AFRICAN UNION

POLICY ON POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Published by the Conflict Management Division, Peace and Security Department,

Commission of the African UnionAddis Ababa, Ethiopia

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

ListofAcronyms iiiForeword v

Preface viiSectionI:Introduction1

Objectives 3

Rationale 3

Definitions 4

Principles 6

SectionII:IndicativeElementsofthePCRDPolicy 8

Security 9

Humanitarian/EmergencyAssistance 12

Socio-EconomicReconstructionandDevelopment 16

PoliticalGovernanceandTransition 20

HumanRights,JusticeandReconciliation 24WomenandGender 28

SectionIII:ResourceMobilisation,ActorsandProcesses 30

ResourceMobilisation 31

Actors,GovernanceMechanismsandProcesses 34

ANNEXES Annex‘A’:SirteDecisiononPost-ConflictReconstruction 41

Annex‘B’:BanjulDecisiononPost-ConflictReconstruction 43

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AfDB: AfricanDevelopmentBank

ACHPR: AfricanCommissiononHumanand Peoples’Rights

AU: AfricanUnion

CADSP: CommonAfricanDefenceandSecurity Policy

CSO: CivilSocietyOrganization

DAG: DonorAssistanceGroup

DDRR: Disarmament,Demobilization,Rehabilitationand Reintegration

ECOSOCC: Economic,SocialandCulturalCouncil

HIPC: Heavily-IndebtedPoorCountriesHIV/AIDS: HumanImmunodeficiencyVirus/Acquired ImmuneDeficiencySyndrome

IDPs: InternallyDisplacedPersons

IMF: InternationalMonetaryFund

MDGs: MillenniumDevelopmentGoals

NEPAD: NewPartnershipforAfrica’sDevelopment

NGOs: Non-GovernmentalOrganizations

PBC: PeacebuildingCommission

PCRD: PostConflictReconstructionand Development

PSC: PeaceandSecurityCouncil

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RECs: RegionalEconomicCommunities

SALWs: SmallArmsandLightWeapons

UN: UnitedNations

WTO: WorldTradeOrganization

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FOREWORD BY

ALPHA OUMAR KONARE

CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION

Africa has made significant progress during the past decade toaddressthemanyconflictsandcrisesfacingthecontinent.Notwithstandingthisprogress,however,enormouschallengesareyettobemetifthecountriesandcommunitiesconcernedaretoreapthebenefitsofthepeaceandstabilitybrought about by the resolution of conflicts. The recovery, reconstructionand development challenges involved are complex and, as such, requiredetermination,long-termcommitment,themobilizationofmassiveresources,aswellascooperationandclosecoordinationatalllevels.

Beyond meeting the immediate humanitarian needs of affectedpopulations, recovery and reconstruction efforts in post conflict societiesmustaddressthedemobilization,disarmamentandre-integrationofformercombatants; the return and reintegration of displaced populations, grass-rootslevelreconciliation;aswellaslaythefoundationsforgoodgovernanceinboththepoliticalandsocio-economicspheres.Thesetasksshouldalsobeundertaken in tandemwith Africa’sefforts towardregional integrationandsocio-economicregeneration.

The impact of conflicts has been devastating.Millions have died,or became refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). Despite themagnitudeandcomplexityofthechallengesathand,however,theaffectedAfricancountries,theRegionalEconomicCommunities(RECs)andtheAUCommission,withthesupportofahostofAfrica’spartners,continuetomaketremendouseffortandregisterremarkableprogress.Angola,SierraLeone,Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),Burundi,theCentralAfricanRepublic(CAR)andtheComoroshaveallmadestridesintheirrecoveryandreconstructionefforts.Undoubtedlythough,theachievementsmadeto-dateneedtobeconsolidatedfurther.

ThedevelopmentoftheAUPolicyonPostConflictReconstructionandDevelopment(PCRD)andthedecisionbytheExecutiveCounciltoestablishthenecessarymechanismsandprocessesforitsimplementationarefurtherwitnesstotheresolveandcommitmentof theAUtocomprehensivelyanddecisivelyaddresstherecoveryandreconstructionneedsofcountriesandcommunitiesemergingfromconflict.

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The Policy is a comprehensive document that provides a broadtemplate for theplanningand implementationof integratedstrategiesandprogrammes.IbelievethatthePolicywillbeacrucialguideforthedevelopmentof further toolsat regionalandnational levelsand,with theestablishmentof theAUoversightandcoordinationmechanismsandmobilizationof thenecessary resources, will facilitate the efforts of post-conflict societies tomovefromrecoveryandreconstructiontolong-termdevelopment.Inordertoachieveitsstatedgoals,thePolicyneedstobeimplementedeffectivelyand speedily, including through the mobilization of the necessary human,financial,materialand institutionalresources,at thenational, regionalandcontinentallevels.ItismyconvictionthattheAUanditsMemberStateswill,onceagain,riseuptothechallengeandstandwithourbrothersandsistersinpost-conflictsocieties.ItisalsomysincerebeliefthatAfrica’spartnerswillstandwithusinachievingthesegoals.

Africa is now better positioned to reverse the history of conflicts,healitswoundsandpavethewayforsustainablepeaceandsocio-economicdevelopment.

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PREFACE BY

SAID DJINNIT

COMMISSIONER FOR PEACE AND SECURITY

By the turn of the 21st century, Africa had made remarkableprogressinresolvingmanycomplexandoldconflictsacrossthecontinent.Despitethisprogress,however,millionsofpeoplecontinuedtobeadverselyaffectedbytheconsequencesofconflict.Itwasalsoobviousthatthepeaceachievedwasfragileandcouldnotbesustainedinthelongtermsolongastheunderlyingcausesandtheneedsof theaffectedpopulationswerenoteffectivelyaddressed.

Atthisjuncture,theCommissionfeltitwashightimethattheAfricanUnion (AU),consistentwith the relevantprovisionsof theConstitutiveActand theProtocolRelating to theEstablishmentof thePeaceandSecurityCouncil(PSC),aswellastheCommission’sStrategicPlan,focusedattentiononpost-conflictreconstructionanddevelopmentincountriesemergingfromconflict. Hence, the Commission took steps aimed at articulating anAUresponsetothechallengesathandandatmakingitpossibletocoordinatethemultifacetedeffortsthatwererequiredtoaddresstheneedsofcountriesandcommunitiesemergingfromconflict.

It isagainst thisbackgroundthat,at its7thOrdinarySessionheldinSirte,Libya,from28Juneto2July2005,theExecutiveCounciladopteddecision Ex.CL/Dec.225 (VII) on the Report of the Chairperson of theCommissiononconflictsituationsinAfrica.Inthatdecision,theExecutiveCouncil,inter alia,welcomedthesignificantprogressmadeintheresolutionofthecrisisandconflictsituationsonthecontinent;andstressedtheneedforpeaceagreementstobeeffectivelycomplementedbysustainedeffortstowards post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building, with a view toaddressing therootcausesunderlying theiroutbreak. In this respect, theExecutiveCouncilurgedtheCommissiontodevelopanAUpolicyonpost-conflictreconstructionbasedontherelevantprovisionsofthePSCProtocolandtheexperiencegaineduptothatpointonthecontinent.

Itwasinpursuitofthismandatethatthe4thBrainstormingRetreatofmembersofthePSCandotherMemberStatesrepresentedinAddisAbabawasconvenedinDurban,SouthAfrica,from4to5September2005.AdraftFramework onPostConflict Reconstruction andDevelopment (PCRD) inAfricawaspresentedatthemeeting,whosedeliberationsfocusedonways

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tostrengthenit.

Subsequently,the39thmeetingofthePSC,heldon30September2005, endorsed the outcome of the Brainstorming Retreat as laying thefoundationforthedevelopmentofaPCRDFramework.ThePSCwelcomedtheinitiativebytheCommissiontoconveneameetingoftechnicalexperts,tobefollowedbyameetingofexpertsfromMemberStates,withaviewtofurtherenrichingthedraftFramework.

As a follow-up to this decision, the Commission convened thetechnicalexpertsmeetingonPCRD inAddisAbaba from7 to8February2006.ItshouldalsobeaddedthatthedraftPCRDFrameworkwasdiscussedduring anAU/Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) meeting, held inAbuja,from5to7April2006,andatavalidationmeetingwithintheCommission,on31May2006.

ThemeetingofgovernmentalexpertswasconvenedinAddisAbabafrom8to9June2006.ItreviewedthedraftPCRDFramework,whichwasthen submitted to the 9th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, inBanjul,TheGambia,from28to29June2006.Themeetingfoundthatthedraft policy document was generally good, and made some observationsdesignedtoimproveit.

ThreeissuesarefairlyevidentinrespecttotheAUpost-conflictre-constructionagenda.ThefirstisthattheAUhasalwaysbeenseizedwiththeissuesofpeaceandstability,and,consequently,withissuesespousedinthePCRDPolicyfromitsveryonsetastheOrganizationofAfricanUnity(OAU).Secondly, the PCRD process has been consultative and involved a widerangeofactorsfromMemberStatestoRECs,CSOsandinternationalpart-ners.Thirdly,thePCRDPolicyisacomprehensivedocumentthatstrivestoeffectivelyaddresstherootcausesofconflictandprovidebroadbenchmarksandindicatorsofprogressforactivitiesundertakentobringaboutsustain-ablepeaceandstabilitytocountriesemergingfromconflicts.

ThePCRDPolicyis,therefore,adocumentthatoughttobecloselystudiedbyallRECs,MemberStates,CSOs,andallother institutionsandindividualswhowant toplayarole in thereconstructionanddevelopmentof post-conflict societies. In this regard, it is crucial that all these actorscontributetothedisseminationofthePolicyanditsimplementation.

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SECTION I: INTRODUCTION, OBJECTIVES, RATIONALE, DEFINITIONS AND PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING PCRD ACTIONS IN AFRICA

Introduction

1ThisAfricanUnion(AU)policyonPost-ConflictReconstructionandDevelopment(PCRD)isintendedtoserveasaguideforthe

developmentofcomprehensivepoliciesandstrategiesthatelaboratemeasures that seek to consolidate peace, promote sustainabledevelopment and pave the way for growth and regeneration incountriesandregionsemergingfromconflict.Giventhepeculiaritiesofeachconflictsituation,thispolicyisconceivedasaflexibletemplatethatcanbeadaptedto,andassist,affectedregionsandcountries,intheirendeavourstowardsreconstruction,securityandgrowth.

2The imperative for thisPolicyderives from the realityofAfricamakinggreaterprogressinresolvingconflictsonthecontinent.

