In light of the change of government in Syria and the possible ceasefires in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine, there has been increasing discussion in the United Nations among government representatives, Secretariat members, and non-government organizations (NGO) concerning measures for peacebuilding. Peacebuilding aims to promote well-being based on the dignity and equality of all persons.
There are close links among macroeconomic design, sectoral initiatives such as the restoration of agricultural production, and the creation of new governmental structures to replace those which had been factors leading to the armed conflict. There is a need to empower people - especially the most marginalized - to participate in the new policy formulation.
A good deal of the current discussion has focused on the foreign funds that will be needed for reconstruction - a great amount of money. However, a first emphasis must be on local capacity building, the creation of new coalitions and networks which share similar visions.
We have seen with the ethnic and religious-based violence in Syria after the change in government that change at the top of government structures is not enough. There must be a new spirit and new actors - such as an increase in the participation of women.
It is now generally recognized that sustainable human development is difficult to achieve without addressing power relations both at the national and the local level. This requires a deep understanding of the motivations and resources available to local groups. Vital interests may no longer be protected, but new groups may not be yet structured.
There is a need to strengthen - often to create - national human rights institutions with a capacity to monitor all human rights - political, economic, social, and cultural. Increasing transparency of governmental decision-making is vitally needed.
Planning for peacebuilding in advance of ceasefires is necessary. Physical recovery of housing, medical and educational facilities is expensive but relatively simple in contrast to rebuilding social, political, and cultural networks. Current tensions are a clear indicator of the need for advanced planning and mobilization among all participants.
René Wadlow, Association of World Citizens
#The_UN_Goals #safeforall #apart #nvaction
