Yes / This working paper deals with the nexus of diaspora communities living in European host countries, specifically in Germany, and the transformation of protracted violent conflicts in a number of home countries, including Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Somalia and Afghanistan. Firstly, the political and social role and importance of diaspora communities vis-à-vis their home and host countries is discussed, given the fact that the majority of immigrants to Germany, as well as to many other European countries, over the last ten years have come from countries with protracted civil wars and have thus had to apply for refugee or asylum status. One guiding question, then, is to what extent these groups can contribute politically and economically to supporting conflict transformation in their countries of origin. Secondly, the role and potentials of diaspora communities originating from countries with protracted violent conflicts for fostering conflict transformation activities are outlined. Thirdly, the current conflict situation in Sri Lanka is analyzed and a detailed overview of the structures and key organizations of the Tamil and Sinhalese diaspora worldwide is given. The structural potentials and levels for constructive intervention for working on conflict in Sri Lanka through the diasporas are then described. Fourthly, the socio-political roles of diaspora communities originating from Cyprus, Palestine, Somalia and Afghanistan for peacebuilding and rehabilitation in their home countries are discussed. The article finishes by drawing two conclusions. Firstly, it recommends the further development of domestic migration policies in Europe in light of current global challenges. Secondly, it points out that changes in foreign and development policies are crucial to make better use of the immense potential of diaspora communities for conflict transformation initiatives and development activities in their home countries. How this can best be achieved in practice should be clarified further through intensified action research and the launch of more pilot projects.

The practice of female genital cutting/s (FGC) has been under national scrutiny in Sweden for decades. Besides strong laws and policies enforced by the Swedish government, civil society organisations have played an important role in addressing the subject of FGC in Sweden. The purpose of this research is to examine what roles and functions civil society organisations assume as they tackle the practice of FGC. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted with employees and volunteers from civil society organisations that address the practice on a daily basis, this study sheds light on the possibilities and challenges civil society organisations face when they approach the question of FGC in Sweden. This research finds that civil society organisations carry a lot of responsibility in terms of tackling FGC in Sweden, as governmental efforts are perceived to be insufficient. Criticism against the Swedish government is first and foremost directed to the lack of knowledge and understanding on FGC within authorities and to the lack of grassroot efforts together with diaspora communities. Thus, this examination shows how civil society organisations engage and provide complementary efforts. First, civil society organisations raise awareness and shed light on the complexity on the practice of FGC within several authorities to secure that knowledge about the practice is maintained. Second, civil society organisations strive to involve, engage and empower individuals on grassroot levels by creating safe and familiar spaces to talk about FGC. Finally, local efforts provided by civil society organisations aim to empower people affected by the practice of FGC to make their voices heard and to represent themselves. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that civil society organisations hold vital complementary roles in relation to the Swedish state in terms of addressing the practice of FGC in Sweden.