Digital technologies are also changing the character of conflict as parties increasingly rely on them to advance their objectives. Mediators and their teams need to consider additional factors such as the digital ecosystem of a given setting and how digital technologies and related data issues influence the power dynamics of a conflict. To address these new developments and help mediators and political affairs officers navigate the issues, the DPPA Policy and Mediation Division has prepared a Framework for Digital Technology-sensitive Conflict Analysis.

This paper highlights that peace processes are an important, albeit atypical, arena for policymaking, generally and in relation to transitional justice. This paper examines how the concept of

The subject of justice and accountability raises significant challenges in peace mediation contexts, as well as in the implementation phase following a peace agreement. These challenges usually cannot be avoided and simply must be worked through. However, there are steps that the United Nations can take so that its staff and representatives are in a stronger position to plan, to respond to the substantive questions that arise and to better coordinate with each other. This paper sets out some of these challenges, and offers both policy and strategy ideas for addressing them.

The Special political missions (SPMs) Start-up Guide provides essential information and guidance on the substantive and administrative tasks that need to be carried out to establish a field-based SPM, such as mission planning, communication, budget processes, human resources, logistics, security and legal issues. It is an essential document for all DPPA staff, and for DPPA desk officers and senior managers tasked to support the establishment of an SPM in particular.

Esta nota práctica, fruto de la colaboración entre el DAPCP y la OACNUDH, indaga en estrategias prácticas y en ejemplos del mundo real para ayudar a los mediadores y profesionales de los derechos humanos a integrar los principios y consideraciones de derechos humanos en su trabajo en general y, en particular, en cada paso de los esfuerzos de mediación que realizan. La nota muestra que los derechos humanos ofrecen soluciones prácticas a muchas de las cuestiones difíciles que los mediadores intentan abordar.

The world is facing unprecedented risks from climate change. Droughts, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events affect people, livelihoods, and economies across the world.

This paper captures key lessons learned in the author's two-year secondment to the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Policy and Mediation Division, Mediation Support Unit, during which the author supported constitution-making processes and provided advice on handling constitutional issues. 

Gender-sensitive conflict analysis is the systematic study of the gendered causes, structures, stakeholders and dynamics of conflict and peace. Addressing common gender biases in conflict analysis will provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the root causes, triggers and drivers of conflict, and enable more informed and effective action.