International Organisations and Peace Inclusivity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s peace process has often been lauded as a model of inclusive peacebuilding. A key feature of this process is the inclusion of previously marginalised voices and issues in the peace agreement. Notably, women’s groups secured the participation of a dedicated women’s caucus (the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition) at the multi-party talks. The Agreement’s implementation further saw women and civil society leaders actively involved, from campaigning for the Agreement’s ratification by referendum to serving on post-agreement commissions (Bramble, 2018). Moreover, the process contains provisions for equal opportunity, broad political participation, social inclusion, reconciliation, attention to victims’ needs, integrated education, and the creation of a Civic Forum for broad civic input (Bramble, 2018). These provisions underscore a commitment that peace is not merely an elite pact but addresses the needs of diverse groups in society. International actors arguably played an important role in achieving this inclusive peace. This policy brief examines how international organisations and donors have supported inclusive peace in Northern Ireland. The brief draws on both academic analyses and policy lessons, including insights from a peace inclusivity workshop, to inform recommendations for sustaining an inclusive peace in Northern Ireland and other post-conflict settings.