Publications

Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Uganda

David — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:00:57 +0000

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. It furthermore highlights the potential of private sector actors to contribute to the design of socio-economic reintegration processes which are linked to realistic livelihood opportunities, and the need for donor interventions to provide long-term, sustainable support to beneficiaries.

This report is part of the case study series, Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments.

978-1-906677-36-7

Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments

David — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:41:36 +0000

Case study series summary

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 Uganda. The aim of the series is to stimulate discussions at the local, national and international level about the role that private sector actors can play in the effective reintegration of ex-combatants, and to strengthen practice by developing recommendations for future socio-economic reintegration programmes.

978-1-906677-33-6

Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Liberia

David — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:48:01 +0000

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. It illustrates the drawbacks associated with limited involvement of the local business community and women’s groups in the design and implementation of the reintegration programme. The study also discusses the importance of community-based initiatives and life-skills coaching, with a view to empowering ex-combatants to not only secure sustainable livelihoods but also contribute to the rebuilding of societies whose social and economic fabric has been disrupted by violent conflict.

This report is part of the case study series, Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments.

978-1-906677-35-0

Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in Nepal

David — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:51:16 +0000

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. The study critically explores the challenges that VMLRs encountered when enrolling in the rehabilitation programme, the vocational training options they were presented with, as well as the inhibiting factors which impacted on their ability to find gainful employment and attain sustainable livelihoods upon graduation. It highlights the tensions between ex-combatants’ immediate versus long-term interests, the need to align training modules with local market realities, and the barriers that misinformation and suspicion within the business community can pose to reintegration processes.

This report is part of the case study series, Enhancing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants in post-conflict environments.

978-1-906677-34-3

Walking in the dark

chandani — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:06:32 +0000

Informal cross-border trade in the Great Lakes 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.

978-1-906677-93-0

Marcher dans l’Obscurité

David — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:17:15 +0000

Le commerce informel transfrontalier dans la région des Grands Lacs

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 fait partie d’un projet d’International Alert qui vise le renforcement de l’environnement des affaires pour les femmes (majoritairement) petites commerçantes et la création d’opportunités de dialogue et rapprochement entre les commerçant(e)s et les autorités des pays concernés. La recherche est utilisée comme instrument pour les femmes commerçantes aux campagnes de sensibilisation à ces quatre frontières.

978-1-906677-94-7

Prospects for the regulation of Trans-Ingur/i economic relations

chandani — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:03:10 +0000

Stakeholder analysis

The report analyses views among business communities, particularly small- and medium size enterprises (SMEs), on the issue of the regulating trans-Ingur/i economic relations, Georgian-Abkhaz conflict transformation and the invigoration of the political process. The report is a continuation of an Abkhaz-Georgian action research process which began in 2009 and evolved more generally from International Alert’s Economy and Conflict work in the South Caucasus. This work seeks to deepen understanding on the economic dimensions of peacebuilding, as well as to engage economic actors in peacebuilding in the South Caucasus. The aim of the report is two-fold: firstly, to provide empirical evidence and analysis of views within the private sector on regulating trans-Ingur/i economic relations and hence stimulating discussion on the issue; secondly, to put forward recommendations on how regulation could be conducted in order to benefit the broader conflict transformation agenda.

978-1-906677-19-0

Prospects for the regulation of Trans-Ingur/i economic relations: Stakeholder analysis (Russian)

David — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:24:38 +0000

Перспективы регулирования транс-ингурских экономических отношений: анализ заинтересованных сторон

Данная публикация представляет собой анализ взглядов деловых кругов, в частности, представителей малого и среднего бизнеса (МСБ), по вопросу урегулирования транс-ингурских экономических отношений, трансформации грузино-абхазского конфликта и стимулирования политического процесса. Данный отчет является продолжением абхазско-грузинского исследовательского процесса, который был начат в 2009 г. и в более общем смысле сформировался в результате работы International Alert по тематике экономики и конфликта на Южном Кавказе. Данная работа направлена на углубленное понимание экономического измерения процесса мирного урегулирования, а также на вовлечение экономических акторов в мирное урегулирование на Южном Кавказе. Цель данного отчета двойная: во-первых, представить эмпирические доказательства и анализ мнений частного сектора по вопросу урегулирования транс-ингурских экономических отношений и тем самым стимулировать дискуссию по данному вопросу; во-вторых, предложить рекомендации по возможному способу регулирования этих отношений в интересах более широкой повестки дня трансформации конфликта.

