AFRICAN UNION POLICY ON POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

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3 AFRICAN UNION POLICY ON POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Published by the ConÀict Management Division, Peace and Security Department, Commission of the African Union Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ListofAcronyms iii Foreword v Preface vii SectionI:Introduction 1 Objectives 3 Rationale 3 De nitions 4 Principles 6 SectionII:IndicativeElementsofthePCRDPolicy 8 Security 9 Humanitarian/EmergencyAssistance 12 Socio-EconomicReconstructionandDevelopment 16 PoliticalGovernanceandTransition 20 HumanRights,JusticeandReconciliation 24 WomenandGender 28 SectionIII:ResourceMobilisation,ActorsandProcesses 30 ResourceMobilisation 31 Actors,GovernanceMechanismsandProcesses 34

6 ANNEXES Annex A :SirteDecisiononPost-ConÀictReconstruction 41 Annex B :BanjulDecisiononPost-ConÀictReconstruction 43

7 LIST OF ACRONYMS AfDB: AfricanDevelopmentBank ACHPR: AfricanCommissiononHumanand Peoples Rights AU: AfricanUnion CADSP: CommonAfricanDefenceandSecurity Policy CSO: CivilSocietyOrganization DAG: DonorAssistanceGroup DDRR: Disarmament,Demobilization,Rehabilitationand Reintegration ECOSOCC: Economic,SocialandCulturalCouncil HIPC: Heavily-IndebtedPoorCountries HIV/AIDS: HumanImmunode ciencyvirus/acquired ImmuneDe ciencysyndrome IDPs: InternallyDisplacedPersons IMF: InternationalMonetaryFund MDGs: MillenniumDevelopmentGoals NEPAD: NewPartnershipforAfrica sdevelopment NGOs: Non-GovernmentalOrganizations PBC: PeacebuildingCommission PCRD: PostConÀictReconstructionand Development PSC: PeaceandSecurityCouncil iii

8 RECs: RegionalEconomicCommunities SALWs: SmallArmsandLightWeapons UN: UnitedNations WTO: WorldTradeOrganization iv

9 FOREWORD BY ALPHA OUMAR KONARE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION Africahasmadesigni cantprogressduringthepastdecadeto addressthemanyconàictsandcrisesfacingthecontinent.notwithstanding thisprogress,however,enormouschallengesareyettobemetifthecountries andcommunitiesconcernedaretoreapthebene tsofthepeaceandstability broughtaboutbytheresolutionofconàicts.therecovery,reconstruction anddevelopmentchallengesinvolvedarecomplexand,assuch,require determination,long-termcommitment,themobilizationofmassiveresources, aswellascooperationandclosecoordinationatalllevels. Beyondmeetingtheimmediatehumanitarianneedsofaffected populations,recoveryandreconstructioneffortsinpostconàictsocieties mustaddressthedemobilization,disarmamentandre-integrationofformer combatants;thereturnandreintegrationofdisplacedpopulations,grassrootslevelreconciliation;aswellaslaythefoundationsforgoodgovernance inboththepoliticalandsocio-economicspheres.thesetasksshouldalsobe undertakenintandemwithafrica seffortstowardregionalintegrationand socio-economicregeneration. TheimpactofconÀictshasbeendevastating.Millionshavedied, orbecamerefugeesorinternallydisplacedpersons(idps).despitethe magnitudeandcomplexityofthechallengesathand,however,theaffected Africancountries,theRegionalEconomicCommunities(RECs)andtheAU Commission,withthesupportofahostofAfrica spartners,continuetomake tremendouseffortandregisterremarkableprogress.angola,sierraleone, Liberia,Coted Ivoire,Sudan,theDemocraticRepublicofCongo(DRC), Burundi,theCentralAfricanRepublic(CAR)andtheComoroshaveallmade stridesintheirrecoveryandreconstructionefforts.undoubtedlythough,the achievementsmadeto-dateneedtobeconsolidatedfurther. ThedevelopmentoftheAUPolicyonPostConÀictReconstructionand Development(PCRD)andthedecisionbytheExecutiveCounciltoestablish thenecessarymechanismsandprocessesforitsimplementationarefurther witnesstotheresolveandcommitmentoftheautocomprehensivelyand decisivelyaddresstherecoveryandreconstructionneedsofcountriesand communitiesemergingfromconàict. v

10 ThePolicyisacomprehensivedocumentthatprovidesabroad templatefortheplanningandimplementationofintegratedstrategiesand programmes.ibelievethatthepolicywillbeacrucialguideforthedevelopment offurthertoolsatregionalandnationallevelsand,withtheestablishment oftheauoversightandcoordinationmechanismsandmobilizationofthe necessaryresources,willfacilitatetheeffortsofpost-conàictsocietiesto movefromrecoveryandreconstructiontolong-termdevelopment.inorder toachieveitsstatedgoals,thepolicyneedstobeimplementedeffectively andspeedily,includingthroughthemobilizationofthenecessaryhuman, nancial,materialandinstitutionalresources,atthenational,regionaland continentallevels. ItismyconvictionthattheAUanditsMemberStateswill, onceagain,riseuptothechallengeandstandwithourbrothersandsisters inpost-conàictsocieties.itisalsomysincerebeliefthatafrica spartnerswill standwithusinachievingthesegoals. AfricaisnowbetterpositionedtoreversethehistoryofconÀicts, healitswoundsandpavethewayforsustainablepeaceandsocio-economic development. vi

11 PREFACE BY SAID DJINNIT COMMISSIONER FOR PEACE AND SECURITY Bytheturnofthe21stcentury,Africahadmaderemarkable progressinresolvingmanycomplexandoldconàictsacrossthecontinent. Despitethisprogress,however,millionsofpeoplecontinuedtobeadversely affectedbytheconsequencesofconàict.itwasalsoobviousthatthepeace achievedwasfragileandcouldnotbesustainedinthelongtermsolongas theunderlyingcausesandtheneedsoftheaffectedpopulationswerenot effectivelyaddressed. Atthisjuncture,theCommissionfeltitwashightimethattheAfrican Union(AU),consistentwiththerelevantprovisionsoftheConstitutiveAct andtheprotocolrelatingtotheestablishmentofthepeaceandsecurity Council(PSC),aswellastheCommission sstrategicplan,focusedattention onpost-conàictreconstructionanddevelopmentincountriesemergingfrom conàict.hence,thecommissiontookstepsaimedatarticulatinganau responsetothechallengesathandandatmakingitpossibletocoordinate themultifacetedeffortsthatwererequiredtoaddresstheneedsofcountries andcommunitiesemergingfromconàict. Itisagainstthisbackgroundthat,atits7thOrdinarySessionheld insirte,libya,from28juneto2july2005,theexecutivecounciladopted decisionex.cl/dec.225(vii)onthereportofthechairpersonofthe CommissiononconÀictsituationsinAfrica.Inthatdecision,theExecutive Council,inter alia,welcomedthesigni cantprogressmadeintheresolution ofthecrisisandconàictsituationsonthecontinent;andstressedtheneed forpeaceagreementstobeeffectivelycomplementedbysustainedefforts towardspost-conàictreconstructionandpeace-building,withaviewto addressingtherootcausesunderlyingtheiroutbreak.inthisrespect,the ExecutiveCouncilurgedtheCommissiontodevelopanAUpolicyonpostconÀictreconstructionbasedontherelevantprovisionsofthePSCProtocol andtheexperiencegaineduptothatpointonthecontinent. Itwasinpursuitofthismandatethatthe4thBrainstormingRetreatof membersofthepscandothermemberstatesrepresentedinaddisababa wasconvenedindurban,southafrica,from4to5september2005. Adraft FrameworkonPostConÀictReconstructionandDevelopment(PCRD)in Africawaspresentedatthemeeting,whosedeliberationsfocusedonways vii

