2009年-世界发展银行全球_Parliaments_as_Peacebuilders_1页_86kb

Parliaments as Peacebuilders Summary

Core Content

The document explores the role of parliaments in peacebuilding, particularly in fragile states that are either experiencing or recovering from conflict. It argues that parliaments are essential in promoting peaceful conflict resolution and democratic governance, and that their neglect in peace processes is a critical oversight.

Main Views

• Democracy and Peace: Democracy is central to conflict management, as it provides non-violent mechanisms for resolving disputes. The democratic peace thesis suggests that democracies rarely engage in war with each other and are more likely to resolve internal conflicts peacefully.

• Fragile States and Conflict: Fragile states often lack effective civil mechanisms for dialogue and are unable to manage citizen grievances, leading to the use of force. In these contexts, parliaments serve as a crucial platform for negotiation and conflict resolution.

• Role of Parliaments in Peacebuilding: Parliaments can substitute physical violence with dialogue and the rule of force with the rule of law. They are vital in conflict prevention, resolution, and management, especially in post-conflict settings.

• Challenges in Fragile States: Despite their importance, parliaments in fragile states are often weak, under-resourced, and lack basic infrastructure. They are also frequently dominated by the executive branch, which may use "peacebuilding" as a pretext for authoritarian control.

• Peacebuilding Imperative: Supporting parliaments is essential for peacebuilding. A strong and effective parliament can ensure civilian control over the security sector, facilitate healing and reconciliation, and promote inclusive democratic participation.

Key Information

• Countries Highlighted: The document references several fragile states where the Parliamentary Centre (PC) is working, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Cambodia, and Sudan. These countries are in difficult transitions to democracy, and their parliaments are playing a significant role in peacebuilding.

• Donor Neglect: Donors often overlook the importance of parliamentary development in fragile states, citing insecurity and lack of democratic structures as barriers. However, the document argues that in such contexts, everything must be rebuilt from scratch, and parliamentary support is crucial for long-term stability.

• Civilian Control: The document emphasizes that a strong parliament is necessary to ensure the security sector is under civilian control, which is a key component of sustainable peace.

• Inclusive Governance: A properly constituted and representative parliament gives all citizens a stake in the democratic process, contributing to the consolidation of peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the document asserts that democracy, through the institution of parliament, is the best means of achieving stability in fragile states. It highlights the need for parliaments to be supported and strengthened, as they are the primary avenue for peaceful conflict resolution and democratic consolidation. The author calls for a shift in focus from merely addressing security threats to promoting political change that allows for open, peaceful, and constitutional means of resolving grievances.