Rethinking Conflict Transformation from a Human Rights Perspective
Michelle Parlevliet
Michelle Parlevliet (2010) explores the relationship between human rights and conflict
transformation. She argues that these two concepts complement and enhance each other, leading to
a more comprehensive understanding of transitioning from conflict to lasting peace.
● The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that protecting human rights is
essential to prevent violent conflict. However, some argue that prioritising human rights
norms can make peacemaking more difficult
○ Eg Bosnia-Herzegovina, where human rights activists rejected pragmatic deals
(conflict resolution practitioners) that could have ended violence by aiming for
perfect justice and moral peace: this made ‘today’s living the dead of tomorrow’
(anonymous source)
● The author suggests that conflict transformation, with focus on social justice, provides a
strong framework for understanding the intersection of human rights, conflict, and peace
● Conflict transformation focuses on addressing power imbalances, advocating for change, and
challenging the status quo, aligning with human rights principles
1.1 Definitions and conceptual debates
Parlevliet prefers to use the term ‘conflict transformation’ instead of ‘conflict management’
● Conflict transformation relevant in the context of asymmetric conflicts to transform power
imbalances and unjust social relationships
○ Addresses wider social, political, cultural sources of conflict (ie does not only focus
on addressing the behavioural and attitudinal manifestations but also on deeper
structural origins)
○ Aim to transform systems, structures and relationships underlying violence and
injustice
● Conflict transformation approach sees conflict as ‘catalyst for social change’: looks at
resources for peacebuilding in the local context (ie not external, international interveners)
Human rights: “internationally agreed values, standards or rules regulating the conduct of states
towards their own citizens and towards non-citizens” (Baehr 1999)
2 categories of obligations
● Negative obligations: require states to refrain from actions (eg no killing, torture)
● Positive obligations: require states to act (eg ensure equal healthcare access)
2 types of right:
● Civil and political rights: protecting citizens from state abuse (eg right to life, freedom of
expression).
● Social, economic, and cultural rights: concerning the welfare of individuals (eg right to work,
education, adequate standard of living)
Michelle Parlevliet
Michelle Parlevliet (2010) explores the relationship between human rights and conflict
transformation. She argues that these two concepts complement and enhance each other, leading to
a more comprehensive understanding of transitioning from conflict to lasting peace.
● The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that protecting human rights is
essential to prevent violent conflict. However, some argue that prioritising human rights
norms can make peacemaking more difficult
○ Eg Bosnia-Herzegovina, where human rights activists rejected pragmatic deals
(conflict resolution practitioners) that could have ended violence by aiming for
perfect justice and moral peace: this made ‘today’s living the dead of tomorrow’
(anonymous source)
● The author suggests that conflict transformation, with focus on social justice, provides a
strong framework for understanding the intersection of human rights, conflict, and peace
● Conflict transformation focuses on addressing power imbalances, advocating for change, and
challenging the status quo, aligning with human rights principles
1.1 Definitions and conceptual debates
Parlevliet prefers to use the term ‘conflict transformation’ instead of ‘conflict management’
● Conflict transformation relevant in the context of asymmetric conflicts to transform power
imbalances and unjust social relationships
○ Addresses wider social, political, cultural sources of conflict (ie does not only focus
on addressing the behavioural and attitudinal manifestations but also on deeper
structural origins)
○ Aim to transform systems, structures and relationships underlying violence and
injustice
● Conflict transformation approach sees conflict as ‘catalyst for social change’: looks at
resources for peacebuilding in the local context (ie not external, international interveners)
Human rights: “internationally agreed values, standards or rules regulating the conduct of states
towards their own citizens and towards non-citizens” (Baehr 1999)
2 categories of obligations
● Negative obligations: require states to refrain from actions (eg no killing, torture)
● Positive obligations: require states to act (eg ensure equal healthcare access)
2 types of right:
● Civil and political rights: protecting citizens from state abuse (eg right to life, freedom of
expression).
● Social, economic, and cultural rights: concerning the welfare of individuals (eg right to work,
education, adequate standard of living)