12 tostrengthenit. Subsequently,the39thmeetingofthePSC,heldon30September 2005,endorsedtheoutcomeoftheBrainstormingRetreataslayingthe foundationforthedevelopmentofapcrdframework. ThePSCwelcomed theinitiativebythecommissiontoconveneameetingoftechnicalexperts, tobefollowedbyameetingofexpertsfrommemberstates,withaviewto furtherenrichingthedraftframework. Asafollow-uptothisdecision,theCommissionconvenedthe technicalexpertsmeetingonpcrdinaddisababafrom7to8february ItshouldalsobeaddedthatthedraftPCRDFrameworkwasdiscussed duringanau/civilsocietyorganizations(csos)meeting,heldinabuja, from5to7april2006,andatavalidationmeetingwithinthecommission,on 31May2006. ThemeetingofgovernmentalexpertswasconvenedinAddisAbaba from8to9june2006.itreviewedthedraftpcrdframework,whichwas thensubmittedtothe9thordinarysessionoftheexecutivecouncil,in Banjul,TheGambia,from28to29June2006.Themeetingfoundthatthe draftpolicydocumentwasgenerallygood,andmadesomeobservations designedtoimproveit. ThreeissuesarefairlyevidentinrespecttotheAUpost-conÀictreconstructionagenda.The rstisthattheauhasalwaysbeenseizedwiththe issuesofpeaceandstability,and,consequently,withissuesespousedinthe PCRDPolicyfromitsveryonsetastheOrganizationofAfricanUnity(OAU). Secondly,thePCRDprocesshasbeenconsultativeandinvolvedawide rangeofactorsfrommemberstatestorecs,csosandinternationalpartners.thirdly,thepcrdpolicyisacomprehensivedocumentthatstrivesto effectivelyaddresstherootcausesofconàictandprovidebroadbenchmarks andindicatorsofprogressforactivitiesundertakentobringaboutsustainablepeaceandstabilitytocountriesemergingfromconàicts. ThePCRDPolicyis,therefore,adocumentthatoughttobeclosely studiedbyallrecs,memberstates,csos,andallotherinstitutionsand individualswhowanttoplayaroleinthereconstructionanddevelopment ofpost-conàictsocieties.inthisregard,itiscrucialthatalltheseactors contributetothedisseminationofthepolicyanditsimplementation. viii

13 SECTION I: INTRODUCTION, OBJECTIVES, RATIONALE, DEFINITIONS AND PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING PCRD ACTIONS IN AFRICA Introduction 1 ThisAfricanUnion(AU)policyonPost-ConflictReconstruction anddevelopment(pcrd)isintendedtoserveasaguideforthe developmentofcomprehensivepoliciesandstrategiesthatelaborate measuresthatseektoconsolidatepeace,promotesustainable developmentandpavethewayforgrowthandregenerationin countriesandregionsemergingfromconflict.giventhepeculiarities ofeachconflictsituation,thispolicyisconceivedasaflexibletemplate thatcanbeadaptedto,andassist,affectedregionsandcountries,in theirendeavourstowardsreconstruction,securityandgrowth. 2 TheimperativeforthisPolicyderivesfromtherealityofAfrica makinggreaterprogressinresolvingconflictsonthecontinent. TheAUandtheRegionalEconomicCommunities(RECs)have putenormouseffortsinthefacilitationofnegotiationsforpeaceful resolutionofexistingconflictsandtheeffectiveimplementationof peaceagreements.asaresultoftheseactivities,therehasbeena steadydeclineinthenumberofactiveconflictsonthecontinentand anincreasingdemandfortheconsolidationofpeace,reconstruction anddevelopment. 3 However,experiencehasindicatedthatintheearlyphasesof thetransitionfromconflicttopeace,peaceprocessesremain fragileandtheriskofresumptionofviolencehigh.thisisbecause countriesemergingfromconflictarecharacterisedbyweakenedor non-existentcapacityatalllevels,destroyedinstitutionsand,the absenceofademocraticculture,goodgovernance,ruleoflawand respectforhumanrights,aswellasunderlyingpoverty. Furthermore, responsestopost-conflictsituationshave,inthepast,remained fragmentedandlargelyineffectual.thispolicyframeworkgoesbeyond suchlimitedinterventions,notingthatpost-conflictreconstruction anddevelopmentactivitiesdonotstopwithstabilisationbutseekto achievelong-termsustainabledevelopmentasunderpinnedbythe Africanvisionofregenerationandgrowth. 4 Forthesereasons,theAfricanUnionisfocusingmoreattention onmeasuresthatconsolidatepeaceandpavethewayforgrowth

14 andregeneration.theseaueffortsareinformedbypastpracticesof theorganizationforafricanunity(oau)inreconstructionefforts,and allrelevantoau/aumandatesanddecisions,including:article5(2) oftheconstitutiveact,onthebasisofwhichthepeaceandsecurity Council(PSC)wasestablished;andtheOAU/AUdecisiontoestablish aministerialcommitteeforthereconstructionofthesudan. 5 MorespecificisthemandateprofferedbytheProtocolRelating totheestablishmentofthepsc,whichwascreatedto,inter alia, promote and implement peace-building and post-conflict reconstructionactivitiesandtoconsolidatepeaceandprevent theresurgenceofviolence(articles3a,6).thus,peace-building, post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian action and disaster managementconstitutecoreactivitiesofthepsc.inviewofthis, thepscprotocoldelineatesanumberofpost-conflictreconstruction activitiesthatrequireaction,includingtherestorationoftheruleof law,establishmentanddevelopmentofdemocraticinstitutionsand, thepreparation,organisationandsupervisionofelectionsinthe concernedmemberstates(article14(1)).thismandateisextended incountriesaffectedbyviolentconflicttoincludetheconsolidation ofthepeaceagreementsthathavebeennegotiated,establishing conditionsofpolitical,socialandeconomicreconstructionofthe societyandgovernmentinstitutions,implementationofdisarmament, demobilisationandreintegrationprogrammes,includingthoseofchild soldiers;resettlementandreintegrationofrefugeesandinternally displacedpersons;andassistancetovulnerablepersons,including children,theelderly,womenandothertraumatisedgroupsinsociety; (Article14(3)).TheProtocolalsoemphasisesthelinkbetween preventionofconflictandconsolidationofpeaceandmandates thepsctotakeallmeasuresthatarerequiredinordertoprevent resumptionofaconflictforwhichasettlementhasalreadybeen reached. 6 Basedontheseexperiencesandmandates,theExecutive CouncilDecisionEX.CL/191(VII)inSirte,Libya,ofJuly2005, mandatedthecommissiontodevelopanafricaunion(au)policyon post-conflictreconstructionbasedontherelevantprovisionsofthe PSCProtocolandtheexperiencegainedthusfaronthecontinent. 7 Infulfilmentofthismandate,theAUCommissioncrafteda draftpolicyframework,whichwassubjectedtoanumberof consultationsforitsreviewandimprovement.theseincludedthe

