The emphasis on a stronger role for civil society in conflict transformation is clearly in line with an international trend. In 2003, for instance, there was the launch of the GPPAC, a worldwide civil society network established in response to a suggestion by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his 2001 report Prevention of Armed Conflict (2001: 33).

The purpose of this essay will be to show the importance of the third party role in conflict management with the aim of strengthening peace processes. The essay will introduce the typology of intervention of third-parties designed as a part of state/ institution, or as part of what is called civil society. The essay will also discuss the definition of third parties, particularly the role of civil society in the form of NGOs.