Resolving Conflict in Muslim Mindanao

The papers contained in this publication discuss and explore issues of recognition and self-determination, through the examination of traditional dispute settlement mechanisms from communities across the island, and the ways in which they co-exist with modern, non-indigenous practices in the country. Whilst often sidelined and overshadowed by modern systems, these mechanisms are critical for the continuity of traditional judicial practices, and for achieving the acknowledgment and respect necessary for the future of indigenous ways of life.

The four studies seek, through an academic lens, to investigate the use of traditional mechanisms and determine their effectiveness through research and analysis. These papers also aim to gauge and promote deeper understanding of the benefits these mechanisms possess, not only for indigenous people but for the Filipino community at large. 

It also stands to showcase the traditional judicial customs of indigenous peoples of Mindanao, for whom the island is a continuing source of pride and identity, and to celebrate the dedication and accomplishment of the authors, who as key peace practitioners in Mindanao have made exciting contributions to peace building efforts in their communities. 

Role of Magindanaun Datus in Conflict Resolution, by Abubakar Datumanong, examines the role of traditional forms of justice and dispute resolution through the lens of the Datu in Maguindanao province. This paper aims to promote the inherent value of this conflict resolution method, and to identify the specific perceptions of peace and conflict amongst these respected members of the community in indigenous Mindanaoan communities. 

Is Positive Peace with Us? Exchange Program of Muslim Women from Aceh, Pattani and Mindanao

On the occasion of AMAN’s 20th anniversary held in Pattani in January 2011, AMAN organized a workshop titled “Women in Armed Conflict”. This workshop was a part of its Assembly that focused on Multi-culturalism and World Peace. The workshop brought together women living in conflict areas and through experience-sharing and analysis of women’s roles as peace builders, addressed the relevant issues and formulated recommendations regarding the problems faced by women in areas such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Aceh, Mindanao, Myanmar/Burma, Kashmir, Manipur in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

As a follow up to the workshop, AMAN brought together eight women two from Southern Thailand (Mrs. Gareeman Saree-Nga, Yaseming Yama, Haibah Lohma), three from Mindanao (Remma Baban, Ruby Andong, and Mo'mina Abdul Jalal), and Aceh (Rizki Afiat, Kusmawati Moh. Hatta, Yusdarita) who are either affected by armed conflict and/or work for women and children affected by the same. The workshop was held in April 21 to may 3, 2012 comprising of class orientation, field visit to Aceh and Pattani, and reflection. To get insight experiences of women living in conflict area, AMAN invited eight women from Aceh, Pattani and Mindanao to document stories of women during their visits to Aceh after peace agreement comparing with situation of Muslim women in Pattani, who struggling for access to justice till now.

Expert Group Meeting: Access to Justice for Muslim Women Living in Conflict Affected Area in Southeast Asia

On 2nd-3rd May 2013, The Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) held two days Expert Group Meeting in Bali by inviting 20 Muslim women living in conflict affected areas in Southeast Asia. The workshop was aimed to facilitate sharing and learning experience among Muslim women from conflict zone to discuss about access to justice. In answering problem access to justice, the workshop linkaged framework human rights, which instruments of human rights such as Covenant on Elimination all form of discrimination against women (CEDAW) and UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) of framework of Muslim family law.Some recommendations from the workshop need to be addressed within and without AMAN network, they are:

# Community level:

1. To remove cultural barriers regarding women’s leadership, victims of sexual violence to speak out and access to economy, social, politics by having intensive dialogue with community and religious leaders

2. To address negative community attitudes (and their consequences) towards victims and survivors of sexual violence by encouraging discussion with religious authorities on the differences between rape and zina (fornication)

3. To advocate not to marry off rape survivors with the rapist, and for women’s access to safe abortion services

4. To build on existing indigenous knowledge and practices that already promote women’s access to ECOSOC rights