15 4thBrainstormingRetreatofthePSCandotherMemberStatesof thepermanentrepresentativescommittee,on4-5september2005, indurban,southafrica,whoserecommendationswereendorsedby thepeaceandsecuritycouncilon30september2005;atechnical ExpertsMeetingonPCRDon7-8February,2006inAddisAbaba, Ethiopia;anAU-CSOmeetingonthedraftpolicyframeworkonPCRD, on5-7april2006inabuja,nigeria;avalidationmeetingwithinthe AUCommissionon31May2006inAddisAbaba,Ethiopia;anda GovernmentalExpertsMeetingon8-9June2006inAddisAbaba, Ethiopia.ThisPolicyistheresultoftheabove-mentionedconsultative process. Objectives 8 TheobjectiveofthisPolicyistoimprovetimeliness,effectiveness andcoordinationofactivitiesinpostconflictcountriesandto laythefoundationforsocialjusticeandsustainablepeace,inline withafrica svisionofrenewalandgrowth.thepolicyis,therefore, conceivedasatoolto: a)consolidatepeaceandpreventrelapseofviolence; b)helpaddresstherootcausesofconflict; c)encourageandfast-trackplanningand implementationofreconstructionactivities;and d)enhancecomplementaritiesandcoordinationbetweenand amongdiverseactorsengagedinpcrdprocesses. 9 ItisimperativethatPCRDprocessesbeviewedandusedasan opportunityforthereconstitutionandsocial,political,economic andphysicaltransformationoftheaffectedstateandsociety;thatthe promotionofhumansecuritybeatthebasisofallpcrdactivities; andthatthispolicybepursuedwithintheglobalcontextofthesearch forpeaceandsecurity,andhencecomplementexistinginternational initiatives. Rationale 10 ThisPCRDpolicyisastrategicandnormativeframeworkthat elaboratesinacomprehensivemannertheentirespectrum

16 ofactivityareasthatarecrucialfortheconsolidationofpeace.italso providesguidelinestotranslatecomprehensivestrategiesforpcrd intospecificactionsthatempoweraffectedcountriestotakethelead inthereconstructionanddevelopmentoftheirsocieties. 11 ThepolicydrawsonlessonslearnedfrompastAfrican reconstructionefforts,whichindicateweaknessesfromthe conceptualtothestrategicandoperationallevels.mostreconstruction modelshavebeenborrowedfromoutsideafricaandhavelacked comprehensiveness, favouring some aspects of PCRD to the exclusionofothers,sometimesriskingtheresumptionofconflict. Takingthisintoaccount,thereiscriticalneedforPCRDprocesses totranslatethecommitmenttopeaceintotangiblebenefits.thisis dependentontheformulationofcomprehensiveintegratedstrategies andapproachesthatrequiresubstantialinstitutionalandhuman capacitiesintheimplementationofpcrd. 12 Thispolicywillreducepressureonaffectedcountriesby providingaconsistentandcoherentstrategythatwillfasttracktheplanningandimplementationofquick-impactprogrammes, consolidate peace in the emergency/transition phase, and henceincreasethechancesofsuccessfullong-termsustainable development. 13 Finally,thispolicywillprovideparameterstoimprove coherenceandcoordinationofallaction,betweenstate andnon-stateactorsoperatingatlocal,national,regionalor/and internationallevels,duringallphasesofpcrd. Definitions 14 Forthepurposesofthispolicy,thefollowingdefinitionshave beenadopted: a. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development(PCRD): a comprehensivesetofmeasuresthatseekto:addresstheneeds ofcountriesemergingfromconflict,includingtheneedsofaffected populations;preventescalationofdisputes;avoidrelapseinto violence;addresstherootcausesofconflict;andconsolidate sustainablepeace.pcrdisconceivedwithintheafricanvisionof renewalandsustainabledevelopmentandwhileitsactivitiesare integrated,andmanymustbepursuedsimultaneously,theyare

17 envisagedintheemergency(short-term),transition(medium-term) anddevelopment(long-term)phases.thescopeoftheseactivities encompassessixindicativeelements,namely:security;humanitarian/ emergencyassistance;politicalgovernanceandtransition;socioeconomicreconstructionanddevelopment;humanrights,justiceand reconciliation;andwomenandgender. b.scopeofpcrd:pcrdcommenceswhentheafricanunion mechanisms,inlinewiththeconstitutiveact,determinethatasituation warrantsattention,orwhenpartiestotheconflicthavedemonstrated politicalwillingnesstoresolvedifferencesthroughpoliticalnegotiation, haveceasedhostilitiesand/orhavesignedapeaceagreement.the endstateofpcrdisonewherepeace,lawandorderprevail;the humanitariansituationhasstabilisedandpopulationsareableto meettheirbasicneeds;frameworkstoprotectandassistvulnerable groupsareinplace;politicalmechanismsandinstitutionshavebeen establishedtopreventandmanageconflictthroughpeacefulmeans andtoinstitutionaliseequitableparticipationinpoliticalandsocioeconomiclife;policiesandprogrammestopromotebroad-based sustainabledevelopmentarebeingimplemented;accesstojustice ensuredandhumanrightsareguaranteed. c.humansecurity:inlinewiththecommonafricandefenceand SecurityPolicy,humansecurityisamulti-dimensionalnotionof securitythatgoesbeyondthetraditionalnotionofstatesecurity. Itencompassestherighttoparticipatefullyintheprocessof governance,therighttoequaldevelopmentaswellastheright tohaveaccesstoresourcesandthebasicnecessitiesoflife,the righttoprotectionagainstpoverty,therighttoaccessbasicsocial servicessuchaseducationandhealth,therighttoprotectionagainst marginalisationonthebasisofgender,protectionagainstnatural disasters,aswellasecologicalandenvironmentaldegradation.the aimofahumansecurityframeworkistosafeguardthesecurityof individuals,families,communities,andthestate/nationallife,inthe economic,politicalandsocialdimensions. d.socio-economicdevelopment:inlinewiththeauvision,the strategicframeworkoftheafricanunioncommission,the NEPADframeworkdocument[2001],andtheMillenniumDeclaration [2000],socio-economicdevelopmentisamultidimensionalprocess thatcontributestoimprovedlivingconditions,improvedabilitytomeet basicneeds(suchashealth,education,andfood),thereductionof