The AU and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) haveput enormous efforts in the facilitation of negotiations for peacefulresolution of existing conflicts and the effective implementation ofpeaceagreements.Asaresultoftheseactivities,therehasbeenasteadydeclineinthenumberofactiveconflictsonthecontinentandanincreasingdemandfortheconsolidationofpeace,reconstructionanddevelopment.

3However,experiencehas indicated that in theearlyphasesofthe transition from conflict to peace, peace processes remain

fragileand the riskof resumptionof violencehigh.This isbecausecountries emerging from conflict are characterised by weakened ornon-existent capacity at all levels, destroyed institutions and, theabsenceofademocraticculture,goodgovernance, ruleof lawandrespectforhumanrights,aswellasunderlyingpoverty.Furthermore,responses to post-conflict situations have, in the past, remainedfragmentedandlargelyineffectual.Thispolicyframeworkgoesbeyondsuch limited interventions, noting that post-conflict reconstructionanddevelopmentactivitiesdonotstopwithstabilisationbutseektoachieve long-term sustainable development as underpinned by theAfricanvisionofregenerationandgrowth.

4Forthesereasons,theAfricanUnionisfocusingmoreattentiononmeasuresthatconsolidatepeaceandpavethewayforgrowth

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andregeneration.TheseAUeffortsareinformedbypastpracticesoftheOrganizationforAfricanUnity(OAU)inreconstructionefforts,andallrelevantOAU/AUmandatesanddecisions, including:Article5(2)oftheConstitutiveAct,onthebasisofwhichthePeaceandSecurityCouncil(PSC)wasestablished;andtheOAU/AUdecisiontoestablishaministerialcommitteeforthereconstructionoftheSudan.

5MorespecificisthemandateprofferedbytheProtocolRelatingto the Establishment of the PSC, which was created to, inter

alia, promote and implement peace-building and post-conflictreconstruction activities and to consolidate peace and preventthe resurgence of violence (Articles 3a, 6). Thus, peace-building,post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian action and disastermanagement constitute core activities of the PSC. In view of this,thePSCProtocoldelineatesanumberofpost-conflictreconstructionactivities that requireaction, including the restorationof the ruleoflaw,establishmentanddevelopmentofdemocratic institutionsand,the preparation, organisation and supervision of elections in theconcernedMemberStates(Article14(1)).Thismandateisextendedin countries affected by violent conflict to include the consolidationof the peace agreements that have been negotiated, establishingconditions of political, social and economic reconstruction of thesocietyandgovernmentinstitutions,implementationofdisarmament,demobilisationandreintegrationprogrammes,includingthoseofchildsoldiers; resettlement and reintegration of refugees and internallydisplacedpersons;andassistance to vulnerablepersons, includingchildren,theelderly,womenandothertraumatisedgroupsinsociety;(Article 14 (3) ). The Protocol also emphasises the link betweenprevention of conflict and consolidation of peace and mandatesthePSC to take allmeasures that are required in order to preventresumption of a conflict for which a settlement has already beenreached.

6Based on these experiences and mandates, the ExecutiveCouncil Decision EX.CL/191(VII) in Sirte, Libya, of July 2005,

mandatedtheCommissiontodevelopanAfricaUnion(AU)policyonpost-conflict reconstruction based on the relevant provisions of thePSCProtocolandtheexperiencegainedthusfaronthecontinent.

7In fulfilment of this mandate, the AU Commission crafted adraft policy framework, which was subjected to a number of

consultations for its review and improvement. These included the

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4th BrainstormingRetreat of the PSC and otherMember States ofthePermanentRepresentativesCommittee,on4-5September2005,inDurban,SouthAfrica,whoserecommendationswereendorsedbythePeaceandSecurityCouncilon30September2005;aTechnicalExperts Meeting on PCRD on 7-8 February, 2006 in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia;anAU-CSOmeetingonthedraftpolicyframeworkonPCRD,on5-7April 2006 inAbuja,Nigeria; aValidationMeetingwithin theAU Commission on 31 May 2006 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and aGovernmental Experts Meeting on 8-9 June 2006 in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.ThisPolicyistheresultoftheabove-mentionedconsultativeprocess.

Objectives

8TheobjectiveofthisPolicyistoimprovetimeliness,effectivenessand coordination of activities in post conflict countries and to

lay the foundation for social justice and sustainable peace, in linewithAfrica’s visionof renewal andgrowth.Thepolicy is, therefore,conceivedasatoolto:

a)consolidatepeaceandpreventrelapseofviolence;

b)helpaddresstherootcausesofconflict;

c)encourageandfast-trackplanningand implementationofreconstructionactivities;and

d)enhancecomplementaritiesandcoordinationbetweenandamongdiverseactorsengagedinPCRDprocesses.

9ItisimperativethatPCRDprocessesbeviewedandusedasanopportunityforthereconstitutionandsocial,political,economic

andphysicaltransformationoftheaffectedstateandsociety;thatthepromotionofhumansecuritybeat thebasisofallPCRDactivities;andthatthispolicybepursuedwithintheglobalcontextofthesearchforpeaceandsecurity,andhencecomplementexistinginternationalinitiatives.

Rationale

10ThisPCRDpolicyisastrategicandnormativeframeworkthatelaboratesinacomprehensivemannertheentirespectrum

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ofactivityareasthatarecrucialfortheconsolidationofpeace.ItalsoprovidesguidelinestotranslatecomprehensivestrategiesforPCRDintospecificactionsthatempoweraffectedcountriestotaketheleadinthereconstructionanddevelopmentoftheirsocieties.

11The policy draws on lessons learned from past Africanreconstruction efforts, which indicate weaknesses from the

conceptualtothestrategicandoperationallevels.Mostreconstructionmodels have been borrowed from outside Africa and have lackedcomprehensiveness, favouring some aspects of PCRD to theexclusion of others, sometimes risking the resumption of conflict.Taking this into account, there is critical need for PCRD processesto translate thecommitment topeace into tangiblebenefits.This isdependentontheformulationofcomprehensiveintegratedstrategiesand approaches that require substantial institutional and humancapacitiesintheimplementationofPCRD.

12This policy will reduce pressure on affected countries byproviding a consistent and coherent strategy that will fast-

tracktheplanningandimplementationofquick-impactprogrammes,consolidate peace in the emergency/transition phase, andhence increase the chances of successful long-term sustainabledevelopment.

13Finally, this policy will provide parameters to improvecoherence and coordination of all action, between state

and non-state actors operating at local, national, regional or/andinternationallevels,duringallphasesofPCRD.

Definitions

14Forthepurposesofthispolicy,thefollowingdefinitionshavebeenadopted:

a. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD): acomprehensive set of measures that seek to: address the needsof countriesemerging fromconflict, including theneedsofaffectedpopulations; prevent escalation of disputes; avoid relapse intoviolence; address the root causes of conflict; and consolidatesustainable peace. PCRD is conceived within theAfrican vision ofrenewal and sustainable development and while its activities areintegrated, and many must be pursued simultaneously, they are

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envisaged in the emergency (short-term), transition (medium-term)anddevelopment (long-term) phases.The scopeof these activitiesencompassessixindicativeelements,namely:security;humanitarian/emergency assistance; political governance and transition; socio-economicreconstructionanddevelopment;humanrights,justiceandreconciliation;andwomenandgender.

b. Scope of PCRD: PCRD commences when the African Unionmechanisms,inlinewiththeConstitutiveAct,determinethatasituationwarrantsattention,orwhenpartiestotheconflicthavedemonstratedpoliticalwillingnesstoresolvedifferencesthroughpoliticalnegotiation,haveceasedhostilitiesand/orhavesignedapeaceagreement.Theend state of PCRD is one where peace, law and order prevail; thehumanitarian situation has stabilised and populations are able tomeettheirbasicneeds;frameworkstoprotectandassistvulnerablegroupsareinplace;politicalmechanismsandinstitutionshavebeenestablishedtopreventandmanageconflictthroughpeacefulmeansand to institutionalise equitable participation in political and socio-economic life; policies and programmes to promote broad-basedsustainable development are being implemented; access to justiceensuredandhumanrightsareguaranteed.

c. Human Security: In line with the Common African Defence andSecurity Policy, human security is a multi-dimensional notion ofsecurity that goes beyond the traditional notion of state security.It encompasses the right to participate fully in the process ofgovernance, the right to equal development as well as the rightto have access to resources and the basic necessities of life, theright to protection against poverty, the right to access basic socialservicessuchaseducationandhealth,therighttoprotectionagainstmarginalisation on the basis of gender, protection against naturaldisasters,aswellasecologicalandenvironmentaldegradation.Theaim of a human security framework is to safeguard the security ofindividuals, families,communities,and thestate/national life, in theeconomic,politicalandsocialdimensions.

d.Socio-economicdevelopment:InlinewiththeAUvision,the2004-2007 Strategic Framework of the African Union Commission, theNEPADframeworkdocument[2001],andtheMillenniumDeclaration[2000], socio-economic development is a multidimensional processthatcontributestoimprovedlivingconditions,improvedabilitytomeetbasicneeds (suchashealth,education,and food), the reductionof

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poverty and inequality, and enhanced capacity of human beings torealisetheirpotential.

Principles

15This policy is underpinned by five core principles, thatconstitute the basic minimum values and standards that

inform action across all PCRD activities and programmes. TheseprinciplesarederivedfromtherationaleforthePCRDframeworkandwillensurethatPCRDactivitiesaddresstherootcausesofconflict,contributetothecreationofsustainablepeace,socialjustice,renewaland participatory governance. The PCRD principles are Africanleadership, national and local ownership, inclusiveness, equity andnon-discrimination,cooperationandcohesion,andcapacitybuildingforsustainability.

16 African Leadership: This principle is critical to ensurethat the priorities, implementation and oversight remain

the responsibility of African governments and that partners inreconstructionundertaketorespectthisleadership:

a.BecausePCRDisfirstandforemostapoliticalratherthanatechnicalprocess,theAUprovidesstrategicleadershipandoversight of PCRD on the continent, and in the continent’srelationswithothers,includingsettingthetermsofengagementofallactorsinvolvedinPCRDeffortsonthecontinent.

b.TheAfricanUnion remainsseizedwith the reconstructionagenda, defining its parameters and leveraging the differentprocesses relating to PCRD, including resource mobilisationanddivisionofroles.

c.MemberStatesprovidesupportandsolidaritytocountriesintransitionandpost-conflictsituations.

d. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and Africaninstitutions, such as the Panel of the Wise, provide supportand solidarity to countries in transition and post-conflictsituations.

