Community Security

With its partners in civil society, governments and international organisations, International Alert played an important role in At the heart of the issue is the rebuilding of relationships and social structures and this has to be a step by step process, starting from the bottom up. Amongst all the complicated policy and programme development the real goal of the initiatives, improving the security situation for the population at large, is often lost.

If individuals and communities don’t see an improvement in their day to day security then they are unlikely to back any national level initiatives. Furthermore without adequate structures and mechanisms in place small scale disputes and conflicts may turn violent and escalate. Amidst the national level programming that takes place there is a need to gain an understanding of the real security challenges and fears faced at the local level and, with the input and participation of those affected, develop programming targeted to address these concerns.

We work to ensure that community needs and concerns are heard at the national level and are taken into account in programme planning and implementation. Furthermore we seek to facilitate understanding of these national processes at the local level so that people have an understanding of the decisions and activities that affect them and do not have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved.