allies, and identifies the approach to dialogue that has the most potential for expanding support and maintaining productive relationships. The basis for dialogue includes the principles of Ubuntu (humanness), as a basis for a positive way of interacting and working together with people from different backgrounds and cultures. As a result, thoughtful consideration is given to creating an atmosphere of trust. LDGL selects individuals who can most effectively carry the message of trust and collaboration. The group very carefully chooses the language, both verbal and non-verbal, of its message. This language must build credibility and trust, so that all alliance members feel assured that they are respected, and their concerns will be addressed."

Conflict, Human Rights.

"Human rights progress depends on productive alliances. The dialogue methodology helps avoid polarisation and the fractioning of alliances. It builds mutual understanding of commonalities and differences, enabling the most efficient and effective joint action."