18 povertyandinequality,andenhancedcapacityofhumanbeingsto realisetheirpotential. Principles Thispolicyisunderpinnedbyfive core principles,that 15constitutethebasicminimumvaluesandstandardsthat informactionacrossallpcrdactivitiesandprogrammes.these principlesarederivedfromtherationaleforthepcrdframeworkand willensurethatpcrdactivitiesaddresstherootcausesofconflict, contributetothecreationofsustainablepeace,socialjustice,renewal andparticipatorygovernance.thepcrdprinciplesareafrican leadership,nationalandlocalownership,inclusiveness,equityand non-discrimination,cooperationandcohesion,andcapacitybuilding forsustainability. 16 African Leadership:Thisprincipleiscriticaltoensure thatthepriorities,implementationandoversightremain theresponsibilityofafricangovernmentsandthatpartnersin reconstructionundertaketorespectthisleadership: 17 a.becausepcrdisfirstandforemostapoliticalratherthan atechnicalprocess,theauprovidesstrategicleadershipand oversightofpcrdonthecontinent,andinthecontinent s relationswithothers,includingsettingthetermsofengagement ofallactorsinvolvedinpcrdeffortsonthecontinent. b.theafricanunionremainsseizedwiththereconstruction agenda,definingitsparametersandleveragingthedifferent processesrelatingtopcrd,includingresourcemobilisation anddivisionofroles. c.memberstatesprovidesupportandsolidaritytocountries intransitionandpost-conflictsituations. d.traditionalconflictresolutionmechanismsandafrican institutions,suchasthepanelofthewise,providesupport andsolidaritytocountriesintransitionandpost-conflict situations. National and Local Ownership:Thisprincipleiscriticalto ensurethatpcrdactivitiesarealignedtolocalneedsand

19 aspirations,enhanceacommonunderstandingofasharedvision, maximisesupportforpcrdthroughtheengagement/re-engagement ofthepopulationintheirgovernanceandguaranteesustainabilityof recoveryefforts. a.pcrdhas,asacentralconcern,therebuildingoflegitimate stateauthorityandtheenhancementofnationalownershipof theprocess,creatinganewconsensusingovernance. b.nationalleadershipappliestoallaspectsofpcrdfrom assessment,implementationtomonitoringandevaluation. c.partnerships,particularlyatthenationallevel,between beneficiariesandthegovernment,stateandnon-stateactors, arecriticaltosuccessfulpcrd. Inclusiveness, Equity and Non-Discrimination: This 18principle is fundamental in addressing exclusion and inequitabledistributionofpowerandwealth,whichhavetraditionally beenamongsttherootcausesofconflict.inthisregard: 19 a.anorganiclinkbetweenthosemanagingpcrdandthe generalpopulaceisanimperative. b.afairandequitabledistributionofpowerandwealthis keytothepreventionofescalationofunresolvedornew grievances. c.pcrdactivitiespromotetheparticipation,andaddressthe needs,ofmarginalisedandvulnerablegroupssuchaswomen andgirls;theelderly;disabled;andyouth(especiallychild soldiers). d.promotetheparticipationofthediasporatosecuretheir inputinallpcrdprocesses. Cooperation and Coherence:Thecomplexchallengesof PCRD,thepressuretodeliverpeacedividends,andthe presenceofamyriadofactorsrequirecooperationandcoherenceto ensurethatactorsandactivitiesrespondtotheneedsandpriorities oftheaffectedcountryandpeoples.inthisregard:

20 a.cooperationandcoherenceclarifies,anddefinesrolesand responsibilitiesinwaysthatguaranteenationalownership, Africanleadership,legitimacyandaccountability. b.coordinationofactorsandactivitiesoptimisestheuse ofresources,increaseseffectivenessandefficiency,and improvestimelinessofresponse. c.promotestransparency,mutualaccountability,andshared objectivesbetweenthevariouslocal,nationalandinternational actorsinvolved,whichenhancestrust. d.enhancessynergyofaction,integratedplanningand operations. e.promotegenuinepartnershipsandcomplementaritywiththe relevantinternationalstructuressuchastheunpeacebuilding Commission. Capacity Building for Sustainability:AllPCRDeffortshave 20astheirgoaltheattainmentofsustainablepeaceandshould, asamatterofpriority,buildand/orstrengthennationalandlocal capacities.therefore: a.allpcrdactivitiesneedtohaveacapacity-building componentthatstrengthensthecapabilitiesofsocietyto supportandlegitimisenationalprocesses. b.pcrdactivitiesoughttoutiliselocalexpertise;andwhere itisweak,leveragerelevantafricancapacityattheregional andcontinentallevels,aswellasfromthediaspora. c.provideguidanceonmodalitiesofinternationalengagement inbuildinglocalcapacity. SECTION II: INDICATIVE ELEMENTS OF THE PCRD POLICY 21 Thispolicyhassixindicativeelementsthatarebothselfstandingandcrosscuttingandthatrepresentthepillarsupon whichallpcrdeffortsshouldbedevelopedandsustainedacrossthe differentphasesofaction,takingintoaccountthatthebasicobjective istoaddressandresolvetherootcausesofconflict.theindicative

21 elementsare: a) security; b) humanitarian/emergencyassistance; c) politicalgovernanceandtransition; d) socio-economicreconstructionanddevelopment; e) humanrights,justiceandreconciliation;and f) womenandgender. 22 Eachoftheseindicativeelementshighlightsthepolitical objectivesthatmustbepursuedandthebaselineactions neededtosupportconstructiveandcomprehensiveprocessesacross allphasesofpcrd. Security 23 TheobjectiveofthesecurityelementofPCRDistocreate asecureandsafeenvironmentfortheaffectedstateand itspopulation,throughthere-establishmentofthearchitectureof thestate,includingtheelementsofjuridicalstatehood,definedas accountablestatecontroloverterritoryandthemeansofcoercion, andtoguaranteethesafetyofthepopulation.allactivitiesinthe securityclusterarebasedontheconceptofhumansecurityas stipulatedanddefinedinthecommonafricandefenceandsecurity Policy. 24 Activitiesrelatingtosecurityshouldpromoteconsolidationof efficient,accountableandprofessionaldefenceandsecurity forces,operatingunderresponsibleciviliancontrolandoversight. Therefore,thepolicyseekstostrengthenlegalframeworks,improve operationalcapacity,engagebroadconsultationsandparticipation ofcivilsocietyinthesecuritysector.italsoencouragesadoptionof regionalapproachestosecurity,toavoidthedangerofpcrdinone countrydisplacingconflict/insecuritytoneighbouringcountries,and toalignthepost-conflictcountrytoexistingregionalandcontinental commitmentsandprotocols. 25 Todevelopthiselement,thefollowingobjectivesmustbe pursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict: a)addressthegapbetweenemergencyanddevelopment,asabasis forstabilisingtheaffectedcountry,throughactioninthefollowing

