From War to Peace
Webinar Centre for Global Challenges and PILPG tackles issues of post-conflict state building
We see what happens in the midst of conflict situations, it is heavily broadcasted in the media. But what about the aftermath of a conflict, and the agreements that are signed behind closed doors? How can you go about repairing a state that has undergone such trauma? What comes next?
The Research Handbook on Post Conflict State Building attempts to address these issues through an international law lens. The Centre for Global Challenges in collaboration with the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) hosted a webinar with editors, dr. Paul Williams and dr. Milena Sterio, and contributors dr. Brianne McGonigle Leyh and Nikhil Narayan. The series of mini lectures were moderated dr. Kushtrim Istrefi.
During the webinar, each panelist gave a brief talk about their respective chapters, beginning with the importance of accountability. Dr. Williams stressed the complex nature of accountability, calling for better investigations on crimes to hold perpetrators responsible. Next, dr. Sterio discussed the importance of taking the guarantee of human rights into account peace processes. Here, she highlighted that international assistance was fundamental to guarantee rights in post-conflict societies, and that a strong foundation was vital to the state’s development. Dr. Sterio stressed the rule of law and the reformation of the security sector in doing so. Afterwards, dr. McGonigle Leyh focused on the issue of reparations- namely who receives reparations- the individual or the collective? Here, she stressed the importance of context and inclusive participation.The last panelist, Narayan, discussed minority rights. He touched upon the intricacies of various groups, iterating that a balance has to be struck between unity and diversity in light of challenges.
The webinar was concluded with a discussion centered around questions posed by the audience. These included topics such as the role of corporations in peace-building processes, the question of reparations in regards to grave historical injustices such as colonialism, and finally the importance of including various groups in the process. In this regard, Williams stated: ‘I never miss an opportunity to remind people that these peace agreements are drafted by the guys with guns. Not exactly who you would pick as your top set of drafters, or for durable, democratic and sustainable peace agreements. Quite frankly the answer for durable peace, given that there is no template, is inclusivity.’
The webinar brought to light various issues that arise from post-conflict scenarios, issues that are important to consider, not only for not only those directly involved in the process itself.