17 National and Local Ownership:This principle is critical toensure that PCRD activities are aligned to local needs and

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aspirations, enhance a common understanding of a shared vision,maximisesupportforPCRDthroughtheengagement/re-engagementofthepopulationintheirgovernanceandguaranteesustainabilityofrecoveryefforts.

a.PCRDhas,asacentralconcern,therebuildingoflegitimatestateauthorityandtheenhancementofnationalownershipoftheprocess,creatinganewconsensusingovernance.

b. National leadership applies to all aspects of PCRD fromassessment,implementationtomonitoringandevaluation.

c. Partnerships, particularly at the national level, betweenbeneficiariesandthegovernment,stateandnon-stateactors,arecriticaltosuccessfulPCRD.

18Inclusiveness, Equity and Non-Discrimination: Thisprinciple is fundamental in addressing exclusion and

inequitabledistributionofpowerandwealth,whichhavetraditionallybeenamongsttherootcausesofconflict.Inthisregard:

a. An organic link between those managing PCRD and thegeneralpopulaceisanimperative.

b. A fair and equitable distribution of power and wealth iskey to the prevention of escalation of unresolved or newgrievances.

c.PCRDactivitiespromotetheparticipation,andaddresstheneeds,ofmarginalisedandvulnerablegroupssuchaswomenand girls; the elderly; disabled; and youth (especially childsoldiers).

d. Promote the participation of theDiaspora to secure theirinputinallPCRDprocesses.

19 Cooperation and Coherence: The complex challenges ofPCRD, the pressure to deliver peace dividends, and the

presenceofamyriadofactorsrequirecooperationandcoherencetoensurethatactorsandactivitiesrespondtotheneedsandprioritiesoftheaffectedcountryandpeoples.Inthisregard:

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a.Cooperationandcoherenceclarifies,anddefinesrolesandresponsibilities in ways that guarantee national ownership,Africanleadership,legitimacyandaccountability.

b. Coordination of actors and activities optimises the useof resources, increases effectiveness and efficiency, andimprovestimelinessofresponse.

c.Promotestransparency,mutualaccountability,andsharedobjectivesbetweenthevariouslocal,nationalandinternationalactorsinvolved,whichenhancestrust.

d. Enhances synergy of action, integrated planning andoperations.

e.PromotegenuinepartnershipsandcomplementaritywiththerelevantinternationalstructuressuchastheUNPeacebuildingCommission.

20Capacity Building for Sustainability:AllPCRDeffortshaveastheirgoaltheattainmentofsustainablepeaceandshould,

as a matter of priority, build and/or strengthen national and localcapacities.Therefore:

a. All PCRD activities need to have a capacity-buildingcomponent that strengthens the capabilities of society tosupportandlegitimisenationalprocesses.

b.PCRDactivitiesoughttoutiliselocalexpertise;andwhereit isweak, leverage relevantAfricancapacityat the regionalandcontinentallevels,aswellasfromtheDiaspora.

c.Provideguidanceonmodalitiesofinternationalengagementinbuildinglocalcapacity.

SECTION II: INDICATIVE ELEMENTS OF THE PCRD POLICY

21This policy has six indicative elements that are both self-standingandcrosscuttingandthatrepresentthepillarsupon

whichallPCRDeffortsshouldbedevelopedandsustainedacrossthedifferentphasesofaction,takingintoaccountthatthebasicobjectiveis toaddressandresolve therootcausesofconflict.The indicative

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elementsare:

a) security; b) humanitarian/emergencyassistance; c) politicalgovernanceandtransition;

d) socio-economicreconstructionanddevelopment;e) humanrights,justiceandreconciliation;and

f) womenandgender.

22Each of these indicative elements highlights the politicalobjectives that must be pursued and the base line actions

neededtosupportconstructiveandcomprehensiveprocessesacrossallphasesofPCRD.

Security

23The objective of the security element of PCRD is to createa secure and safe environment for the affected state and

its population, through the re-establishment of the architecture ofthe state, including the elements of juridical statehood, defined asaccountable state control over territory and the means of coercion,and to guarantee the safety of the population. All activities in thesecurity cluster are based on the concept of human security asstipulatedanddefinedintheCommonAfricanDefenceandSecurityPolicy.

24Activitiesrelatingtosecurityshouldpromoteconsolidationofefficient,accountableandprofessionaldefenceandsecurity

forces, operating under responsible civilian control and oversight.Therefore,thepolicyseekstostrengthenlegalframeworks,improveoperational capacity, engage broad consultations and participationofcivilsociety inthesecuritysector. Italsoencouragesadoptionofregionalapproachestosecurity,toavoidthedangerofPCRDinonecountrydisplacingconflict/insecurity toneighbouringcountries,andtoalignthepost-conflictcountrytoexistingregionalandcontinentalcommitmentsandprotocols.

25To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)Addressthegapbetweenemergencyanddevelopment,asabasisfor stabilising the affected country, through action in the following

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areas:

i.Providesecurityandprotectionforthecivilianpopulation;

ii.Pursueintegratedapproachestorepatriation,resettlement,reintegration and rehabilitation of refugees, the internallydisplaced,ex-combatantsandtheirfamilies,payingparticularattentiontowomenvictimsofviolence;

iii. Plan and implement comprehensive and well-blendeddisarmament,demobilisation, rehabilitationand reintegration(DDRR)programmes,asabasisforconsolidatingsafetyandsecurity;

iv. Provide support to mine action programmes focusingon identification, marking and de-mining of areas infestedwith land mines, mine awareness education and adequateassistancetominevictims;

v.Addressotherbasicthreatstosecurityandsafetysuchasunexploded remnantsofwar, andsmall arms, lightweaponsandammunition,especiallythoseincivilianpossession;

vi. Address specific security concerns of women and girls,includingtheirdemandsforprotectionagainstthosewhomayhave committed acts of sexual and other violence againstthem,sincethere-integrationofperpetratorsintosocietycanthreatenthem;and

vii.Ensure that theprocessof transformationof thesecuritysectorrecognisesandacknowledgestheroleof,andaddressesthespecificneedsandchallenges that confront,womenandchildsoldiers.

b)Policyformulationrelatingtosecurity:

i. Adopt comprehensive national policies to address smallarmsproliferation,de-mining,andlandminevictimassistance,respectively;andensurethesurrenderandseizureofallillicitarmsandexplosiveremnantsofwar;

ii. Formulate policies that address the specific security

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needsofvulnerablegroups, includingwomen,girlsandchildsoldiers;

iii. Foster the inclusion of civil society organisations aspartnersinsafetyandsecurityclusteractivities;and

iv.Establisheffectiveciviliancontroloverarmedforces,andnational laws regulating conduct and activities of the armedforces.

c) Give priority to the (re)-establishment and strengthening of thecapacityofsecurityinstitutions,includingdefence,police,correctionalservices,bordercontrolsandcustoms:

i.Pursuethetransformationoftheorgansofstate,especiallythoserelatingtosecurityandjustice;

ii.Restoreandstrengtheninstitutionsofpubliclawandorder,includingtheestablishmentofanefficientpoliceforce;

iii.Establishmechanismsforthedemocraticgovernanceandaccountabilityof thesecuritysector,asameansof restoringpublicconfidence;

iv. Facilitate security sector reform, including civil-militaryrelations, right-sizing and professionalisation of the securitysector as soon as demobilisation efforts are commenced;and

v. Create appropriate and effective oversight bodies for thesecuritysector, includingparliamentarycommittees,nationalombudsperson,etc.

d)Buildthehumanresourcecapacityofthesecuritysector:

i. Facilitate the use of the emerging security sector inreconstructionprogrammesasawaytoenhancethelegitimacyofthesecurityforces,buildtrustofthecommunitiestheyareexpectedtoserveandprotect,andoptimisetheuseofscarceresources;

ii.Buildcapacitytomanagestockpilesofsmallarmsandlight

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weapons (SALWs) in legal possession of civilian and stateagentstopreventtheirdiversiontoillicituse;

iii.Buildandenhancethecapacityofcivilsocietyorganisationstobepartnersinsafetyandsecurityclusteractivities;and

iv.Promoteandprioritise theconversionofmilitarycapacityfor peaceful uses as applicable, including the conversion ofinformal manufacturing structures (home-made weapons,ammunitionandexplosives)topeacefuldevelopmentuse.

26Benchmarksandstandards:

a. National implementation of theCommonAfricanDefenceand Security Policy, including all common African positionssuchastheWindhoekPositiononSALWs,asendorsedbytheExecutiveCouncilDecisionEX.CL/Dec.255(VIII)of2006;

b.Right-sizingandprofessionalisationofthesecurityforces;

c.Civiloversightofthesecuritysector;

d.Engagementofsecuritysectorinthereconstructionofthecountry;and

e. Ratification of, accession to, domestication andimplementation of, all African and international instrumentsrelatingtopeaceandsecurity.

Humanitarian/Emergency Assistance

27Humanitarian/Emergency assistance is a set of integratedand coordinated measures that seek to save and sustain

lives,maintainbasichumandignity,ensuretheprotectionofcivilians,support the return and reintegration of displaced populations andhelpresuscitatesocio-economicactivity,particularlyintheimmediatepost-war situation when state capacity is most limited. Activitiesunder this element stabilise and rehabilitate the society includingthe return, reintegration and rehabilitation of refugees, internallydisplaced persons (IDPs), ex-combatants and other war affectedpopulations. Furthermore, the commencement of recovery createshuge expectations for peace dividends, which, if not met, could

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seriously jeopardise the chances of progress towards peace andstability.Theseactivitiescanalsoprovideuniqueplatformstolinktheemergency/recovery,reconstructionanddevelopmentphases.Thus,while focusing on urgent life-saving and life-sustaining assistance,humanitarian assistance must link with the subsequent phases ofthepost-conflictreconstructionanddevelopmentprocess.Thislinkisenhancedby the fast-trackingofkeydevelopmentmeasuresduringtherecoveryphase.

28The end state of an emergency phase is marked by thefollowing conditions: a significant improvement in the

overallhumanitariansituationasdeterminedbyvariousAfricanandinternational standards; prevalence of general safety and security;protection and assistance to groups with special needs; improvedaccess to basic needs among vulnerable groups, as defined underArticle 14(3) of the PSC Protocol; the return and reintegration ofrefugees,IDPsandotherdisplacedpopulations;aswellasresumptionofnormallivelihoodandsocio-economicactivities.