22 areas: i.providesecurityandprotectionforthecivilianpopulation; ii.pursueintegratedapproachestorepatriation,resettlement, reintegrationandrehabilitationofrefugees,theinternally displaced,ex-combatantsandtheirfamilies,payingparticular attentiontowomenvictimsofviolence; iii.planandimplementcomprehensiveandwell-blended disarmament,demobilisation,rehabilitationandreintegration (DDRR)programmes,asabasisforconsolidatingsafetyand security; iv.providesupporttomineactionprogrammesfocusing onidentification,markingandde-miningofareasinfested withlandmines,mineawarenesseducationandadequate assistancetominevictims; v.addressotherbasicthreatstosecurityandsafetysuchas unexplodedremnantsofwar,andsmallarms,lightweapons andammunition,especiallythoseincivilianpossession; vi.addressspecificsecurityconcernsofwomenandgirls, includingtheirdemandsforprotectionagainstthosewhomay havecommittedactsofsexualandotherviolenceagainst them,sincethere-integrationofperpetratorsintosocietycan threatenthem;and vii.ensurethattheprocessoftransformationofthesecurity sectorrecognisesandacknowledgestheroleof,andaddresses thespecificneedsandchallengesthatconfront,womenand childsoldiers. b)policyformulationrelatingtosecurity: i.adoptcomprehensivenationalpoliciestoaddresssmall armsproliferation,de-mining,andlandminevictimassistance, respectively;andensurethesurrenderandseizureofallillicit armsandexplosiveremnantsofwar; ii.formulatepoliciesthataddressthespecificsecurity 0

23 needsofvulnerablegroups,includingwomen,girlsandchild soldiers; iii.fostertheinclusionofcivilsocietyorganisationsas partnersinsafetyandsecurityclusteractivities;and iv.establisheffectiveciviliancontroloverarmedforces,and nationallawsregulatingconductandactivitiesofthearmed forces. c)giveprioritytothe(re)-establishmentandstrengtheningofthe capacityof securityinstitutions,includingdefence,police,correctional services,bordercontrolsandcustoms: i.pursuethetransformationoftheorgansofstate,especially thoserelatingtosecurityandjustice; ii.restoreandstrengtheninstitutionsofpubliclawandorder, includingtheestablishmentofanefficientpoliceforce; iii.establishmechanismsforthedemocraticgovernanceand accountabilityofthesecuritysector,asameansofrestoring publicconfidence; iv.facilitatesecuritysectorreform,includingcivil-military relations,right-sizingandprofessionalisationofthesecurity sectorassoonasdemobilisationeffortsarecommenced; and v.createappropriateandeffectiveoversightbodiesforthe securitysector,includingparliamentarycommittees,national ombudsperson,etc. d)buildthehumanresourcecapacityofthesecuritysector: i.facilitatetheuseoftheemergingsecuritysectorin reconstructionprogrammesasawaytoenhancethelegitimacy ofthesecurityforces,buildtrustofthecommunitiestheyare expectedtoserveandprotect,andoptimisetheuseofscarce resources; ii.buildcapacitytomanagestockpilesofsmallarmsandlight

24 weapons(salws)inlegalpossessionofcivilianandstate agentstopreventtheirdiversiontoillicituse; iii.buildandenhancethecapacityofcivilsocietyorganisations tobepartnersinsafetyandsecurityclusteractivities;and iv.promoteandprioritisetheconversionofmilitarycapacity forpeacefulusesasapplicable,includingtheconversionof informal manufacturing structures(home-made weapons, ammunitionandexplosives)topeacefuldevelopmentuse. 26 Benchmarksandstandards: a.nationalimplementationofthecommonafricandefence andsecuritypolicy,includingallcommonafricanpositions suchasthewindhoekpositiononsalws,asendorsedbythe ExecutiveCouncilDecisionEX.CL/Dec.255(VIII)of2006; b.right-sizingandprofessionalisationofthesecurityforces; c.civiloversightofthesecuritysector; d.engagementofsecuritysectorinthereconstructionofthe country;and e. Ratification of, accession to, domestication and implementationof,allafricanandinternationalinstruments relatingtopeaceandsecurity. Humanitarian/Emergency Assistance 27 Humanitarian/Emergencyassistanceisasetofintegrated andcoordinatedmeasuresthatseektosaveandsustain lives,maintainbasichumandignity,ensuretheprotectionofcivilians, supportthereturnandreintegrationofdisplacedpopulationsand helpresuscitatesocio-economicactivity,particularlyintheimmediate post-warsituationwhenstatecapacityismostlimited.activities underthiselementstabiliseandrehabilitatethesocietyincluding thereturn,reintegrationandrehabilitationofrefugees,internally displacedpersons(idps),ex-combatantsandotherwaraffected populations.furthermore,thecommencementofrecoverycreates hugeexpectationsforpeacedividends,which,ifnotmet,could

25 seriouslyjeopardisethechancesofprogresstowardspeaceand stability.theseactivitiescanalsoprovideuniqueplatformstolinkthe emergency/recovery,reconstructionanddevelopmentphases.thus, whilefocusingonurgentlife-savingandlife-sustainingassistance, humanitarianassistancemustlinkwiththesubsequentphasesof thepost-conflictreconstructionanddevelopmentprocess.thislinkis enhancedbythefast-trackingofkeydevelopmentmeasuresduring therecoveryphase. 28 Theendstateofanemergencyphaseismarkedbythe following conditions: a significant improvement in the overallhumanitariansituationasdeterminedbyvariousafricanand internationalstandards;prevalenceofgeneralsafetyandsecurity; protectionandassistancetogroupswithspecialneeds;improved accesstobasicneedsamongvulnerablegroups,asdefinedunder Article14(3)ofthePSCProtocol;thereturnandreintegrationof refugees,idpsandotherdisplacedpopulations;aswellasresumption ofnormallivelihoodandsocio-economicactivities. 29 Todevelopthiselement,thefollowingobjectivesmustbe pursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict: a)createanenablingpoliticalandlegalenvironmentforhumanitarian action,includingmakingprovisionfor: i.secureaccesstocivilianpopulationsinneedofemergency humanitarianassistance; ii.therighttoreturninsafetyanddignity;protectionfrom attacksandnon-discrimination; iii.therightsofreturnees,includingpropertyrights; iv.therighttocitizenshipandidentity/legalstatus,andfamily reunification;and v.measurestoensureminimumsecurity,suchasamnesty laws; b)prioritisepreparednessatthenational,regionalandinternational level,toenabletheplanning,launchingandeffectivecoordinationof

