In the name of fighting terrorism governments around the world are increasing their repressive powers and cracking down on those they perceive as political opponents. The result has been an erosion of civil liberties and human rights in many countries. Negative impacts have been especially noticeable in conflict zones among groups that work for human rights, democracy, and the prevention of armed violence.

To address these concerns the Dutch development agency Cordaid sponsored a series of workshops in 2008 and commissioned research on the negative impacts of counterterrorism measures. Meetings were held in Maastricht, The Netherlands; Davao City, the Philippines; and Kampala, Uganda. Also emerging from the workshops is the book Countering the Politics of Fear. 

Countering the Politics of Fear covers violent conflicts in the following countries: India, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Malaysia, Sudan, Uganda, Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Palestine.

 

Book: Countering the Politics of Fear

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Date: 
April 1, 2010

Countering the Politics of Fear features a collection of first-hand accounts of individuals and groups fighting against the repression and suppression of civil society and human rights. Written by Frank van Lierde, and distributed by the Dutch development agency, Cordaid, Countering the Politics of Fear examines myriad conflicts, and the affects they have on civil society, in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

Each region includes several conflict areas, such as Sri Lanka, Manipur, Colombia, Nicaragua and the Palestinian Territories, as described by individuals who strive to end fighting and fear in the area. One example comes from Uganda, where an anonymous employee of the Ugandan Center for Conflict Resolution (CECORE) explains the importance of the Sudanese government allowing his organization to work with rebels in conflict resolution.

Another example comes from Mindanao in the Philippians, where the group, Ummah Fi Salam (UFS) has been repeatedly targeted by the government, despite its goal to bring peace between Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Philippine military.
 
All of the examples in Countering the Politics of Fear offer a first hand look into the effects of violent conflict. Each story also offers hope, in the form of individuals and organizations, working to counter fear politics and empower civil society to end violence.