Coexistence work in Northern Ireland, continued

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Since 1990, the effort has generally followed a framework for involvement that outlined three major levels of engagement for the work. The work included in each level is tailored to fit the particular context of the conflict.

Level 1
This included work with power brokers – including work with and by political, military and paramilitary leaders, as well as policy advisers and administrators from both British and Irish governments.

Level 2
Work with power holders - mainly the major agencies such as statutory bodies, large community bodies, and other non-government organizations, the main churches and educational institutions, cultural and sporting organizations, housing and planning institutions, trade unions and business sectors, local district councils, and the security forces.

Level 3
Work at community level, often with indigenous leaders from local communities. In includes work along the interfaces of conflict, work with local people in prisons, former paramilitaries, and work with women, as well as more general community development programs.

Conclusion
The coexistence work undertaken in Northern Ireland has been a significant asset in assisting the development of political agreement. It has addressed issues of equality, identity, law and order, human rights, community development, and political dialogue between divided communities.

The number of agencies involved specifically in such work increased from 35 in 1989 to over 150 in 1999. However, much of this work is now being incorporated into the work of agencies whose specific agenda is not coexistence work.

The coexistence effort has allowed many of the most contentious issues between communities to be discussed and, in many cases, to be addressed in a combination of policy and legislative options both before and as part of the Belfast Agreement. 

Of course many issues are still in contention, but many which were seen as equally, or more, contentious have already been addressed and agreed. In general there has been a significant refocusing of politicians and people away from the paths of violence, and toward to the political and communal tasks needed for coexistence in Northern Ireland.

Prof. Mari Fitzduff, is director of INCORE and Professor of Conflict Studies, Magee College, University of Ulster.

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