1. Innovative strategies for reconstructing civil society in post- conflicts settings Physicians for Global Survival Conference March 26 th, 2011 Rachel Thibeault, Ph.D. O.T. (c) Occupational Therapy Programme University of Ottawa.

2. Conflict and Post-conflict areas Nicaragua Nicaragua Lebanon Lebanon Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Iraq Iraq South Africa South Africa

3. Traditional means What are they? What are they? What do you know of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions? What do you know of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions?

4. Restorative T & R Commissions vs Nuremberg-Style Prosecution The jury is still out The jury is still out Impact far more limited than hoped Impact far more limited than hoped Most vulnerable groups deeming them less effective. (Martin, 2009) Most vulnerable groups deeming them less effective. (Martin, 2009)

5. The example of Nicaragua: The starting point Contra-Sandinista tension running high Contra-Sandinista tension running high Very poor social status for ex-combatants Very poor social status for ex-combatants High rates of disabilities, physical and psychological High rates of disabilities, physical and psychological Very high unemployment and social unrest Very high unemployment and social unrest Violence against women Violence against women

17. The question of identity Amin Maalouf Amin Maalouf Are our identities multiple and murderous? Are our identities multiple and murderous? Les Identités meurtrières, translated into English as In the Name of Identity : Violence and the Need to Belong (Maalouf, 1998.) Les Identités meurtrières, translated into English as In the Name of Identity : Violence and the Need to Belong (Maalouf, 1998.)

20. What is the role of fair trade?

21. The key steps in summary 1. Identifying and cultivating a common identity 2. Engaging in a common social project 3. Acheiving economic ermpowerment 4. Contributing to the local community 5. Creating new models to be emulated

22. Initial grant: 10,000$ from the Leahey War Victims’ Fund