26 emergencyhumanitarianoperations: i.encouragepartnershipwithnational,regional,continental andinternationalhumanitariananddevelopmentactorsthat acceleratesthetransitionfromemergencytodevelopment; ii.commencedevelopmentprogrammesattheearlystages oftheemergencyphase;and iii.engageinactivitiesthatbuildandenhanceafrican humanitariancapacity.specificallyemphasisshouldbeplaced onthereinforcementofthecapacityofafricanhumanitarian NGOsthroughcapacitybuilding,resourcemobilizationand otherrelevantactivities,toenablethemcontributemeaningfully tohumanitarianoperationsconductedinafrica. c)institutionalmeasuresforhumanitarianassistance: i.rehabilitationofcriticalsocialservicessuchashealth, sanitationandeducationaswellasadministrativestructures; and ii.institutecoordinationmechanismsthatoptimiseefficiency andeffectivenessofprogrammes. d)deliveryofsufficientandappropriatelife-savingandlife-sustaining assistance: i.designandimplementcommunity-basedquickimpact projects to facilitate quick recovery and reconciliation, harnesstheproductivecapacityandskillsofpopulations, helpthecreationofsocialsafetynets,enhancefoodsecurity andresuscitatelivelihoodsystemsandcopingmechanismsof affectedcommunities; ii.supporttherehabilitationand/orreconstructionofvital infrastructureandphysicalfacilities,includingwaterand sanitationsystems,hospitals/clinics,schools,policeand otherpublicadministrationcentres,roads,bridgesandother transportationandcommunicationfacilities; iii.developprogrammesthataddressthespecificneedsof

27 womenandgirls; iv.targetgroupswithspecialneedssuchaswomen,children, returnees,theelderly,thedisabledandthesickaswellas victimsofsexualandgender-basedviolenceforcritical assistance; v.developprogrammesforpsycho-socialsupportsuchas traumacounselling,legalsupportandfamilyreunification; vi.developstrategiestopreventandmanagepreventable diseasessuchasmalaria,tuberculosisandhiv/aids;and vii.providetrainingandskillsdevelopmenttofacilitatethe reintegrationofaffectedpopulationssuchasunemployed youth,women,ex-combatants,refugees,idps(evenwhile stillinexile/displacement)andthedisabled. 30 Benchmarksandstandardsforhumanitarian/emergency activitiesarethefollowing: a.protectionofallpopulationsfromattacks,harassment, abuse,exploitation,discriminationanddeprivationoftheir humanrights; b.adequateandappropriatebasicwelfareservices,including food,cleanwater,basichealth,sanitation,educationand shelter; c.re-unificationoffamilymemberswhowereseparated duringconflict; d.mechanismsforregistrationandappropriateidentification/ documentationofaffectedpopulationsforthemselves,their children,spouses,property,landandotherpossessionswhich mighthavebeenlostduringtheconflict; e.exerciseoftherighttoreturntotheirplacesoforiginand/ orliveinotherareasoftheirchoice; f.appropriate medical care, trauma and psycho-social counselling,assistanceandlegalredressforgirls,womenand

28 othervulnerablegroups; g. Re-establishment of reasonable means of livelihood includinggainfulemployment; h.guaranteedparticipationofwomen sgroups,civilsociety organisationsandotherrepresentativesofaffectedgroupsin reconstructionprocesses,includingpeaceprocesses; i.guaranteedaccesstocivilianpopulationsinneed,fortheir protectionandassistance; j.increasedawarenessofpreventionofhiv/aidsandother communicablediseases,and k.strengtheningofthecapacityofafricanhumanitarianngos andotherrelevantafricaninstitutions. Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development 31 Socio-economicdevelopmentisamultidimensionalprocess thatcontributestoimprovedlivingconditions,improved abilitytomeetbasicneeds,suchashealth,education,andfood, andthereductionofpovertyandinequality.thelong-termgoalof PCRDistoplacetheaffectedcountryonthepathofsustainable socio-economicdevelopmentandtoimprovehumandevelopment indicators.theimmediateobjectiveistoacceleratesocio-economic recoveryby jumpstarting livelihoods,creatingenablingconditions forrehabilitationanddevelopment,anddeliveringpeacedividends. Toavoidstalledpeace,thewiderangeofsocio-economicactivities shouldbepursuedinanintegratedapproachthatlinksrelief,transition anddevelopment.keytothepursuitofsocio-economicreconstruction anddevelopmentisthebalancebetweengrowthandtheprovision ofsocialgoods/services,andthedevelopmentofanappropriate technologicalbaseforsustainablerecoveryandreconstructioninthe countryemergingfromconflict. 32 Todevelopthiselement,thefollowingobjectivesmustbe pursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict: a)addressthegapbetweenreliefanddevelopment:

29 i.targetmicrolevelactivitieswiththegreatestregenerative impact; ii.addressthreatstolivelihoodsandincomegeneration, includingunemploymentandlackofaccesstocredit; iii. Re-establish and support agricultural production to guaranteefoodsecurity,andaddressissuesrelatingto ownership,accessanduseofsuchcriticalassetsasland; and iv.promotethere-establishmentofthemarketandtradeat local,regionalandinternationallevels; b)formulatepoliciesthataddresssocialinequityandtargetvulnerable groups,duringthetransition,reconstructionanddevelopmentphases. Thesepoliciesshould: i.promoteandprotectsocio-economicrightsofthepopulation, suchastherighttofood,shelter,wateranddevelopment, asexpressedintheafricancharteronhumanandpeoples Rights,theMillenniumDeclaration,andtheCommonAfrican DefenceandSecurityPolicy(para.6); ii.transformeconomiesthatemergedduringtheconflictinto regulatedsystemsthatcontributetobroad-basedandpropooreconomicgrowthandtothebenefitofreconstruction; iii.focusonmicroleveldevelopment,includingthecreation ofsocialsafetynetsandtherebuildingofsocialcapital; iv.addressthechallengeofpreventablediseasessuchas malaria,tuberculosisandhiv/aids; v.developsocio-economic programmes that targetthe youthforrehabilitation,jobcreationandincomegenerating activities,inwaysthatbolstertheircapacitiestoparticipatein thereconstructionoftheircountry; vi. Develop socio-economic programmes that target thedisabledpopulation,particularlyvictimsofwar,for rehabilitation,jobcreationandincomegeneratingactivities;

30 vii.alignnationalbudgettolocalneeds; viii.promotepoliciesandprogrammesforthesustainable protectionoftheenvironment;and ix.addressissuesatthemacrolevel,includinginvestment, trade,inflation,fiscalandmonetaryissues. c)undertakecomprehensiveinstitution-buildingtoenhancegood economicgovernance.thiswouldincludethecreationand/or strengtheningof: i.fiscalandfinancialmanagementinstitutions,including revenuecollectionandbankingsystems; ii.structuresthatensureaccountabilityandtransparency, suchastheofficeoftheauditorgeneral,monitoringand evaluationmechanismsandanti-corruptionstructures; iii. Structures for oversight of the budget, borrowing andexpendituresuchasparliamentarycommitteesand ombudsperson;and iv.frameworksthatpromoteequitableandsustainableaccess to,managementandexploitationof,naturalresources. d)buildhumanresourcecapacityatlocalandnationallevelsfor policydevelopment,needsassessment,planning,implementation, monitoringandevaluationofprogrammesandactivities: i.attractandretainrelevantcapacityforallaspectsofsocioeconomicdevelopment,includingfromthediaspora; ii.buildcapacityfordatacollectionandanalysis,insupport oftheplanning,implementationandmonitoringofsocioeconomicdevelopmentprogrammes; iii.enhancecapacitytoparticipateininternationalprocesses, suchaswtonegotiations; iv.encouragepartneringoflocalandinternationalorganisations engagedinsocio-economicdevelopmentactivities,topromote

