Connecting community security and DDR: Experiences from Burundi This report builds on previous research in DR Congo by the Peace Security and Development Network (PSDN). It looks at how a ‘community security perspective’ can affect DDR programmes, and includes separate recommendations for the Burundi government, DDR and security sector reform practitioners and local organisations.
When is international peacemaking illegal? Implications of the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project A recent law in the US makes providing any kind of assistance or support to designated terrorist groups a criminal offence. The definition of support is wide enough to include activities such as mediation or training in nonviolence. The implications of the laws for peacebuilders are significant, and are discussed by the United States Institute for Peace in this paper.
Gender, conflict and the Millennium Development Goals Ten years on from the signing of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and UN Security Council resolution 1325, which calls for increased participation of women in peacebuilding, Women For Women International have published a short report on their progress. Their survey found that women remain largely excluded from peace negotiations - and were entirely excluded as either signatories, mediators, witnesses or negotiators in five recent cases - Somalia (2002), Cote D’Ivoire (2003), Nepal (2006), the Philippines (2007) and the Central African Republic (2008). As well as calling for greater participation for women in peace processes, the report also recommends a ‘local-level approach’ that recognises the role of minority or marginalised groups of women in peacebuilding and development.
Nowhere to turn: the failure to protect civilians in Afghanistan Before November’s NATO Heads of Government summit in Lisbon, 29 aid organisations working in Afghanistan produced a report on the deteriorating security situation for civilians. Despite an increase in international military forces, 2010 is the deadliest year for Afghan civilians since 2001. This report calls for all parties to reduce the harm to civilians. The report includes a recommendation for donors and international NGOs to do more to increase the ability of local organisations to design and implement development projects.
The cost of future conflict in Sudan In a January, South Sudan is scheduled to hold a referendum on independence. The vote is the final stage in a five-year peace process that ended decades of civil war. However, uncertainty surrounds the vote, and there are serious fears that conflict could breakout in the aftermath of the referendum. This report attempts to discover what the economic consequences will be for Sudan, the wider region, and the international community, should there be a return to war. The authors estimate a combined total cost of $100bn over 10 years.
Sudan Briefing In the run up to the referendum, at Insight on Conflict we have just launched a new weekly round-up of Sudan news and analysis. To see this week’s copy and signup, please visit: /conflicts/sudan/sudan-briefing/