978-1-906677-22-0

Regulating trans-Ingur/i economic relations

chandani — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:34:25 +0000

Views from two banks

This publication contains a collection of articles produced by Abkhaz and Georgian experts on the subject of the political and economic dividends – or losses – that could be brought about by regulating economic relations across the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict divide. It is an outcome of an action research process that began in 2009 and evolved more generally from International Alert’s Economy and Conflict work in the South Caucasus on engaging economic actors in peacebuilding. The aim of this publication is to stimulate discussion on the potential political and economic impact of transparent and predictable cross-Ingur/i economic relations. While it does not at this point put forward any concrete models or proposals for regulating cross-Ingur/i economic relations, it attempts to lay the groundwork for further specialised research and policy recommendations. (Русский)

978-1-906677-08-4

Regulating trans-Ingur/i economic relations (Russian)

chandani — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:42:06 +0000

Регулирование транс-ингурских экономических отношений

Это издание представляет собой сборник статей, подготовленных абхазскими и грузинскими экспертами на тему возможных политических и экономических дивидендов - и потерь – в ситуации регулирования транс-ингурских экономических отношений. Сборник является результатом исследовательского процесса который начался в 2009 году и основывается на работе Алерт в рамках проекта «Экономика и конфликт» на Южном Кавказе. Цель данной работы – стимулировать дискуссию о возможном политическом и экономическом отражении прозрачных и предсказуемых транс-ингурских экономических отношений. Без продвижения на данном этапе определенных моделей или предложений по регулированию транс-ингурских экономических отношений, эта работа создает базу для дальнейшего специализированного исследования, направленного на практический результат, и продвижение результатов таких исследований на уровне принятия решений. (English)

978-1-906677-08-4

Oil and Gas Laws in Uganda

paul — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:36:16 +0000

A Legislators' Guide

The current phase of oil exploration in Uganda offers a unique opportunity to alleviate poverty and create broad-based development and improved standards of living across the country. A strong and functioning legislative framework for managing the different aspects of the oil resource is essential to ensuring positive outcomes, as are strong and effective government institutions; an environment that requires transparent disclosure of payments and receipts from oil revenues; existence of independent and effective law-enforcement agencies to deal with transgressions; and committed policy implementers. The role of parliamentarians in scrutinising the sector is in turn equally critical.

Oil and Gas Laws in Uganda; A Legislator’s Guide, sets out the main provisions of the proposed framework, and how these differ from existing provisions. The Guide will serve as a helpful tool for legislators, as they take up their task of developing Uganda’s regulatory framework for its nascent oil industry.

978-906677-88-6

Practice note 7: Conflict-sensitive land policy and land governance in Africa

paul — Wed, 11 May 2011 14:45:19 +0000

Peacebuilding essentials for economic development practitioners

This practice note explains the importance of using a conflict-sensitive approach to land policy and land governance in conflict-prone or conflict- affected contexts. It offers guidelines and principles on how economic development planners and practitioners can promote conflict-sensitive land policy reform and implementation. Conflict-sensitivity in this context denotes the consideration by policy-makers and practitioners of the range of issues that may have, or may in future, cause and trigger violence. As issues related to land are at the root of violent conflict in many developing countries, they need to be addressed in a comprehensive way that maximises the productive capacity of people and natural resources while also minimising the risk of violent conflict and instability. Incorporating a conflict-sensitive approach when designing and implementing land policies and land reform is consequently crucial in order to realise increased equity, greater socio-economic development, food security as well as contribute to peace and stability.

978-1-906677-58-9

The Complexity of Resource Governance in a Context of State Fragility: The Case of Eastern DRC

paul — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:04:21 +0000

A host of publications over the last decade have highlighted the important role played by artisanal and small-scale mining of coltan, gold and cassiterite in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), yet there is still little awareness of the modus operandi of the various actors involved in the exploitation and trade of these minerals. It is vitally important that initiatives aimed at reforming the artisanal mining industry are based on a thorough knowledge of the political, economic and social dynamics at the grassroots level. This research report analyzes the trading networks within the mining sector and their links to military, economic and political actors in eastern DRC, focusing on the provinces of North and South Kivu, and Ituri District in Orientale Province.

