Peace without Reconciliation in Northern Ireland: Lessons for Libya?

Ireland has a centuries-long conflict. The most recent phase of conflict in Northern Ireland, which lasted from 1969-1994, resulted in the loss of over 3,700 lives and was accompanied by economic devastation. The ethno-national conflict revolves mainly around a constitutional question, namely whether Northern Ireland should remain as part of the United Kingdom or become part of a United Ireland. In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was reached between the British and Irish governments and the main political parties in Northern Ireland, bringing relative peace to the region. Major reform has taken place in policing and justice and the principle of equality has been enshrined throughout Northern Irish society. This report discusses how Northern Ireland emerged from conflict into relative peace. It examines the institutions which resulted from the Agreement and the guiding principles behind them. The report details progress towards reconciliation; and explores remaining areas of division and continuing challenges to reconciliation, including dealing with the past, ongoing segregation, cultural divisions, identity issues, and a lack of political leadership in promoting reconciliation. The report concludes by recognising that the Irish peace process has been exported around the world as a model, whilst imperfect process; and outlines seven lessons which may be useful to other conflict situations including Libya.