This year’s annual workshop of the Missing Peace Initiative (MPI) Scholars Network was held at the University of Oxford from 30 June to 2 July. Hosted by All Souls College, the workshop was co-organised in partnership with MPI’s partner institutions, including the PRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and Security (GPS).
The workshop brought together more than 40 participants from around the world, including scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and survivors. Among the many topics discussed during the three-day workshop were:
- How is conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) understood across research and policy communities?
- How can scholarly research better inform policy and practice?
- How do communities affected by CRSV experience and respond to violence?
- What role do transitional justice mechanisms and post-conflict institutions play in responding to CRSV?
- How can survivor-centred programmes and services be strengthened?
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, growing resistance to gender equality norms, and substantial funding cuts affecting both research and programming on CRSV, a central concern throughout the workshop was how the MPI network can best navigate the current political moment. Researchers working on CRSV are not only facing increasing funding constraints, but also significant challenges related to data collection, partnerships, and security. Participants agreed that, in times like these, maintaining and strengthening the MPI network is more important than ever.
The final day of the workshop was organised as a Policymaker Event, featuring Lord William Hague of Richmond, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Tore Hattrem, Norway’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, as keynote speakers. Lord Hague reflected on why, as UK Foreign Secretary, he launched the UK Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI), and why he believes it is important for men in positions of power to engage and speak out against CRSV.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hattrem emphasised: “We meet at a time when evidence matters more than ever. Without reliable knowledge, sound policy becomes difficult; without sound policy, accountability weakens; and without accountability, impunity grows.” The policy panel was followed by questions from the audience and a broader discussion on current challenges and opportunities in addressing CRSV.
The workshop concluded with a lunch in the historic Dining Hall of All Souls College.
PRIO was represented by GPS Centre Director Torunn L. Tryggestad, Research Professor Inger Skjelsbæk, and Associate Professor Ragnhild Nordås (PRIO and the University of Michigan).
In addition to the MPI partner institutions, the Norwegian Embassy in London was among the co-sponsors of the event.
