Understanding the role played by the diverse county-based civil society actors in conflict resolution is vital for inclusive and peaceful processes of change.

As the conflicts in Libya and Syria persist, civil society organisations continue to fulfil important functions of peacebuilding together with more informal civil society actors whose role remains relatively unexplored. 

Non-formal civil society networks and traditional social institutions often enjoy significant access and legitimacy within local communities, but the international community has limited access, and perhaps understanding, of these important peace resources.

The British Council commissioned this study to illuminate the role played by diverse civil society groups in contributing towards peace in the conflicts in Libya and Syria. We hope it will increase sector knowledge about the role, and possible needs, of local peace actors and inform international peacebuilding policies.