29To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)Createanenablingpoliticalandlegalenvironmentforhumanitarianaction,includingmakingprovisionfor:

i.Secureaccesstocivilianpopulationsinneedofemergencyhumanitarianassistance;

ii. The right to return in safety and dignity; protection fromattacksandnon-discrimination;

iii.Therightsofreturnees,includingpropertyrights;

iv.Therighttocitizenshipandidentity/legalstatus,andfamilyreunification;and

v. Measures to ensure minimum security, such as amnestylaws;

b)Prioritisepreparednessatthenational,regionalandinternationallevel,toenabletheplanning,launchingandeffectivecoordinationof

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emergencyhumanitarianoperations:

i. Encourage partnershipwith national, regional, continentaland international humanitarian and development actors thatacceleratesthetransitionfromemergencytodevelopment;

ii. Commence development programmes at the early stagesoftheemergencyphase;and

iii. Engage in activities that build and enhance Africanhumanitariancapacity.Specificallyemphasisshouldbeplacedon the reinforcement of the capacity ofAfricanhumanitarianNGOs through capacity building, resource mobilization andotherrelevantactivities,toenablethemcontributemeaningfullytohumanitarianoperationsconductedinAfrica.

c)Institutionalmeasuresforhumanitarianassistance:

i. Rehabilitation of critical social services such as health,sanitationandeducationaswellasadministrativestructures;and

ii. Institutecoordinationmechanismsthatoptimiseefficiencyandeffectivenessofprogrammes.

d)Deliveryofsufficientandappropriatelife-savingandlife-sustainingassistance:

i. Design and implement community-based quick impactprojects to facilitate quick recovery and reconciliation,harness the productive capacity and skills of populations,helpthecreationofsocialsafetynets,enhancefoodsecurityandresuscitatelivelihoodsystemsandcopingmechanismsofaffectedcommunities;

ii. Support the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vitalinfrastructure and physical facilities, including water andsanitation systems, hospitals/clinics, schools, police andotherpublicadministrationcentres, roads,bridgesandothertransportationandcommunicationfacilities;

iii. Develop programmes that address the specific needs of

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womenandgirls;

iv.Targetgroupswithspecialneedssuchaswomen,children,returnees, the elderly, the disabled and the sick as well asvictims of sexual and gender-based violence for criticalassistance;

v. Develop programmes for psycho-social support such astraumacounselling,legalsupportandfamilyreunification;

vi. Develop strategies to prevent and manage preventablediseasessuchasmalaria,tuberculosisandHIV/AIDS;and

vii. Provide training and skills development to facilitate thereintegration of affected populations such as unemployedyouth, women, ex-combatants, refugees, IDPs (even whilestillinexile/displacement)andthedisabled.

30Benchmarks and standards for humanitarian/emergencyactivitiesarethefollowing:

a. Protection of all populations from attacks, harassment,abuse, exploitation, discrimination and deprivation of theirhumanrights;

b.Adequateandappropriatebasicwelfareservices,includingfood, clean water, basic health, sanitation, education andshelter;

c. Re-unification of family members who were separatedduringconflict;

d.Mechanismsforregistrationandappropriateidentification/documentation of affected populations for themselves, theirchildren,spouses,property,landandotherpossessionswhichmighthavebeenlostduringtheconflict;

e.Exerciseoftherighttoreturntotheirplacesoforiginand/orliveinotherareasoftheirchoice;

f. Appropriate medical care, trauma and psycho-socialcounselling,assistanceandlegalredressforgirls,womenand

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othervulnerablegroups;

g. Re-establishment of reasonable means of livelihoodincludinggainfulemployment;

h.Guaranteedparticipationofwomen’sgroups, civil societyorganisationsandotherrepresentativesofaffectedgroupsinreconstructionprocesses,includingpeaceprocesses;

i.Guaranteedaccesstocivilianpopulationsinneed,fortheirprotectionandassistance;

j. IncreasedawarenessofpreventionofHIV/AIDSandothercommunicablediseases,and

k.StrengtheningofthecapacityofAfricanhumanitarianNGOsandotherrelevantAfricaninstitutions.

Socio-Economic Reconstruction and Development

31Socio-economicdevelopment isamultidimensionalprocessthat contributes to improved living conditions, improved

ability to meet basic needs, such as health, education, and food,and the reduction of poverty and inequality. The long-term goal ofPCRD is to place the affected country on the path of sustainablesocio-economic development and to improve human developmentindicators.Theimmediateobjectiveistoacceleratesocio-economicrecovery by ‘jumpstarting’ livelihoods, creating enabling conditionsfor rehabilitationanddevelopment,anddeliveringpeacedividends.Toavoidstalledpeace, thewide rangeof socio-economicactivitiesshouldbepursuedinanintegratedapproachthatlinksrelief,transitionanddevelopment.Keytothepursuitofsocio-economicreconstructionand development is the balance between growth and the provisionof social goods/services, and the development of an appropriatetechnologicalbaseforsustainablerecoveryandreconstructioninthecountryemergingfromconflict.

32To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)Addressthegapbetweenreliefanddevelopment:

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i.Targetmicro levelactivitieswith thegreatest regenerativeimpact;

ii. Address threats to livelihoods and income generation,includingunemploymentandlackofaccesstocredit;

iii. Re-establish and support agricultural production toguarantee food security, and address issues relating toownership, access and use of such critical assets as land;and

iv. Promote the re-establishment of themarket and trade atlocal,regionalandinternationallevels;

b)Formulatepoliciesthataddresssocialinequityandtargetvulnerablegroups,duringthetransition,reconstructionanddevelopmentphases.Thesepoliciesshould:

i.Promoteandprotectsocio-economicrightsofthepopulation,such as the right to food, shelter, water and development,asexpressed in theAfricanCharteronHumanandPeoples’Rights, theMillenniumDeclaration,and theCommonAfricanDefenceandSecurityPolicy(para.6);

ii.Transformeconomiesthatemergedduringtheconflictintoregulated systems that contribute to broad-based and pro-pooreconomicgrowthandtothebenefitofreconstruction;

iii.Focusonmicro leveldevelopment, including thecreationofsocialsafetynetsandtherebuildingofsocialcapital;

iv. Address the challenge of preventable diseases such asmalaria,tuberculosisandHIV/AIDS;

v. Develop socio-economic programmes that target theyouth for rehabilitation, job creation and income generatingactivities,inwaysthatbolstertheircapacitiestoparticipateinthereconstructionoftheircountry;

vi. Develop socio-economic programmes that targetthe disabled population, particularly victims of war, forrehabilitation,jobcreationandincomegeneratingactivities;

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vii.Alignnationalbudgettolocalneeds;

viii. Promote policies and programmes for the sustainableprotectionoftheenvironment;and

ix.Address issues at themacro level, including investment,trade,inflation,fiscalandmonetaryissues.

c) Undertake comprehensive institution-building to enhance goodeconomic governance. This would include the creation and/orstrengtheningof:

i. Fiscal and financial management institutions, includingrevenuecollectionandbankingsystems;

ii. Structures that ensure accountability and transparency,such as the office of the Auditor General, monitoring andevaluationmechanismsandanti-corruptionstructures;

iii. Structures for oversight of the budget, borrowingand expenditure such as parliamentary committees andombudsperson;and

iv.Frameworksthatpromoteequitableandsustainableaccessto,managementandexploitationof,naturalresources.

d) Build human resource capacity at local and national levels forpolicy development, needs assessment, planning, implementation,monitoringandevaluationofprogrammesandactivities:

i.Attractandretainrelevantcapacityforallaspectsofsocio-economicdevelopment,includingfromtheDiaspora;

ii.Buildcapacity fordatacollectionandanalysis, insupportof the planning, implementation and monitoring of socio-economicdevelopmentprogrammes;

iii.Enhancecapacitytoparticipateininternationalprocesses,suchasWTOnegotiations;

iv.Encouragepartneringoflocalandinternationalorganisationsengagedinsocio-economicdevelopmentactivities,topromote

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capacitybuilding;and

v.Fast-track the trainingandgenerationof local capacity inallaspectsofdevelopment.

e) Build a technology base to support reconstruction anddevelopment:

i.Developstrategiestosupportthedevelopmentandtransferoftechnology,includingitshuman,technical,institutionalandinformationaldimensions;

ii. Undertake technology transfer and technological skillsdevelopment in a relevant, people-driven, and sustainablemanner;and

iii.Developappropriatetechnologiesfortherehabilitationanddevelopment of key social sectors such as housing, energy,waterandsanitation,aswellasforphysicalinfrastructure.

f)Developphysicalinfrastructure,includingtransport,communication,energy,water,healthandsanitation,asfollows:

i. Prioritise the rehabilitation and reconstruction of physicalinfrastructuredestroyedduringtheconflict;and

ii. Engage in the planning and execution of infrastructuredevelopment in line with the long-term needs of thecountry.

33Benchmarksandstandardsforsocio-economicreconstructionanddevelopmentactivitiesarethefollowing:

a. Improved human development indicators and progresstowardstheattainmentoftheMillenniumDevelopmentGoalsandotherindicatorsrelatedtosocio-economicdevelopment;

b.Improvedandsustainedeconomicgrowth,evidencedbyastablesocio-economicenvironment,includingmacro-economicstabilityandmicro-economicgrowth, reducedunemploymentandreducedinflation;

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c.Increasedaccessofthepopulationtosocialservicessuchashousing,health,water,education,employment;

d.Fiscalandbudgetarydisciplineinthemanagementofpublicresources;

e. Sustainablemanagement of the environment and naturalresouresand;

f. Ratification of, accession to, domestication andimplementation of, African and international instrumentsrelating to corruption and transparency, the management ofthenaturalresourcesandtheprotectionoftheenvironment.

Political Governance and Transition

34Political governance involves the exercise of power and itsdevolutionfromthenationaltohelocallevel.Itencompasses

the promotion of good democratic governance and its core values,as called for in the preamble of theAU ConstitutiveAct. The coreelementsofgoodpoliticalgovernanceinclude:politicalparticipation,transparency, accountability, separation of powers, creation of a(public)civilservice,theruleoflawandindependentciviloversight,asprovidedforintheDeclarationonPolitical,EconomicandCorporateGovernance (2002). Political governance in post-conflict situationsneeds to promote inclusive politics and pluralism in a manner thatcontributes positively to nation building. Therefore, the focus ofactivitiesinthisindicativeelementisontransformationofleadershipand society, through processes of developing a collective nationalvisionthatdeliverscohesiveandresponsivesystemsofgovernancefrom thenational to thegrassroots levels. Insodoing, the roleandparticipationofwomen,includingtheiraccesstopoweranddecision-making,needstobeparticularlyemphasisedandencouraged.

