SOCIAL COHESION AND RECONCILIATION

Liberia: Social Cohesion in Deeply Divided Societies

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Social Cohesion” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Social Cohesion in deeply divided societies” and to build and propose different reconciliation models. The research also analyzes many aspects of “reconciliation in South Africa” and tries to gauge the effects of the model they built on their people. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for conflicts and tries to describe the overall the reconciliation model which the Liberia can input for the prosperous future.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Outline of the Study1

Background of the research1

Problem Statement2

Rationale3

Aims and Objectives4

Significance4

Research Question4

Ethical Concern5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW7

Post-Conflict Responses for Strengthening Social Cohesion11

The 1990's: The Increase in State Interest in Reconciliation15

The Procedure of Reconciliation25

Reconciliation, Justice and Truth29

Need for Reconciliation30

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY34

Literature Search34

Keywords35

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS36

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)37

South Africa, Rwanda and Ghana39

Three National Reconciliation Policies: South Africa, Rwanda and Timor-Leste40

What is Reconciliation?50

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION55

REFERENCES57

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Outline of the Study

This research focuses on the various aspects of social cohesion in deeply divided societies and comprises of the following chapters:

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Discussion and Analysis

Conclusion

Background of the research

Conflict and violence have major impacts on society, deepening social divisions and often resulting in the physical segregation of communities. Support for peace in a divided post-conflict society clearly requires not only an understanding of the causes of conflict, but knowledge of what brings people and communities together. In short, agencies aiming to support peace must develop an understanding of what builds social cohesion in a divided society.

This study considers the issue of social cohesion in Liberia and deeply divided societies that are recovering from recent social conflict and violence, in order to contribute to the formulation of future strategies to support peace and development in these provinces.

This study sets out the findings and recommendations of these assessments focusing on social cohesion in Liberia and focusing on reconciliation, social cohesion and peace- building in Liberia. The study presents recommendations to strengthen and rebuild social cohesion in the province through possible projects and crosscutting ideas for social cohesion work within other thematic issues such as governance, economic development and employment.

Problem Statement

The onset of the twenty-first century has been marked by numerous transitions from repressive rule to democracy throughout the world. Given that many displaced regimes are often characterized by large-scale human rights violations, the manner in which new democracies reconcile with their oppressive pasts will have a marked impact upon transitional societies' chances for long-term peace, stability, and reconciliation.

The question of how we address the past is central to any process of reconciliation. The challenge of the past is rarely far away as tentative steps towards future co-existence are taken. It has been seen by us that justice often fails to address the past in such a manner that the goal of reconciliation remains important part of process.

It is after the cessation of violence that reconciliation is understood as the basis of ...