Conflict Resolution Network/South Asia - Hosted by ACRIS

The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) International Section (ACRIS) established Regional Networks to support our members and colleagues around the world, and to promote conflict resolution capacity building. We encourage ACR members and non-members alike to join together to expand our field worldwide. The goal of the Regional Networks is to provide practitioners and conflict resolution organizations across the globe with mechanisms to strengthen networking, facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, and promote a culture of conflict resolution in particular geographic regions.

The South Asia Network includes conflict resolution specialists in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, as well as South Asia national professionals living in other regions of the world. The field of mediation is expanding quickly throughout the region, resulting in a demand to share expertise across national and international boundaries. The South Asia Network seeks to:

1. build connections between local, regional, and international conflict resolution professionals;
2. develop a directory of professionals and organizations to encourage the exchange and integration of resources important to the field; and
3. strengthen conflict resolution practice through information sharing, relationship development, and global connection and exchange.

Network Coordinators

CR Network/South Asia Coordinator Kyra Buchko, kabuchko[AT]gmail.com, is a mediator and attorney with more than 15 years' experience in the international legal reform arena. She serves as the ACRIS Communications Committee Chair, and is Immediate-Past Chair of the CR Networks Initiative. Currently based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Kyra is researching Bangladeshi conflict resolution mechanisms, focusing on indigenous peoples' traditional practices in addressing disputes.   From 2006-08, she worked in the Republic of Moldova to introduce conflict resolution skills in a post-Soviet society, helping to establish the country's first community mediation center and national mediators' association.  Since 2000, Kyra has provided project management, training and business development services to organizations strengthening the rule of law in emerging democracies around the world.  Previously, she directed rule of law reform programs for the American Bar Association.

Usha Devajaran, mediatorusha(AT)gmail.com is a consultant mediator and trainer, currently located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, providing mediation services and providing training on conflict management skills to organizations. She mediates commercial, family and community disputes in Bahrain. Usha completed a study of Tribal Mediation practiced in India and frequently facilitates discussions at the community level to raise awareness about mediation. You may reach her at (ph) 00973-39166401.