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December 21, 2005
UN Creates Peacebuilding Commission
The UN General Assembly and Security Council passed resolutions creating a Peacebuilding Commission to help insure that post-conflict societies do not slide back into conflict. Apparently, over half of the conflicts in the past 20 years have reignited after their initial cease-fires. From the GA resolution that created the commission:
Emphasizing the need for a coordinated, coherent and integrated approach to post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation with a view to achieving sustainable peace [...]From the UN website (pdf)Reaffirming the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and stressing the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding
Apparently, there is some concern among developing countries that the Security Council has too large a role in the commission. On the other hand, the SC correctly pointed out that their purview is international peace and security and peacekeeping. So it sorta makes sense to check with the SC regarding peacebuilding. Yet, we all know that the SC can be used as a tool of the five permanent members with veto power, so it does seem to continue an anti-democratic vein to allow the SC oversight of the Peacebuilding Commission.
Regardless of the above dispute, the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission is a momentous occasion. I look forward to it being part of the process to fully implement SC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
More information:
"UN creates new body to help states out of war," by Evelyn Leopold for Reuters on AlertNet
"UN acts to help peace processes," by Susannah Price of BBC News
"U.N. Creates Commission to Assist Nations Recovering From Wars," by Warren Hoge in the NYT
Alerted to the news by UN Wire, a free email publication of the UN Foundation
Posted by cj at December 21, 2005 9:44 PM
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