PEACE-BUILDING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN COMMUNITIES THROUGH LAW: A PANACEA FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The centrality of peace in the socio-economic development of any society can hardly be overemphasised. Genuine development can take place in a society with some modicum of peace. This makes it imperative for indigenes of communities that have been torn apart through several years of conflict or crisis to be concerned about the promotion of peace, justice and development in their areas. On this score, societies emerging from civil wars, authoritarian regimes and other conflict situations must accordingly give primacy to issues concerning the restoration of peace and justice in their territories. Not only do such prolonged conflicts and crises destroy the physical infrastructure in organized societies, but they also often have far-reaching adverse effects on the perception and relevance of peace and justice in the new environment. One avenue through which this can be achieved is the recognition of the role of non governmental organizations in promoting the values of peace-building and conflict management in communities.