Background

Since 2004, INCORE and Intercomm (Inter Community Development Project, Belfast) have been working to strengthen civil society and its contribution to conflict resolution, peacebuilding in both Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine.

In 2004, INCORE and Intercomm established the Belfast-Jerusalem Civil Society Partnership (B-JCSP) together with partners Ir Amim and Panorama in Israel/Palestine to “research, share and develop conflict resolution/peacebuilding skills and practices in both cities.” Since then the B-JCSP has engaged over 200 civil society representatives in a range of activities including study visits, workshadows and conferences. Perhaps most importantly, the Partnership has developed ongoing working relationships between individuals and communities in both cities. For further information about the B-JCSP please click here

During 2006, INCORE & Intercomm completed groundwork with a view to establishing a Belfast-Bethlehem Partnership (B-BCSP) to run in parallel with the B-JCSP. In January 2008 and April 2008, as part of the Journeys Out Project funded by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, both organisations delivered a tailored training programme in ‘dealing with the past’ to key, emerging community leaders from Northern Ireland at the International Leadership Institute in Jordan.

Future Plans

INCORE and Intercomm are currently working to integrate their various strands of activity in Israel/Palestine and Jordan into an holistic Northern Ireland/Middle East Programme.

 

For more information about the Northern Ireland Middle East Programme please contact:

Gráinne Kelly, Policy/Practice Coordinator