This report examines the perceived clash between 'principled' and 'pragmatic' approaches to peace negotiation. It lays out the dilemmas and trade-offs that negotiators and mediators face when they consider human rights and, based on country studies, suggests how such difficulties can be managed and sometimes resolved. The report argues that human rights can make a practical and positive contribution to many areas of conflict resolution, both during the negotiation process and in the implementation of peace agreements. The publication is available for download and in printed format.