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Strengthening Global Security through Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict

Author: Oxfam, International Alert and Saferworld
Date: 2002
Size: 24 pages (59 KB)

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Summary

Set against the ever changing backdrop of EU presidencies and global conflict situations, the aim of this document is to highlight practical steps the EU could take to put commitments on conflict prevention into practice during the forthcoming Spanish and Danish Presidencies. It has a particular focus on relations with Africa, Caribbean, Pacific and Mediterranean countries.

Whilst the report acknowledges that much has been achieved under the Swedish and Belgian presidencies in terms of developing a policy framework of the EU in this area, it also highlights the fact that these must be sustained and translated into practical action. This need is further highlighted by the events of September 11th and the emergence of international terrorism as a serious global security threat.

Conflict prevention is now firmly on the EU’s political agenda with the publication of its Communication on Conflict Prevention, April 2001, which has brought a timely elevation of conflict prevention to the head of states level. Additionally, the newly agreed Cotonou Agreement highlights the importance of prioritising conflict prevention within development assistance and political dialogue between EU and ACP countries.

The new framework for Country Support Strategies has the potential to build more effective programmes in conflict-affected or prone environments and instruments are being developed for civilian crisis management in the areas of police, rule of law, civilian administration and civil protection.

Following on from this, 6 key areas vital to maintain the impetus on conflict prevention are established in the report:

  • Targeting development aid to prevent and address violent conflict
  • Strengthening civilian crisis management
  • Controlling small arms and light weapons
  • Combating international terrorism and organised crime
  • Working with the private sector to prevent violent armed conflict
  • Reforming EU institutions to enhance their capacity for conflict prevention

The EU has concentrated on reacting to conflict in strategic, visible locations at the expense of the poorest countries where most violent conflict takes place. Additionally, since September 11th, the focus has shifted to Afghanistan. However, it is important that attention is maintained to address latent tensions and violent conflict in other parts of the world.

A key lesson must be that crisis management is not enough. More resources and political will are needed for longer-term conflict prevention and the main thrust of the Spanish and Danish Presidencies must be on implementation, based on the fact that:

  • Many of the commitments in the Programme of Action and Commission communication are still not fully implemented
  • Conflict prevention has not been mainstreamed into EU development policy, despite the establishment of a ‘coherence focal point’ and the Inter Service Quality Group
  • Many measures in the Cotonou Agreement still need to be put into effect
  • There has been no discernible shift in resources available for conflict prevention

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Source: Intermon Oxfam, International Alert, and Saferworld 2002, 'Strengthening Global Security through Addressing the Root Causes of Conflict: Priorities for the Spanish and Danish EU Presidencies 2002', Working Paper, Saferworld, London.
Author: Saferworld, http://www.saferworld.co.uk
Organisation: Saferworld, http://www.saferworld.co.uk

 
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