About

Our Work

Established in 2016, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) is an independent research center that engages in policy and practice on conflict mediation, humanitarian action, and post-conflict recovery in the Arab world and beyond.

At the center we seek to contribute towards the enablement of sustainable recovery in conflict-affected societies and ultimately to achieve a world free from conflict and crisis. CHS research is driven by values of independence, interdisciplinarity, and intellectual rigor. By linking theory, policy, and practice in our engagement, we develop knowledge networks with constructive impact at local, national, and international levels.

CHS works collaboratively with leading research organizations to inform evidence-based approaches to conflict response. We also work with key stakeholders concerned with humanitarian action and peacemaking to facilitate multi-track dialogues, engage in mutual learning, and build common ground.

Guiding Principles

Achieving Justice

Achieving justice is the foundation for successful conflict resolution and reconstruction processes.

Contextualisation

Challenges faced by the region must be contextualized historically and culturally towards critical and reflexive methodologies and policies.

Participation

Local communities and their cultural determinants have a critical role and should be integrated through meaningful participation and decision-making at all levels of recovery.

Collaboration

Greater collaboration between regional and international donors, recipient governments, agencies and academics is a pivotal factor in the successful implementation of solutions and proposed recommendations.

General Research Framework

General Research Framework

CHS is an interdisciplinary institute that cuts across the traditional academic categorization of Humanities, Social Sciences and Public Policy. Its scope includes, but is not limited to: conflict analysis and conflict resolution methods, coping mechanisms and forms of resilience, contemporary humanitarian responses, understanding conflict resolution and humanitarianism in Islam, examining post-conflict reconstruction and development, and exploring state fragility and political transitions.