Economy and Peacebuilding
Out of the shadows
International Alert recently launched a new book called Out of the shadows: Violent conflict and the real economy of Mindanao.
The book presents the results of research into the linkages between violent conflict and the informal or ‘shadow’ economy in Mindanao, the conflict-affected region in the southern Philippines.
Business after conflict
Last year, staff from our economy and peacebuilding and international institutions teams attended the conference ‘Business after conflict: Investing in the new Africa’ in Nairobi, Kenya.
Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Uganda
The case of northern Uganda illustrates the difficulties of socio-economic reintegration faced not only by ex-combatants, but also by IDPs and war-affected youth in the post-conflict environment. It discusses the marginalisation of former abductees in particular, with a focus on the specific challenges that the reintegration process posed for girls and women. The study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach, and of extending support to receiving communities so as to facilitate the return of former combatants and war-affected youth more generally.
The case study illustrates the difficulties of socio-economic reintegration faced by ex-combatants, young people and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the post-conflict environment of northern Uganda, and highlights the potential role of private sector actors in the process.
Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Nepal
This case study discusses rehabilitation efforts in Nepal following the Comprehensive Peace Accord of 2006 and geared towards those ex-combatants who were either verified minors or late recruits (VMLRs). It examines the outcomes of the process and highlights the role that private sector actors can play in the socio-economic reintegration of ex-combatants.
This case study discusses the challenges of socio-economic rehabilitation of ex-combatants in Nepal, focusing on the role of the private sector.
Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Liberia
Oversubscription, financial constraints, unrealistic timelines and a format transposed from other countries with insufficient consideration for the local context were some of the pitfalls of the disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration process in Liberia. This case study critically explores the effectiveness of the component geared towards providing ex-combatants with long-term livelihood opportunities and psycho-social support.
This case study looks at the rehabilitation of ex-combatants in Liberia, examining the effectivеness of providing livelihood opportunities and psycho-social support.
Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments
This report summarises the findings of a series of case studies which explore the socio-economic aspects of reintegration programmes for ex-combatants in a number of conflict-affected countries where International Alert works: Nepal, Liberia and
This report summarises the findings of a series of case studies which explore the socio-economic aspects of reintegration programmes for ex-combatants in Nepal, Liberia and Uganda.
Conflict-sensitive business practices in Africa
Zones affected by or prone to conflict pose major challenges to companies. If they make the wrong decisions, they risk disruption to their operations, expropriation of assets, currency restrictions, damage to their reputation and potential legal liabilities.
This article was first published in the Financial Times' This is Africa and is available at www.thisisafricaonline.com/Comment/Conflict-sensitive-business-practices-in-Africa.
Business as an agent for peace
International Alert recently held a discussion in Karachi with members of the local business community on how business can contribute to building peace in Pakistan.
Marcher dans l’Obscurité
Ce rapport de recherche analyse les dynamiques du petit commerce transfrontalier au niveau des 3 frontières à l’Est de la RDC et entre le Burundi et le Rwanda, et propose des actions pour l’amélioration de ce commerce afin de faire avancer le pouvoir économique des femmes et, par là même, contribuer à la paix et à la sécurité dans la région.
Ce rapport de recherche analyse les dynamiques du petit commerce transfrontalier au niveau des 3 frontières à l’Est de la RDC et entre le Burundi et le Rwanda, et propose des actions pour l’amélioration de ce commerce afin de faire avancer le pouvoir économique des femmes et, par là même, contribuer à la paix et à la sécurité dans la région.
Walking in the dark
This report analyses the dynamics of small cross-border trade in eastern DRC, and between Burundi and Rwanda, and ways to improve such trade in order to advance the economic power of women, contributing to peace and security in the region.
This research report analyses the dynamics of small cross-border trade at three border points in eastern DRC, and between Burundi and Rwanda, and proposes actions to improve this trade in order to advance the economic power of women and, in so doing, contribute to peace and security in the region. The report is part of an International Alert project aiming to strengthen the business environment of (mostly) female small traders and create opportunities for dialogue and rapprochement between traders and the authorities of the countries concerned. The research is used as an instrument for female traders in campaigns to raise awareness at the four border locations concerned.
Peace through profit
International Alert recently took part in a public seminar in Islamabad, Pakistan on peacebuilding through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The seminar looked at whether businesses are seen by the public as agents of peace or drivers of conflict in Pakistan, and built on our worldwide experiences of engaging with the private sector on peacebuilding.
Heritage Oil arbitration case in London deprives Ugandan citizens of right to information
International Alert started working with local organisations in Uganda’s oil regions in 2008, to promote greater awareness and understanding about the oil sector.
Improved information flow between local communities, the government and oil companies is crucial in promoting transparency in the sector, minimising the harmful potential for escalating rumours and fears.
In support of its wider objective to harness the potential of oil to contribute to peace and development in Uganda, Alert has therefore jointly signed the following statement:
An Investment Tab launched to support regional entrepreneurs
International Alert Sri Lanka, along with our partners the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Youth Business Sri Lanka (YBSL) launched the “Investment Tab” of the Regional Enterprise Development Initiative (REDI) on 10th July 2012. It is a web-based portal to encourage and enable regional entrepreneurs who want to start their own business, but do not have sufficient funding or access to markets and investors to do so. It is also meant for potential investors and partners, including from the Sri Lankan diaspora, to access information about local market opportunities.
South Caucasian beekeepers’ visit to Kars, Turkey
From 19th to 22nd of July 2012, International Alert and Caucasus Business and Development Network (CBDN) organised a cross-learning trip of South Caucasian beekeepers to Kars, Turkey. The trip was part of CBDN’s ongoing work in this sector, which aims to promote and strengthen regional cooperation among beekeepers in the South Caucasus.
Business for peace
From Alert's 2011 Annual Report
Photo credit: © International Alert/Jonathan Banks
Contact Us
International Alert, 346 Clapham Road
LONDON, SW9 9AP, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 20 7627 6800
Fax +44 (0) 20 7627 6900
