Laura Raicu

Thesis

Dealing with the past to renegotiate the future: How do Indigenous approaches to dealing with trauma affect peacebuilding processes in Papua New Guinea (PNG)? The case of Bougainville and Hela Province

Conflict related trauma alters individual and collective identities, shapes narratives (Pérez, 2021) about the causes of conflict, notions of blame, responsibility, justice and accountability. Conflict related trauma can determine how individuals and societies overcome cycles of violence and engage in processes which address justice issues and build peace. To address the gap in understanding the relationship between violent conflict, trauma and peacebuilding in PNG this research project will seek to explore the interconnectedness between perceptions, psycho-social manifestations and social healing practices in PNG and their role in conflict transformation processes. Enhancing understanding of this interconnection is significant to addressing the impacts of violent conflict and preventing violence from remerging. Failing to appropriately account for the impact of ongoing individual and collective trauma in societies can undermine efforts towards achieving healing, justice and sustainable peace.