Description
The purpose of this paper is to examine a process of great relevance for peacebuilding theory and practice: (re)humanisation. At its core, (re)humanisation is about respecting the dignity of the Other while acknowledging the structural underpinnings of violence. It entails recognising as human every aspect of someone’s life, acknowledging the individuality of their personhood, and securing their place within the wider human community. I argue that by engaging in this process, conflicting parties may become willing to challenge their groups’ meta-narratives about the ‘enemy’ Other, fostering a disposition to advocate for equal rights and resist discriminatory practices. To facilitate such transformation, ‘safe and brave’ spaces – spaces where conflicting parties engage with each other non-violently, without sidestepping difficult topics or shielding themselves from feeling uncomfortable – must be created. However, such initiatives should always be approached with great care and caution to avoid reproducing harm or reinforcing existing power inequalities. I conclude by considering theatre a ‘safe and brave’ space that can effectively promote (re)humanisation in regions affected by violent conflict.
