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3561. Towards a Human Security Approach to Peacebuilding

Author:
Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh, Edward Newman, and Madoka Futamura
Publication Date:
02-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
In recent decades, international peacebuilding and reconstruction after civil wars have managed to promote stability and contain conflict in many regions around the world, ending violence and enabling communities to rebuild their lives and societies. However, the peacebuilding record indicates that there are problems related to the effectiveness and legitimacy of peacebuilding, especially related to the promotion of liberal democracy, market reform and state institutions. This brief considers these limitations and argues that a new human security-based approach may offer insights for a more sustainable form of peacebuilding.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Security, Human Welfare, and Peacekeeping
Political Geography:
Afghanistan

3562. The Responsibility to Protect Minorities and the Problem of the Kin-State

Author:
Nicholas Turner and Nanako Otsuki
Publication Date:
02-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
Genocide and ethnic cleansing have all- too-clearly demonstrated the dangers of failing to protect minority groups. A “kin-state” with strong ethnic, cultural, religious or linguistic links to a minority population abroad, may be well-placed to assist in its protection. But unilateral interference by kin-states can raise tensions with host-states, endangering international peace and security.
Topic:
International Relations, Ethnic Conflict, Human Rights, Nationalism, Treaties and Agreements, United Nations, and Minorities

3563. Promoting Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: Policy Challenges

Author:
Wim Naudé
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
This policy brief provides some fresh perspectives on the relationship between entrepreneurship and development, and considers policy design issues. It reports on the UNU-WIDER two-year research project “Promoting Entrepreneurial Capacity”, which aimed to understand whether and how entrepreneurship matters for development, how it could derail development, how entrepreneurs function in high growth as well as in conflict environments, and how female entrepreneurship differs across countries at various stages of development.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Emerging Markets, and Third World
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, Iraq, and Burundi

3564. The Afghan Peace Jirga: Ensuring That Women Are at the Peace Table

Author:
Palwasha Hassan
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
In late May 2010, the Afghan government will convene a Peace Jirga in Kabul to determine a national reintegration and reconciliation strategy. Afghan women have played a variety of social and political roles during the last three decades of conflict, including as peacebuilders, but now risk being excluded from current peacebuilding processes. In alliance with international agreements—most notably United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325—the Afghan government must make sure that women are actively engaged in the upcoming jirga and are included in other reintegration and reconciliation policies. The inclusion of women is central to sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Gender Issues, and Islam
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, South Asia, and United Nations

3565. Finding Common Ground: Kirkuk as a Special Governorate

Author:
Sean Kane
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
Iraq's March 2010 elections delivered a surprising virtual tie in the ethnically mixed and strategically important province of Kirkuk, making it an opportune time for fresh thinking on how to address persistent disputes over its status.
Topic:
Ethnic Conflict and Governance
Political Geography:
Iraq and Middle East

3566. Haiti: Towards and Beyond the Donors' Conference

Author:
Robert Maguire
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
Haiti's January 12 earthquake left up to 300,000 people dead, an equal number injured, and more than a million displaced; overall damage and loss are valued at $7.9 billion, or about 120 percent of Haiti's 2009 gross domestic product.
Topic:
Disaster Relief, International Cooperation, Foreign Aid, and Reconstruction
Political Geography:
Caribbean and Haiti

3567. The Health Sector and Gender-Based Violence in a Time of War

Author:
Leonard Rubenstein, Anjalee Kohli, and Kathleen Kuehnast
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
Multisectoral approaches are essential to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in armed conflict. In countries where conflict-related SGBV is taking place, the health sector can contribute by providing essential medical interventions and support for survivors, documentation for legal cases, programs that assist in reducing social stigma, and data for effective programming.
Topic:
Political Violence, Gender Issues, Health, Human Welfare, and Armed Struggle

3568. Group Inequality and Conflict: Some Insights for Peacebuilding

Author:
Michelle Swearingen
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
Political, socioeconomic or cultural inequalities among groups could potentially motivate political violence in societies. Research has shown that political inequalities between groups are most likely to motivate leaders, while socioeconomic inequalities motivate followers.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Political Violence, Humanitarian Aid, and Social Stratification

3569. The International Donors' Conference and Support for Haiti's Future

Author:
Robert Maguire and Casie Copeland
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
At the March 31, 2010 International Donors' Conference on Haiti some $10 billion was pledged in support of the government of Haiti's “Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti,” with $5.3 billion earmarked for the next two years.
Topic:
Development, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Aid, International Cooperation, Foreign Aid, and Reconstruction
Political Geography:
United States, Caribbean, and Haiti

3570. Haiti: A Republic of NGOs?

Author:
Liz Panarelli and Madeline Kristoff
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
United States Institute of Peace
Abstract:
Concerns about the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Haiti's development have been present for decades. However, these issues have gained increasing prominence following the January 12, 2010 earthquake that destroyed much of Port-au-Prince.
Topic:
Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Aid, Non-Governmental Organization, Foreign Aid, Governance, and Reconstruction
Political Geography:
Caribbean and Haiti