35SuccessfulPCRDisdependentongoodpoliticalgovernance.For this reason, good leadership in societies emergingfrom conflict is a critical driver in the creation of good governancestructures, determination of strategies for the equitable distributionofpower,consolidationofpeaceandfacilitationoftransitionfromtheemergencytothedevelopmentphasesofitsreconstruction.

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36To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)Consensusbuilding:

i. (Re)-establish consensus of governance through thedevelopment of consultative processes that guarantee broad-based representative participation and leadership, allow forcollective determination of needs and priorities, and enhanceownershipofthereconstructionanddevelopmentprocess;

ii. Commence a fair and inclusive process, at national,provincialandcommunitylevelsforallsectorsofthesociety,to determine the national vision, the national identity andestablishandreinforcealegitimatestate;and;

iii. Establish a constitutional, democratic governanceframework that guarantees periodic contestation for politicaloffice,basedontheruleoflaw.

b)Policydevelopment:

i. Establish rules and realistic timetables for the interimgovernmentandauthorities;

ii. Adopt policies and legislation to address the challengesofcorruptionat thenational, regional,continentalandgloballevels;

iii. Create checks and balances within public governancestructures, and ensure the separation of power between theexecutive,judiciaryandthelegislature;

iv. Initiateprocesses that fast-track comprehensive capacitybuildingatthestateandnon-statelevels,includingencouragingthe returnofmembersof theDiasporawithskills relevant totheenhancementofgoodgovernance;

v.IntegratecontinentalandregionalframeworksofgovernanceintoPCRDstrategies;

vi. Facilitate societal transformation in ways that reflect the

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interestsofwomen,addresstheirneedsandaspirations,andconsolidate any opportunities that emerge as a result of thechallengesofconflict,toimprovetheirlives;and

vii.Securecivicspacefromnegativeinfluences.

c)Decentralisationofgovernance:

i. Facilitate the creation of mechanisms that decentraliseanddevolvepower,decision-making,andthemanagementofresources,toalllevelsofgovernancefromthenationaltothecommunitylevels;

ii. Create mechanisms that allow and encourage inclusivebroad-basedparticipationofthepopulationintheirgovernance;and

iii.Promotetheengagementoflocalcivilsocietyorganisationsindemocraticgovernanceprocessesatalllevels.

d)Institutionaldevelopment:

i. Promote the building of state capacity and the re-establishmentofpoliticsasaprocesstomediatedifferencesandmanagepluralism;

ii.Facilitatetheestablishmentand/orrestorationof inclusivedemocraticpublic institutionsandcivilauthorities,aswellaslegislativeoversightcapacity;

iii. Createmechanisms to ensure accountable, efficient andeffectivepublicandcivilservice;and

iv.Ensureadministrativejustice.

e)Humanresourcecapacitydevelopment:

i. Engage in rebuilding political process skills, such asmediation, negotiation and consensus building that are keyto transformation of society, but which are often destroyedduringconflict;

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ii. Bolster the capacity of non-state actors to participate ingooddemocraticgovernance;and

iii. Establish civic education and other public campaignsto raise awareness and understanding of the new politicalstructureandvision,especiallyamongtheyouth.

37Benchmarksandstandards:

a.Existenceof opportunitiesandmechanisms that enhancepopular participation in, and access to, the processes ofconstitutionmaking,etc.;

b.Decentralisationofpower,authorityandresources;

c.Separationofpowerbetween theexecutive, judiciaryandthelegislature;

d. Increased government transparency and accountability,andpublicconfidenceingovernancestructures;

e. Existence of an enabling environment for meaningfulpopularparticipationinallformsandlevelsofgovernance;

f. Existence of institutions that promote democracy such aselectoral commission, office of the ombudsperson, publicprotector’soffice,etc.;

g.Flourishingoffunctioningnationalcivilsocietyorganisations,andsupportforcommunity-basedorganisations;

h.Increasednumbersofwomenindecision-makingpositionsinpublicinstitutionsaswellastheprivatesector;

i.Periodic,competitive,peaceful,freeandfairelections;

j.Existenceofmechanisms tomanage,preventand resolveconflicts;

k. Existence of effective and independent media that isprotectedwithintheconstitution;

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l. Ratification of, accession to, domestication andimplementation of, relevant African and internationalinstrumentsfordemocracyandgoodgovernance,andrelevantconventions relating to eradication of corruption and corruptpractices;and

m.Congruenceof national constitutionwith theConstitutiveActoftheAfricanUnion.

Human Rights, Justice and Reconciliation

38This indicative element encompasses the protection ofhumanandpeoples’ rightsand the respect for their dignity,

asdefinedintheAfricanCharterofHumanandPeoples’Rightsandotherrelevant international instruments; theachievementof justice,intermsoffairapplicationofthelawanditsaccessibilitytoall;andreconciliation,understoodas thehealingofdividedsocietiesat theindividual,communityandnationallevels.

39Thepursuanceofhumanrights, justiceandreconciliation iscriticalbecauseabuseofhumanandpeoples’rightsresulting

from policies of marginalisation, identity-based discrimination,and perceptions of injustice can trigger or perpetuate conflicts.Furthermore, most conflicts are characterised by serious humanrightsabusesresultinginphysicalandpsychologicaltrauma,distrustofgovernmentauthoritiesandinter-communalmistrust-allofwhichrequire focusedattentionaspart of the reconstitutionof society. Inaddition, the post war environment is usually fluid and marked bylawlessness and power imbalances that can perpetuate insecurityand impoverishment for some sections of the society. Such anenvironmentcanalsoencouragehumanrightsabusesparticularlyincaseswhereex-combatants, perpetratorsof abuseandvictims livetogetherinafragileandfearfulsituation.Finally,post-warsituationsarecharacterisedbyinstitutionalbreakdownandcollapseoflawandorder and normative frameworks, which leaves people without anystructurestomediate,resolveconflictsordeliverjustice.

40Each country and society emerging from conflict has tomake critical decisions about the use of restorative and/or

retributive justice.Thischoicehas implicationsfor thenatureof thehumanrights,justiceandreconciliationmodelacountryadopts.Thisrequires the determination of a context-based approach to issues

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of human rights, justice and reconciliation, and the mobilisation ofsociety’ssupportforthemodeladopted.

41To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)HumanandPeoples’Rights:

i.Restoreconstitutionalandlegalrightstosectionsofsocietywhomighthavelostthemduringtheconflict,suchasdisplacedpersons;

ii.Guaranteeandprotectsocio-economicrights,includingtherighttodevelopment,asdefinedintheACHPRandCADSP;

iii. Prioritise access to education, a fundamental right,particularlyinviewoftheoverwhelmingpreponderanceoftheyouthamongcombatants,and the increase in thenumberofstreetchildrenfollowingconflicts;

iv.Guaranteeandprotectwomen’srightsandparticipationinthepolitical,socialandeconomicspheresoflife;and

v.Promoteinstitution-buildingofnationalstructuresmandatedto promote and protect human rights, such as nationalcommissionsfortheprotectionofhumanrights.

b)Justice:

i.Ensureaccessofallsectorsofsocietytojustice;

ii. Establish an efficient justice system that is accessibleto all sectors of society, and functioning prisons, as well asappropriaterehabilitationprogrammes;

iii. Ensure adherence to the principles of internationalhumanitarian law, including with regard to prisoners of warandenforceddisappearances;

iv. Provide for the reform of the judiciary, guaranteeing itsindependence,professionalismandefficiency in thedeliveryofjustice;

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v.Makelegalprovisionsforjusticeforvictimsofhumanrightsviolations, particularly those who suffered sexual violenceduringtheconflict;and

vi.Createandbolstercapacityofthejudicialsystem,througheducation,trainingandtheprovisionoffinancialandtechnicalresources.

c)Reconciliation:

i. Total rejection of impunity, as expressed inArticle 4(o) oftheConstitutiveAct;

ii.Encourageandfacilitatepeace-buildingandreconciliationactivitiesfromthenationaltothecommunitylevels;

iii. Guarantee opportunities for the use of traditionalmechanismsofreconciliationand/orjustice,totheextentthattheyarecompatiblewithnationallaws,theACHPRandotherhumanrightsinstruments;and

iv.Promoteinstitution-buildinginstateandcommunity-basedinstitutionsengagedinreconciliation.

d)Furthermore,thereisneedforpolicydevelopmentacrossthethreeelements,asfollows:

i. Develop mechanisms for dealing with past and ongoinggrievances;

ii. Provide for the enhancement of legislative mechanismsaimedatstrengtheningtheruleoflaw,andincorporatehumanrightsintoallpolicyframeworks;

iii. Provide for remedies and reparations to victims ofconflict;

iv.Developstrategiesforthepromotionofacultureofpeace,including human rights, justice and reconciliation, throughtheirinclusioninschoolcurriculaandothercivicfora;

v.Createanenablingenvironmentfortheparticipationofcivil

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societyorganisations,includingfaith-basedorganisationsandthe media, in the promotion and protection of human rights,justiceandreconciliation;and

vi. Provide for the use of AU and international structuresto reinforce the protection of human rights, justice andreconciliationasneeded.

42Benchmarksandstandards:

a.Equalprotectionforallunderthelaw;

b.Existenceanduseoffunctioningjudicialandreconciliationmechanismsamongthevarioussectorsofthecommunity;

c.Toleranceacrosspolitical,socialandculturaldividesinthecountry;

d. Operational, well supported and effective institutionsthat protect human rights such as a National Human RightsCommission and Office of the Public Protector, that provideoversight and contribute to public awareness of humanrightsprinciplesand thecountry’s internationalhumanrightsobligations;

e.Overallenjoymentofrightsinthecountry;

f.Publicconfidenceinthejudiciary;

g.Independenceofthejudiciary–asindicatedbythetenureofthejudiciaryandtheavailabilityofresourcesforitsoperations;and

h.Accessionto,ratification,domesticationandimplementationof, international instruments guaranteeing respect for allhuman rights (social, economic, civil, cultural and politicalrights);andfulfilmentofhumanrightsreportingobligations.

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Women and Gender

43Thesituationof conflictoften impactsnegativelyongenderrolesandrelations.Inmanycases,conflictdisruptstraditional

gender roles, contributes to thebreak-upof familiesand the socialfabricofthecommunity,increasesvulnerability,particularlyforthosemenandwomenthatarevictimsofwar,leadstotheperpetrationofviolenceandabuseagainstchildren,includingyoungboys,whoaresubject to forced recruitment into armies or militia forces, labour,trafficking and sexual violence. It also increases the number ofwomen-headedhouseholds,andleadstomilitarisedsocieties.AllofthesecircumstancesrequirethatPCRDactivitiesbegendersensitiveand based on informed gender analysis as well as provide for theneedsofvulnerablegroups.