31 capacitybuilding;and v.fast-trackthetrainingandgenerationoflocalcapacityin allaspectsofdevelopment. e) Build a technology base to support reconstruction and development: i.developstrategiestosupportthedevelopmentandtransfer oftechnology,includingitshuman,technical,institutionaland informationaldimensions; ii.undertaketechnologytransferandtechnologicalskills developmentinarelevant,people-driven,andsustainable manner;and iii.developappropriatetechnologiesfortherehabilitationand developmentofkeysocialsectorssuchashousing,energy, waterandsanitation,aswellasforphysicalinfrastructure. f)developphysicalinfrastructure,includingtransport,communication, energy,water,healthandsanitation,asfollows: i.prioritisetherehabilitationandreconstructionofphysical infrastructuredestroyedduringtheconflict;and ii.engageintheplanningandexecutionofinfrastructure development in line with the long-term needs of the country. 33 Benchmarksandstandardsforsocio-economicreconstruction anddevelopmentactivitiesarethefollowing: a.improvedhumandevelopmentindicatorsandprogress towardstheattainmentofthemillenniumdevelopmentgoals andotherindicatorsrelatedtosocio-economicdevelopment; b.improvedandsustainedeconomicgrowth,evidencedbya stablesocio-economicenvironment,includingmacro-economic stabilityandmicro-economicgrowth,reducedunemployment andreducedinflation;

32 c.increasedaccessofthepopulationtosocialservicessuch ashousing,health,water,education,employment; d.fiscalandbudgetarydisciplineinthemanagementofpublic resources; e.sustainablemanagementoftheenvironmentandnatural resouresand; f. Ratification of, accession to, domestication and implementation of,african and international instruments relatingtocorruptionandtransparency,themanagementof thenaturalresourcesandtheprotectionoftheenvironment. Political Governance and Transition 34 Politicalgovernanceinvolvestheexerciseofpowerandits devolutionfromthenationaltohelocallevel.itencompasses thepromotionofgooddemocraticgovernanceanditscorevalues, ascalledforinthepreambleoftheauconstitutiveact.thecore elementsofgoodpoliticalgovernanceinclude:politicalparticipation, transparency,accountability,separationofpowers,creationofa (public)civilservice,theruleoflawandindependentciviloversight,as providedforinthedeclarationonpolitical,economicandcorporate Governance(2002).Politicalgovernanceinpost-conflictsituations needstopromoteinclusivepoliticsandpluralisminamannerthat contributespositivelytonationbuilding.therefore,thefocusof activitiesinthisindicativeelementisontransformationofleadership andsociety,throughprocessesofdevelopingacollectivenational visionthatdeliverscohesiveandresponsivesystemsofgovernance fromthenationaltothegrassrootslevels.insodoing,theroleand participationofwomen,includingtheiraccesstopoweranddecisionmaking,needstobeparticularlyemphasisedandencouraged. 35 SuccessfulPCRDisdependentongoodpoliticalgovernance. Forthisreason,goodleadershipinsocietiesemerging fromconflictisacriticaldriverinthecreationofgoodgovernance structures,determinationofstrategiesfortheequitabledistribution ofpower,consolidationofpeaceandfacilitationoftransitionfromthe emergencytothedevelopmentphasesofitsreconstruction. 0

33 36 Todevelopthiselement,thefollowingobjectivesmustbe pursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict: a)consensusbuilding: i.(re)-establish consensus of governance through the developmentofconsultativeprocessesthatguaranteebroadbasedrepresentativeparticipationandleadership,allowfor collectivedeterminationofneedsandpriorities,andenhance ownershipofthereconstructionanddevelopmentprocess; ii.commenceafairandinclusiveprocess,atnational, provincialandcommunitylevelsforallsectorsofthesociety, todeterminethenationalvision,thenationalidentityand establishandreinforcealegitimatestate;and; iii. Establish a constitutional, democratic governance frameworkthatguaranteesperiodiccontestationforpolitical office,basedontheruleoflaw. b)policydevelopment: i.establishrulesandrealistictimetablesfortheinterim governmentandauthorities; ii.adoptpoliciesandlegislationtoaddressthechallenges ofcorruptionatthenational,regional,continentalandglobal levels; iii.createchecksandbalanceswithinpublicgovernance structures,andensuretheseparationofpowerbetweenthe executive,judiciaryandthelegislature; iv.initiateprocessesthatfast-trackcomprehensivecapacity buildingatthestateandnon-statelevels,includingencouraging thereturnofmembersofthediasporawithskillsrelevantto theenhancementofgoodgovernance; v.integratecontinentalandregionalframeworksofgovernance intopcrdstrategies; vi.facilitatesocietaltransformationinwaysthatreflectthe

34 interestsofwomen,addresstheirneedsandaspirations,and consolidateanyopportunitiesthatemergeasaresultofthe challengesofconflict,toimprovetheirlives;and vii.securecivicspacefromnegativeinfluences. c)decentralisationofgovernance: i.facilitatethecreationofmechanismsthatdecentralise anddevolvepower,decision-making,andthemanagementof resources,toalllevelsofgovernancefromthenationaltothe communitylevels; ii.createmechanismsthatallowandencourageinclusive broad-basedparticipationofthepopulationintheirgovernance; and iii.promotetheengagementoflocalcivilsocietyorganisations indemocraticgovernanceprocessesatalllevels. d)institutionaldevelopment: i.promotethebuilding ofstate capacity and the reestablishmentofpoliticsasaprocesstomediatedifferences andmanagepluralism; ii.facilitatetheestablishmentand/orrestorationofinclusive democraticpublicinstitutionsandcivilauthorities,aswellas legislativeoversightcapacity; iii.createmechanismstoensureaccountable,efficientand effectivepublicandcivilservice;and iv.ensureadministrativejustice. e)humanresourcecapacitydevelopment: i.engageinrebuildingpoliticalprocessskills,suchas mediation,negotiationandconsensusbuildingthatarekey totransformationofsociety,butwhichareoftendestroyed duringconflict;

