Post conflict reconstruction ~ General resources

Summary

"As a conflict stabilizes, and basic human needs are met, attention turns to the more complex processes of reconstruction. Basic security is a prerequisite for successful reconstruction, although it is often difficult to draw a distinction between conflict and post-conflict phases – the two states may co-exist in different parts of the same country. Without basic security, it can be difficult to promote social reconciliation, establish the rule of law or a government capable of providing services, and encourage economic activity. These reconstruction processes must also be carefully planned and implemented to avoid generating new sources of tension – for instance, through inequitable distribution of resources, or political processes that do no enjoy popular support. As well as physical reconstruction, social reconstruction must also take place; reconciliation requires dealing with the legacies of conflict without creating instabilities that might cause new conflicts. Reliable information dissemination may allow the reconstruction and reconciliation to avoid such pitfalls.

ICT has the potential to enhance post-conflict reconstruction processes, although that potential has barely been tapped. As one observer concludes, “given the morass of issues that weigh upon societies enmeshed in conflict, ICT interventions can have more impact when used for peace building after a ceasefire agreement or peace agreement, when the dynamics on the ground are relatively more receptive on the need for sharing information,collaborating, appropriating technology and development mechanisms (both physical and virtual) for communities and peoples to deal with conflict creatively and non-violently.” For example, effective communications can disseminate the terms of a cease-fire agreement to warring factions and local communities, clarifying the situation and building support; or to raise awareness of war crimes tribunals or truth commissions, increasing common understanding of the processes necessary to support the rule of law."

Excerpt from The Role of ICT in Preventing, Responding to and Recovering from Conflict, published by the ICT4Peace Foundation.

Resources

International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)

http://www.idea.int is an international organization that assists countries build their capacity to develop and strengthen democratic institutions; provides a forum for dialogue between academics, policy-makers and practitioners; blends research and field

experience to develop practical tools aiding democratic processes; promotes transparency, accountability and efficiency in election management; and facilitates in-country democracy assessment, monitoring and promotion by local citizens.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)

http://www.ndi.org is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world, including in conflict and post-conflict zones, to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Government Out of a Box (GooB) initiative

http://www.cmi.fi/?content=cpcr_programme This concept, currently in the development phase, is "a concept for a ready-made public administration and management ICT based toolset for the purposes of state-building.