44Furthermore,specialattentionshouldbefocusedonwomenwho, in addition to suffering from existing and underlying

inequalities suffer disproportionately from the effects of violentconflict.Manyarevictimsofgender-basedviolence,which includesrape, forced pregnancies, abduction into sexual slavery andtrafficking. As armed combatants, women in fighting forces face adifferent set of challenges. Yet, despite their victimisation womensometimes seize new economic and political opportunities thatemergefromthechallengesofconflicts,breakingtraditionalgenderstereotypes. Unfortunately, most reconstruction interventions havetended to ignore or marginalise women’s issues. To address thisgap,andaccelerate the transformationofsociety, thisPCRDpolicymainstreamsissuesofwomenandgenderthroughall the indicativeelements,andaddressesitasastandaloneelement.

45To develop this element, the following objectives must bepursuedbycountriesemergingfromconflict:

a)Policy-development:

i.Employgender-sensitiveplanningandbudgetingtoensurethatgenderismainstreamed;

ii.Developstrategiestopromotegenderequalityandwomen’sandgirls’empowermentinallaspectsoflife;

iii. Create a legal framework that ensures full enjoyment

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of family rights and equitable access to, and control overresources,includingland,propertyandinheritance,whicharekey,especiallyforwidowsandwomenreturnees;

iv.Make provision for the participation of women in conflictprevention,managementandresolution;

v. Promote and guaranteewomen’s representation in peacenegotiationsandtheirimplementation;

vi. Building on the opportunity for reconstruction, addresspowerrelationsintheprivateordomesticsphere,whendealingwith questions of power- and wealth-sharing, to ensure thatwomen participate in decision-making processes and haveequitableaccesstoproductiveresources;

vii.Fosterandsupportcivilsocietyorganisations,especiallywomen’sorganisations, to champion the rightsof vulnerablegroups,particularlywomenandgirls;and

viii. Ensure that health policies and institutions address thereproductivehealthneedsofwomenandgirls,includingthosewithdisabilities,inpostconflictreconstructionsituations.

b)Institutionandcapacitybuilding:

i. Create a gender focal point to ensure that gender ismainstreamedthroughallPCRDactivities;

ii.Focusongender trainingandsensitisation,especially forforces engaged in peace support operations in post conflictreconstructionsituations;

iii.Transformpublicinstitutionstomakethemmoreresponsivetowomen’sneeds;

iv.Createa focal point to address theneedsof peoplewithdisabilities,particularlyvictimsofwar;and

v.Promote theempowermentofvulnerablegroups includingbyensuringaccess toeducationand training forwomenandgirls.

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46Benchmarksandstandards:

a.Existenceofagendersensitivelegalframework;

b. Effective implementation of constitutional provisions andlawsthatpromoteandprotecttherightsofwomenandgirls;

c.Fullandmeaningfulparticipationofwomeninallaspectsofpubliclife,particularlyinthepoliticalandeconomicspheres;

d.Fullenjoymentofrightsbypeoplewithdisabilities;

e.Securityandjusticesystemsthatareresponsivetogender-basedviolenceandthespecificneedsofwomenandgirls;

f.Increasednumberofwomenindecision-makingpositionsinpublicinstitutionsandtheprivatesector;and

g. Ratification of, accession to, domestication andimplementationof,therelevantAUinstrumentsprotectingtherightsofwomenandgirls,includingtheSolemnDeclarationonGenderEquality inAfrica, theProtocol totheAfricanCharteron Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women inAfrica, theAfrican Charter on the Rights and Welfare of theChild,andotherrelevantinternationalinstrumentssuchastheConventiontoEndallformsofDiscriminationAgainstWomen,theConventionontheRightsoftheChild,andtheUNGeneralAssembly Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security,amongstothers.

SECTION III: RESOURCE MOBILISATION, ACTORS AND PROCESSES

47Securing adequate resources and sustained support,creating mechanisms for the transparent allocation and

accountablemanagementof resources,andestablishingprocessesandmechanismsfortheimplementationandmonitoringofPCRDareimportantpreconditionsfortherealisationofthegoalsofconsolidatingpeaceandlong-termsustainabledevelopment.

48The planning for resource mobilisation to engage in PCRDshould commence even before hostilities have ceased or

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peaceagreementssigned.Besidesprovidinganopportunitytokick-start stabilisation activities as opportunities arise, this early actioncouldcreateanincentivefor,andencourage,thepartiestoreachanagreementandceasehostilities.

Resource Mobilisation

49ThemagnitudeandcomplexityofchallengesofPCRD,weakcapacityandshortageofresourceslimittheabilityoflocaland

nationalauthoritiesandotheractorstorespondtothefullspectrumof needs. This necessitates the mobilisation of financial, material,humanandtechnicalresourcesatthenational,regional,continentaland international levels. Inorder toeffectivelymeet this challenge,countries emerging from conflict need to have a comprehensiveresourcemobilisationstrategy.

50To attain this objective, the following actions must beundertaken at different levels of action from the national to

theinternationallevel:

a)At the national level,countriesemergingfromconflictshould:

i. Mobilise national resources, by attracting investmentand seeking the return of resources that may have beeninappropriately moved out of the country, for reconstructionanddevelopmentthatbenefitsallsectionsofthesociety;

ii. Pursue strategies that enable them to access resourcesincludingfinancialassistance,training,provisionofexpertise,sharing of good practices, from the AU and its MemberStates;

iii.SeekunconventionalsourcesoffinancialandothersupportforPCRDprocesses,e.g.throughSouth-SouthAlliances;

iv.UseAU institutions and other pan-African partners, suchastheADB,tomobiliseandleverageresourcesforPCRD;

v.SpecifymodalitiesforengagementofinternationalactorsinPCRDtoensurelocalcapacitybuildingandencourageuseoflocalactors;

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vi.Encourage theprivate sector toparticipate inPCRDandtobuildcapacityandtransferskills,includingthroughpublic-private partnerships, involvement of domestic enterprises,remittancesandengagementoftheDiaspora;and

vii. Prioritise the rehabilitation or creation of transparentfinancialsystemsandcontrolstomanageresourceseffectivelyforpostconflict reconstructionanddevelopment,and inspireconfidenceonthepartofthepublic.

b)At the regional level,actorsshouldsupportPCRDinlinewiththedesignated role of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) asthebuildingblocsforAfrica’sPeaceandSecurity,anddevelopmentagenda,andtheregionalcharacterandimpactofmostconflicts:

i.Providetechnicalsupporttopostconflictcountries,includingtrainingandexpertise;

ii.Encouragethesharingofbestpracticesandlessonslearnedby other countries in the region which have experiencedconflict;

iii.Encouragetheinvolvementofregionalfinancialmechanisms,includingdevelopmentbanks,inPCRDprocesses;and

iv. Offer solidarity and partnership in the consolidation ofpeaceintheregion.

c)At continental level, theAfricanUnion, inpursuitof itsstrategicleadership,shouldcreateand/orimproveexistingmechanismsthat:

i. Address issues relating to the quantity and quality ofassistance,includingaid,toensurethatsupportisdeterminedby,andusedin linewith,theneedsassessmentofacountryemergingfromconflict;

ii. Ensure that aid to countries emerging from conflict isprovidedunderthemostfavourableterms;

iii. Support negotiations with donors to simplify proceduresandrequirements foraccessing funds, improvecoordination,harmonisationandpredictabilityofsupport,forPCRDincluding

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throughinteractionwithgroupssuchastheDonorCoordinationReviewForum,DonorAssistanceGroups(DAG);

iv.Encouragedonorstopromptlytranslatetheircommitmentsand pledges into concrete support and fast-track thedisbursement of resources to cover immediate humanitarianandrecoveryneedsduringthetransitionperiod;

v. Support affected countries to monitor the translation ofdonorpledgesintoconcretesupport;

vi. Provide technical support to post-conflict countries indevelopingtheirnationalPCRDplansandresourcemobilisationstrategies;

vii.Advocatedebtcancellationforpost-conflictcountriesthatdo not traditionally qualify under HIPC and other debt reliefinitiatives;

viii. Monitor debt cancellation for countries emerging fromconflict, in line with its mandate for the socio-economicregenerationofthecontinent;and

ix.Provide ‘seedmoney’ tokick-startPCRDactivities,whileothersourcesoffundingarebeingsought;

d)At the international level,actorsneedto:

i. Recognise and provide support to cater for the specialneedsofcountriesemergingfromconflict,suchasthelackofresourcestofinancethebasicfunctioningofthestate,includingsalariesandpensionsforthecivilserviceandsecuritysector,as well as outstanding unpaid salaries and pensions, whichhave a critical impact on the stabilisation of the immediatepostconflictperiodsituation;

ii. Improve coordination, harmonisation and flexibility ofsupport to post-conflict countries, in line with the prioritiesdeterminedinthenationalneedsassessment;

iii. Ensure that all support to post conflict countries buildscapacityandutiliseslocalactorsatalllevels;and

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iv. Support PCRD through investment, improved resourceflows including official development assistance, debt relief,particularlybyconferring thestatusofheavily-indebtedpoorcountry(HIPC)oncountriesemergingfromconflict,aswellasimprovingtradeconditions.

51BenchmarksandStandards:

a.Inclusionofprovisionsforwealth-sharingandmobilisationofnationalresourcesinsupportofPCRDinpeaceagreements;

b. Strategies that optimise both internal and externalresources,andcapacitiesforthebenefitofPCRD;

c.Systemsinplacefortrackingofinternationalcommitmentsandpledges;

d. AU and REC mechanisms that support the resourcemobilisation strategies, capacities for project/programmemanagement, negotiation for favourable arrangements withdonors,internationalfinancialinstitutions,internationalprivateenterprises and trade organisations, of countries emergingconflict;

e. Reduction in debt burden for countries emerging fromconflict;

f. Strengthened AU mechanism for coordination of supportfrom AU member states as well as donor conferences forcountriesemergingfromconflict;

g. Establishment of anAfrican mechanism that will provideseedmoneytojumpstartPCRDactivities;

h. Simplified and improved coordination and accelerateddisbursementofsupporttocountriesemergingfromconflict.