35 ii.bolsterthecapacityofnon-stateactorstoparticipatein gooddemocraticgovernance;and iii.establishciviceducationandotherpubliccampaigns toraiseawarenessandunderstandingofthenewpolitical structureandvision,especiallyamongtheyouth. 37 Benchmarksandstandards: a.existenceofopportunitiesandmechanismsthatenhance popularparticipationin,andaccessto,theprocessesof constitutionmaking,etc.; b.decentralisationofpower,authorityandresources; c.separationofpowerbetweentheexecutive,judiciaryand thelegislature; d.increasedgovernmenttransparencyandaccountability, andpublicconfidenceingovernancestructures; e.existenceofanenablingenvironmentformeaningful popularparticipationinallformsandlevelsofgovernance; f.existenceofinstitutionsthatpromotedemocracysuchas electoralcommission,officeoftheombudsperson,public protector soffice,etc.; g.flourishingoffunctioningnationalcivilsocietyorganisations, andsupportforcommunity-basedorganisations; h.increasednumbersofwomenindecision-makingpositions inpublicinstitutionsaswellastheprivatesector; i.periodic,competitive,peaceful,freeandfairelections; j.existenceofmechanismstomanage,preventandresolve conflicts; k.existenceofeffectiveandindependentmediathatis protectedwithintheconstitution;

36 l. Ratification of, accession to, domestication and implementation of, relevant African and international instrumentsfordemocracyandgoodgovernance,andrelevant conventionsrelatingtoeradicationofcorruptionandcorrupt practices;and m.congruenceofnationalconstitutionwiththeconstitutive ActoftheAfricanUnion. Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation 38 Thisindicativeelementencompassestheprotectionof humanandpeoples rightsandtherespectfortheirdignity, asdefinedintheafricancharterofhumanandpeoples Rightsand otherrelevantinternationalinstruments;theachievementofjustice, intermsoffairapplicationofthelawanditsaccessibilitytoall;and reconciliation,understoodasthehealingofdividedsocietiesatthe individual,communityandnationallevels. 39 Thepursuanceofhumanrights,justiceandreconciliationis criticalbecauseabuseofhumanandpeoples rightsresulting from policies of marginalisation, identity-based discrimination, andperceptionsofinjusticecantriggerorperpetuateconflicts. Furthermore,mostconflictsarecharacterisedbyserioushuman rightsabusesresultinginphysicalandpsychologicaltrauma,distrust ofgovernmentauthoritiesandinter-communalmistrust-allofwhich requirefocusedattentionaspartofthereconstitutionofsociety.in addition,thepostwarenvironmentisusuallyfluidandmarkedby lawlessnessandpowerimbalancesthatcanperpetuateinsecurity andimpoverishmentforsomesectionsofthesociety.suchan environmentcanalsoencouragehumanrightsabusesparticularlyin caseswhereex-combatants,perpetratorsofabuseandvictimslive togetherinafragileandfearfulsituation.finally,post-warsituations arecharacterisedbyinstitutionalbreakdownandcollapseoflawand orderandnormativeframeworks,whichleavespeoplewithoutany structurestomediate,resolveconflictsordeliverjustice. 40 Eachcountryandsocietyemergingfromconflicthasto makecriticaldecisionsabouttheuseofrestorativeand/or retributivejustice.thischoicehasimplicationsforthenatureofthe humanrights,justiceandreconciliationmodelacountryadopts.this requiresthedeterminationofacontext-basedapproachtoissues

37 ofhumanrights,justiceandreconciliation,andthemobilisationof society ssupportforthemodeladopted. 41 Todevelopthiselement,thefollowingobjectivesmustbe pursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict: a)humanandpeoples Rights: b)justice: i.restoreconstitutionalandlegalrightstosectionsofsociety whomighthavelostthemduringtheconflict,suchasdisplaced persons; ii.guaranteeandprotectsocio-economicrights,includingthe righttodevelopment,asdefinedintheachprandcadsp; iii.prioritiseaccesstoeducation,afundamentalright, particularlyinviewoftheoverwhelmingpreponderanceofthe youthamongcombatants,andtheincreaseinthenumberof streetchildrenfollowingconflicts; iv.guaranteeandprotectwomen srightsandparticipationin thepolitical,socialandeconomicspheresoflife;and v.promoteinstitution-buildingofnationalstructuresmandated topromoteandprotecthumanrights,suchasnational commissionsfortheprotectionofhumanrights. i.ensureaccessofallsectorsofsocietytojustice; ii.establishanefficientjusticesystemthatisaccessible toallsectorsofsociety,andfunctioningprisons,aswellas appropriaterehabilitationprogrammes; iii.ensureadherencetotheprinciplesofinternational humanitarianlaw,includingwithregardtoprisonersofwar andenforceddisappearances; iv.provideforthereformofthejudiciary,guaranteeingits independence,professionalismandefficiencyinthedelivery ofjustice;

38 v.makelegalprovisionsforjusticeforvictimsofhumanrights violations,particularlythosewhosufferedsexualviolence duringtheconflict;and vi.createandbolstercapacityofthejudicialsystem,through education,trainingandtheprovisionoffinancialandtechnical resources. c)reconciliation: i.totalrejectionofimpunity,asexpressedinarticle4(o)of theconstitutiveact; ii.encourageandfacilitatepeace-buildingandreconciliation activitiesfromthenationaltothecommunitylevels; iii. Guarantee opportunities for the use of traditional mechanismsofreconciliationand/orjustice,totheextentthat theyarecompatiblewithnationallaws,theachprandother humanrightsinstruments;and iv.promoteinstitution-buildinginstateandcommunity-based institutionsengagedinreconciliation. d)furthermore,thereisneedforpolicydevelopmentacrossthethree elements,asfollows: i.developmechanismsfordealingwithpastandongoing grievances; ii.providefortheenhancementoflegislativemechanisms aimedatstrengtheningtheruleoflaw,andincorporatehuman rightsintoallpolicyframeworks; iii.provideforremediesandreparationstovictimsof conflict; iv.developstrategiesforthepromotionofacultureofpeace, includinghumanrights,justiceandreconciliation,through theirinclusioninschoolcurriculaandothercivicfora; v.createanenablingenvironmentfortheparticipationofcivil

39 societyorganisations,includingfaith-basedorganisationsand themedia,inthepromotionandprotectionofhumanrights, justiceandreconciliation;and vi.providefortheuseofauandinternationalstructures toreinforcetheprotectionofhumanrights,justiceand reconciliationasneeded. 42 Benchmarksandstandards: a.equalprotectionforallunderthelaw; b.existenceanduseoffunctioningjudicialandreconciliation mechanismsamongthevarioussectorsofthecommunity; c.toleranceacrosspolitical,socialandculturaldividesinthe country; d.operational,wellsupportedandeffectiveinstitutions thatprotecthumanrightssuchasanationalhumanrights CommissionandOfficeofthePublicProtector,thatprovide oversightandcontributetopublicawarenessofhuman rightsprinciplesandthecountry sinternationalhumanrights obligations; e.overallenjoymentofrightsinthecountry; f.publicconfidenceinthejudiciary; g.independenceofthejudiciary asindicatedbythetenureof thejudiciaryandtheavailabilityofresourcesforitsoperations; and h.accessionto,ratification,domesticationandimplementation of,internationalinstrumentsguaranteeingrespectforall humanrights(social,economic,civil,culturalandpolitical rights);andfulfilmentofhumanrightsreportingobligations.