1. Just peace? Peacebuilding and rule of law in Africa: Lessons for policymakers
- Author:
- Olga Martin-Ortega, Chandra Lekha Sriram, and Johanna Herman
- Publication Date:
- 09-2009
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Centre on Human Rights in Conflict
- Abstract:
- Rule of law promotion is integral to peacebuilding, but not always well integrated It is important to distinguish between technical delivery of rule of law assistance and access to justice as perceived by the population Rule of law promotion and transitional justice may be complementary, or competitive Despite emphasis on the formal sector, informal justice processes are often most accessible to the vast majority Such informal processes may be transformed both by conflict and by peacebuilding activities Emphasis on state institutions in rule of law promotion can inadvertently undermine equal access to justice Given these challenges, the international community faces serious dilemmas about whom to engage, and particularly whether to engage the informal sector at all.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Political Violence, Peace Studies, and Poverty
- Political Geography:
- Africa