Actors, Governance Mechanisms and Processes

52The implementation of PCRD is dependent on a range ofstateandnon-stateactorsoperatingatthenational,regional,

continental and international levels. In recognition of the limited

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capacityincountriesemergingfromconflict,actorsatthecontinentallevelprovidestrategicleadershipinPCRD,regionalactorsaugmentthis leadership while affected countries implement the variousPCRDactivitieswithintheircapabilities.Thesecontinental,regionaland national efforts are supported by international actors and civilsociety. In linewith this framework of cooperation, complimentarityand subsidiarity, the activities of the myriad actors engaged inPCRDshouldbecoordinatedbythecountryemergingfromconflict,supported by regional organisations, with strategic leadership fromtheAU,inlinewiththeunderlyingprinciplesofthispolicy.

53EnsuringoptimalperformanceofvariousactorsundertakingPCRD requires mechanismsandprocesses thatensureall

activities are aligned with the needs and priorities of the countryemergingfromconflict,thattheyarepursuedthroughtheemergency,transitionanddevelopmentphasesof reconstruction, and that theyarecomprehensive,rangingfromneedsassessment,implementation,monitoring,toimpactassessment.

54At the continental level,keyactorsaretheAUorgans,suchas the AU Commission, the Peace and Security Council,

the Pan-African Parliament and theAfrican Commission and Courton Human and Peoples’ Rights, among others, all its specialisedinstitutions,andotherPanAfrican institutions, including theAfricanDevelopmentBank.

a)Atthislevel,theAUprovidesoverallstrategicpoliticalleadershipinPCRDandactsasaguarantorofPCRDprocessesonthecontinent.Indoingso,itshall:

i.Availthispolicyandtemplateforadaptationbycountriesorregionsemergingfromconflict;

ii.EncourageRECs,MemberStatesandrelevantAUofficesand specialized institutions to adopt and implement the AUPolicyforPCRD;

iii. Advocate and monitor international support to countriesemergingfromconflict;

iv.MonitorprogressintheimplementationofPCRDinaffectedcountriesand/orregions;

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v.LeverageresourcesandsupportfortheimplementationofPCRD;

vi. Create and manage a database of African experts onvarious aspects of PCRD, to be deployed in, and backstop,affectedcountries,asrequired;and

vii. Utilise its specialised agencies to provide training thatcreateshumanresourcecapacityinaffectedcountries.

b)ThekeymechanismstoensurethatAfricaremainsseizedwiththePCRDofanaffectedcountryarethefollowing:

i. A PSC Standing Committee on PCRD to monitor theactivitiesof all actors, provide support toaffected countries,andtoreviewthestateofreconstructiononthecontinentonaregularbasis;

ii.Aministerialcommitteeonthereconstructionofeachpostconflictcountry;

iii. An AU Commission inter-departmental task force toeffectivelycoordinatePCRDactivitiesoftheCommission,AUliaisonandregionaloffices,aswellasspecialisedagenciesoftheAU;and

iv.Amulti-dimensionalAU Committee on PCRD, to interactonaconstantbasis,withinternationalactorsincludingtheUNPeace-building Commission, and ensure that Africa’s visionandprioritiesarereflectedinthesestructures.

55At the regional level: The successful implementation ofthePCRDpolicyrequirestheactiveengagementofregional

groupingsandtheirinstitutionsinordertotakeadvantageofexistingresources, mechanisms, processes and synergies. Owing to theirproximitytoandknowledgeofcountriesemergingfromconflict,RECsarewell placed to serve as the regional focal point forPCRD.KeyactorsattheregionallevelincludeRECs,andotherregionalentities.Theseactorsarealso the linkbetweenthenationalandcontinentallevels.

a)Regionalactorsandprocesseswill:

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i. Prioritise the adaptation of the AU policy on PCRD anddevelopguidelinesforitsimplementation,atregionallevel;

ii. Coordinate the harmonisation of national policies andlegislationonPCRD;

iii. Guide implementation of regional and cross-border andtrans-nationalprogrammesrelatingtoPCRD;

iv.Provide regular reportingon the state ofPCRDactivitieswithin their regions to thePSC,asperArt.16(3)of thePSCProtocol;and

v. Ensure harmonisation, coordination and exchange ofinformationonPCRDwithotherRECs,calledforinArt.16(4)ofthePSCProtocol.

b) To undertake these responsibilities, the following regionalmechanismsareenvisaged:

i.RegionalguidelinesfortheimplementationofPCRD;and

ii.AregionalfocalpointtosupportPCRDprocesses.

56At the national level:ThesuccessofPCRDwill ultimatelybe determined by the political will, leadership and capacity

of national and local actors in the country emerging from conflict.Notwithstanding theweakcapacity,whichoften characterisespost-conflict situations, national and local authorities and actors shouldtake the lead in planning, implementationandmonitoringallPCRDactivities. National leadership of the process will ensure a broad-basedsenseofownershipandenhance thechancesofsustainablePCRD.

a)Actorsatthenationallevelwill:

i.Developpoliciesandstrategies,andputinplacemechanisms,structures and processes that ensure comprehensive,integratedandcoherentPCRDprogrammes;

ii. Promulgate enabling legislation, simplify administrativeprocesses and eliminate obstacles to the implementation of

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PCRDactivities;

iii. Provide leadership in the process of determining aninclusivenationalvision,and,asearlyaspossible,clarifyingthe division of labour, roles and responsibilities of actorsinvolvedinPCRD;

iv.Lead,coordinateandmonitorallPCRDactivities;and

v.Seek,whereneeded,sub-regional,regionalandinternationalsupport for humanitarian assistance, recovery, rehabilitationanddevelopment,includingcapacitybuilding.

b)Toundertaketheseresponsibilities,thefollowingmechanismsareenvisaged:

i. A national focal point on PCRD to coordinate actors andmonitorimplementationofPCRD,ensuringalignmentwiththecountry’sneedsandpriorities;

ii. Inter-departmental/ministerial committees to implementmulti-sectoral programmes and activities in a coordinatedfashion;and

iii. Mechanisms that ensure the participation of all sectorsof society including civil society organisations, women’sorganisations,andothernationalandlocalactors.

57 At the international level: While recognising that Africatakes the leadership and ownership of its reconstruction

anddevelopmentagenda,internationalmultilateralorganisations,towhich AU Member States also belong, have a duty to support thesuccessful implementation of PCRD inAfrica. These organisationsshould,therefore,putatthedisposaloftheAfricanUnion,theRECsandMemberStates,theirexpertise,experienceandresourcesinthearea of PCRD. Thesemultilateral organisations include the UnitedNationssystem,theWorldBank,IMF,andotherrelatedinstitutions.The broader international community also includes multilateral andbi-lateralpartners,withwhomtheAUanditsMembersalreadyhaverelations.

a)Actorsatthislevelwill:

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i. Establish a relationship between the UN Peace-buildingCommissionandtheAUwithregardtoPCRDprogrammesonthecontinent;

ii. Promote the twinning of non-African partner institutionswithAfricaninstitutionsforeffectivecapacitybuildingoflocalactors;and

iii.Encourageparticipationofspecialisedtechnicalagenciestosupportthereconstructionanddevelopmentofpost-conflictcountries.

b)Mechanismsneededtofulfiltheaboveobjectivesare:

i. Institutionalised partnership between the AU multi-dimensional committee on PCRD and the United NationsPeace-building Commission, the Peace-building SupportOfficeattheUNSecretariatandotherconcerneddepartmentsoftheUN;and

ii.StrengtheningofexistingandcreatingnewforafordialoguebetweentheAUanditsdevelopmentpartners.

58 Civil Society:Art20ofthePSCProtocol,which“encouragesnon-governmentalorganisations,community-basedandother

civil society organisations, particularly women’s organisations, toparticipateactivelyintheeffortsaimedatpromotingpeace,securityand stability inAfrica”, provides a mandate for the engagement ofnon-state actors in PCRD processes and activities. Civil societyactors, as defined by the ECOSOCC statute, should therefore beinvolvedinPCRDactivitiesatalllevels,asawayofcomplementingthecapacityofstateactors.

a)Actorsatthislevelwill:

i. Generate information and analysis to input into PCRDprocesses;

ii. Undertake, within their capability and expertise, PCRDactivitiesasdefinedwithinthenationalframework;

iii.PartnerwithnationalauthoritiesinallaspectsofPCRDwith

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a view to building and enhancing capacity and acceleratingrealisationofPCRDobjectives;

iv. Engage in advocacy in support of the national PCRDprogrammeandactivities;

v.MobiliseresourcesforPCRD;and

vi. Raise awareness and popularise the contents of PCRDpoliciesandstrategies.

59BenchmarksandStandards:

i.TheAUremainsseizedwithandprovidesstrategicleadershipforeachpost-conflictsituation;

ii.RegionaloperationalguidelinesonPCRD;

iii.FunctionalregionalfocalpointonPCRD;

iv. Comprehensive national policy on, and functioninginstitutionstoimplement,PCRD;

v.Enhanced internationalsupport forPCRDthroughrespectforAfricanleadership,nationalownership,greatercoherenceandsynergyofactivities,inlinewiththeneedsofthecountryemergingfromconflict;and

vi. Active engagement of civil society actors in PCRDprocesses.

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Annex ‘A’

EX.CL/Dec.225(VII),28June-2July2005,Sirte,Libya

DECISIONONTHEREPORTOFTHECHAIRPERSONOFTHECOMMISSIONONCONFLICTSITUATIONSINAFRICA

DOC.EX.CL/191(VII)

TheExecutiveCouncil:

1. WELCOMES the significant progress made in the resolution ofthecrisisandconflictsituationsinthecontinent,notablyinBurundi,the Central African Republic (CAR), the Comoros, the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC), Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Liberia,SomaliaandtheSudan;

2.STRESSEStheneedforcontinuedeffortsatalllevelstoconsolidatethesegainsandtoensuretheirsustainability,aswellastoovercomethedifficultiesbeingencounteredinsomeoftheconflictareas;

3.STRESSEStoallpartiestothecrisesandconflictsintheContinentthateffectiveandsustainablesolutionscanonlybeachievedthroughnegotiations, based on a spirit of justice, compromise and mutualaccommodationand,SOLEMNLYAPPEALStothepartiesconcernedto demonstrate a spirit of compromise and genuine commitment topeace,inordertobringtoadefinitiveendtheconflictsinwhichtheyareinvolved,includingthroughtheeffectiveimplementationofpeaceagreementsoncetheyhavebeenconcluded;

4. COMMENDS all those who contribute to the search for lastingsolutionstothecrisesandconflictsragingintheContinent,includingthe Chairperson of the AU, the Chairperson of the Commission,individualleaders,theRegionalEconomicCommunities(RECs)andthe civil society organizations, and ENCOURAGES them to remainengaged in the efforts to promote lasting peace and stability inAfrica;

5. FURTHER COMMENDS the Peace and Security Council (PSC)for its role and URGES it to vigorously continue to discharge itsmandate, inparticular,byactivelyengaginginthetimelypreventionofcrisesandconflictsintheContinent.CouncilSTRESSEStheneed

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for the effective operationalization of the various segments of theAfrican peace and security architecture, including the ContinentalEarlyWarningSystem(CEWS),thePaneloftheWiseandtheAfricanStandbyForce(ASF)aswellasthefinalizationoftheMemorandumof Understanding (MoU) between theAU and the RECs, which willenhancetheexchangeofinformationandthecoordinationofactivitiesbetweentheAUandtheRECs;

6. STRESSES the need for peace agreements to be effectivelycomplemented by sustained efforts towards post-conflictreconstruction and peace-building, with a view to addressing theroot causes underlying their outbreak. In this respect, CouncilURGES the Commission to develop anAU Policy on Post-ConflictReconstruction,basedontherelevantprovisionsofthePSCProtocolandtheexperiencegainedsofarintheContinent;

7. COMMENDSAfrica’s bilateral and multilateral partners for theirsupport and URGES them to continue to provide the necessarysupporttotheeffortsbeingdeployedtowardsthepromotionofpeaceandsecurityontheContinent.

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Annex ‘B’

EX.CL/Dec.302(ix)25June-2July2006,Banjul,TheGambia

DECISIONONtheAUPolicyframeworkonPost-conflictreconstructionanddevelopment,DOC.ex.cl/274(IX)

TheExecutiveCouncil:

1. RECALLS its decision EX.CL/Dec.225(VII) adopted at its 7thordinary session held in Sirte, Libya, from 28 June to 2 July 2005,urging the Commission to develop an AU Policy Framework onPost-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), based onthe relevant provisions of the Protocol Establishing the Peace andSecurity Council (PSC) of the African Union and the experiencegainedsofarinthecontinent;

2.NOTES the initiatives taken by thePSC and theCommission todevelop such a Policy, including the 4th Brainstorming Retreat ofthe members of the PSC and other Permanent Representatives ofMemberStatesheldinDurban,SouthAfrica,from4to5September2005, the technicalexpertsmeetingonPCRDheld inAddisAbaba,Ethiopia, from 7 to 8 February 2006, and the AU/Civil SocietyOrganizations (CSOs) meeting, held inAbuja, Nigeria, from 5 to 7April2006,aswellasthevalidationmeetingwithintheCommission,on31May2006;

3.ENDORSES thePolicyFrameworkonPCRDas reviewedby themeeting of Governmental Experts convened in Addis Ababa, from8 to 9 June 2006, to review the document prior to its presentationto the9thOrdinarySessionof theExecutiveCouncil inBanjul,TheGambia,inJuly2006,asaguidelineforeffectiveandcomprehensiveactiontoconsolidatepeaceandpromotesustainabledevelopment;

4.STRESSESthattheobjectiveofthisPolicyFrameworkistoimprovetimeliness,effectivenessandcoordinationofactivitiesinpost-conflictcountriesandtolaythefoundationforsocialjusticeandsustainablepeace, in line with Africa’s vision of renaissance and growth. Thepolicy is, therefore, conceived as a tool to: a) consolidate peaceand prevent relapse of violence; b) help address the root causesof conflict; c) encourage fast-track planning and implementation ofreconstruction activities; and d) enhance complementarities and

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coordination between and among diverse actors engaged in PCRDprocesses;

5. REQUESTS the Commission, in collaboration with the RegionalEconomic Communities (RECs), relevant United Nations (UN) andother institutions and African Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs),totakeallthenecessarystepsfortheeffectiveimplementationof the PCRD Policy Framework, including the development ofoperational guidelines for the adaptation of the Policy Frameworkat regional and national levels, the development of a database ofAfricanexpertsonPCRD, tobeplacedat thedisposalof countriesemerging from conflict, the mobilization of the resources requiredand the enhancement of African capacity, including the use of AUVolunteers(AUVs)andthestrengtheningofthecapacityofrelevantAfricanNGOstoaddresspost-conflictissues.

6. DECIDES that an African Union standing multidimensionalCommittee be established to provide political support and mobilizeall thenecessaryandavailable resources for the implementationofthePolicyFramework.

7.FURTHERDECIDESthatthisStandingCommitteeshallinterfacewith the United Nations Peace Building Commission and shall besupported by the relevant units within the Commission through itsPeaceandSecurityDepartment.

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INDEX

A

Accountability•8,11,18,20,23

Civiloversight•12,21 Gooddemocraticgovernance•20 Mutualaccountability•8 Ruleoflaw•1,2,20,21,26 Securitysector•9,10,11,12,33 Sharedobjectives•8 Transparency•8,18,20,23

AfricanCharterofHumanandPeoples’Rights•24

Africanhumanitariancapacity•14

Capacitybuilding•14,19 NGOs•14,16

Africaninstitutions•6,16,39

AfricanDevelopmentBank•35 AfricanhumanitarianNGOs•14,16 AUorgans•35 PanAfricaninstitutions•35 PaneloftheWise•5,42

Africanleadership•6,8,40

Accountability•8,20,23 Africangovernments•6 Capacitybuildingforsustainability•8 Legitimacy•8,11 NationalandLocal•6,8,37,38 Oversight•6,9,11,18,27

AfricanUnion•1,5,6,24,32,38,43

ConstitutiveAct•2,5,20,24,26 MemberStates•2,3,6,31,34,35,38

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Multilateralorganisations•38 RECs•1,32,35,36,37,38,41,42,44 StandingmultidimensionalCommittee•44 Strategicleadership•6,32,35,40

B

Benchmarksandstandards•12,15,19,23,27,30,34,40

HumanRights,JusticeandReconciliation•24 Humanitarian•2,5,12,13,14,15,25,33,38 Politicalgovernanceandtransition•20 Socio-EconomicReconstructionandDevelopment•16 Womenandgender•28 Mobilisation•31,34 Security•9BrainstormingRetreat•3,43

Technicalexpertsmeeting•3,43C

CapacityBuilding•8,14,19,21,29,31,38,39

Diaspora•7,8,18,21,32 Fast-track•3,4,19,21,33,43 Localactors•31,33,37,39 PCRD•1,3,4,5,6,7,8,29,30,31,32 PCRDprinciples•6 Resourcemobilization•30,31 Sustainability•7,41

Civil-militaryrelations•11

Effectiveoversightbodies•11 Right-sizing•11,12 Securitysectorreform•11

Commission•2

AUCommission•2,3,5,35,36

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AUorgan•35 AUPolicyonPost-ConflictReconstruction•42 CoordinatePCRDactivities•36 Inter-departmentaltaskforce•36 PeaceandSecurityDepartment•44 RECs•1,32,35,36,37,38,41,42,44 Validationmeeting•3,43

CommonAfricanDefenceandSecurityPolicy•5,9

Civiloversightofthesecuritysector•12 Socio-economicrights•17,25

Community-basedinstitutions•26

Consensusbuilding•21

Democraticgovernance•11,21,22 Inclusiveprocess•21 Transparencyandaccountability•23

Cooperationandcoherence•7

Accountability•8,11,18,20 AfricanLeadership•6,8,40 Legitimacy•8,11 Nationalownership•7,8,40

Countriesemergingfromconflict•1,4,9,13,16,21,25,28,31,32,33,34, 35,36,44

AUVolunteers•44 Challenges•7,10,21,22,28,30 DatabaseofAfricanexpertsonPCRD•44 ExecutiveCouncilDecision•2,12 IndicativeelementsofthePCRD•8 PCRDPolicy•8 ResourceMobilisation•31

CSO•3,43

Africancivilsociety•39

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AUVolunteers•44

D

DatabaseofAfricanexperts•30,37

Democraticgovernance•9,17,18

Accountability•6,9,15,16,19 Constitutional•17,20,25 Coreelements•16

Disarmament,demobilizationandreintegrationprogramme•2,8

Childsoldiers•2,7,10,11 Vulnerability•28 Internallydisplacedpersons•2,12

DraftFrameworkonPost-ConflictReconstructionandDevelopment•2

E

Endstate•5,13

Anemergencyphase•13 ofPCRD•5

F Fast-tracking•13

G

Gapbetweenemergencyanddevelopment•9

Countriesemergingfromconflict•1,4,9,13,16,21,25,28,31,32,33,34,35,36,44 Stabilisationactivities•31

H

HIV/AIDS•15,16,17

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Addressthespecificneedsofwomenandgirls•14 Communicablediseases•16 Preventablediseases•15,17

Humanresourcecapacity•11,18,22,36

Localandnationallevels•18 Securitysector•9,10,11,12,33

HumanRights,JusticeandReconciliation•24

Humansecurity•5 Humanitarian/Emergencyassistance•5,12

I

IDPs•12,13,15 IndicativeElements•5

M

MillenniumDevelopmentGoals•19

N

Nationalandlocalownership•6

Localneedsandaspirations•6

PCRDprinciples•6

Non-discrimination•6,7 Righttoreturn•13,15

P

Partnerships•7

Complementaritywiththerelevantinternationalstructures•8 Diaspora•7,8,18,21,32 Genuinepartnerships•8 Institutionalizedpartnership•39

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Public-private•32 Solidarity•6,32 withnational,regional,continentalandinternational•14

PCRD

Draft•2,3 Framework•1,2,3,43,44 Implementationof•4,34,35,36,37,38 Managing•7 Phasesof•9,13,20,35 Policyframework•1,2,3 Postconflict•29,32,33,36 Principles•6 Support•6,7,9,31,32,34,36,37,38,40 Sustainable•1,4,5,16,37

PCRDPolicy•8

Post-ConflictReconstruction•2,4 Privatesector•23,32

R

Rationale•3 RECs•1,32,35,36,37,38,41,42,44 Refugees•2,10,12,13,15 Rehabilitation•10,12,14,16,17,19,25,32,38 ResourceMobilisation•31 Rootcausesofconflict•3,4,5,7,8,43

S

SALWs•12

WindhoekPosition•12 Security•9

Securitysectorreform•11 Civil-militaryrelations•11 Professionalizationofthesecurityforces•12 Right-sizing•11,12

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Socio-EconomicReconstructionandDevelopment•16

T

Traditionalconflictresolutionmechanisms•5

PaneloftheWise•5,42

Traditionalgenderroles•28

Transformation•3,10,11,20,21,22

U

UNPeace-buildingCommission•36,39

Unconventionalsources•31

ResourceMobilisation•31