978-1-906677-73-2

La complexité de la Gestion des Ressources dans un Contexte de Fragilité de l’État

chandani — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:28:25 +0000

Le Cas de l’Est de la RDC

Bien que de nombreuses études publiées au cours de la décennie qui vient de s’écouler aient souligné le rôle central joué par l’exploitation minière artisanale et à petite échelle du coltan, de l’or et de la cassitérite dans les conflits qui continuent de secouer la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC), le mode opératoire des différents acteurs participant à l’exploitation et au commerce de ces minerais reste mal connu. Il est crucial que des initiatives visant à réformer l’industrie de l’exploitation minière artisanale se basent sur une analyse approfondie des dynamiques politiques, économiques et sociales sur le terrain. Ce rapport de recherche analyse les réseaux commerciaux au sein du secteur minier et leurs liens avec les acteurs militaires, économiques et politiques de l’est de la RDC, en se focalisant sur les provinces du Nord et du Sud-Kivu, du district de l'Ituri et de la Province Orientale.

978-1-906677-74-9

Terre, Pouvoir et Identité

paul — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:33:22 +0000

Les Causes Profondes des Violents Conflits dans l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo

This study identifies disputed control over land as a root cause of conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report focuses on conflicts between customary and state-run land tenure systems, as well as claims by some communities to “indigenous” status which are used to relegate others to “migrant” or “foreigner” status. Waves of population displacement have created overlapping claims to land, and an ongoing process of refugee return is currently increasing tensions over these claims in parts of Eastern DRC. The report examines efforts to manage this return process and offers recommendations for action by local and international actors.

978-1-906677-81-7

Land, Power and Identity

paul — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:22:14 +0000

Roots of violent conflict in Eastern DRC

978-1-906677-80-0

The Complexity of Resource Governance in a Context of State Fragility

paul — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:19:37 +0000

An Analysis of the Mining Sector in the Kivu Hinterlands

Informal mining and illicit trading of minerals has long been associated with violent conflicts in the Kivu provinces of eastern Congo. Coltan from the Kivus became particularly well known around the world at the turn of the century because of its use in the manufacture of mobile phones. Gold, which has soared in value as a result of the global financial crisis, also comes in significant quantities from these provinces and the adjacent district of Ituri. The sites in the Kivus and Ituri are now well known and have been mapped. Much less is known about mining sites in the adjacent provinces. This report, based on several months of field research carried out for International Alert by the International Peace Information Service (IPIS) and local partners, identifies mining sites in northern Katanga, in the province of Maniema, and in the district of Bafwasende. The report traces the main means of transport and the export routes that operate mainly though the commercial centres of Bukavu, Goma and Butembo. This information is an important addition to international knowledge about significant quantities of minerals that, although they are traded through known centres actually originate much further afield.

978-1-906677-71-8

La Complexité de la Gestion des Ressources dans un Contexte de Fragilité de l’État

paul — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:28:50 +0000

Une Analyse du Secteur Minier dans l’Arrière-pays du Kivu

Cela fait longtemps que l’extraction informelle et le commerce illicite des minéraux sont associés aux conflits violents qui secouent les provinces du Nord et du Sud-Kivu dans le Congo oriental. Le coltan extrait de ces provinces a gagné en proéminence à la fin des années 90, quand il a commencé à être utilisé dans la fabrication des téléphones portables. Ces provinces et le district adjacent de l’Ituri sont également riches en or, dont la valeur a explosé suite à la crise financière mondiale. La situation géographique des sites du Nord et du Sud-Kivu et de l’Ituri est maintenant bien connue, mais les données sur les sites miniers des provinces adjacentes sont beaucoup moins complètes. Ce rapport, qui se fonde sur plusieurs mois de recherches sur le terrain réalisées par l’International Peace Information Service (IPIS) et des partenaires sur le terrain pour International Alert, identifie les sites miniers dans le nord du Katanga, dans la province de Maniema et dans le district de Bafwasende. Il décrit les principaux modes de transport et les voies d’exportation passant principalement par les plates-formes commerciales de Bukavu, Goma et Butembo. Ces informations représentent une importante contribution aux connaissances internationales sur des quantités significatives de minéraux qui, bien qu’échangés dans des centres bien connus, proviennent de régions beaucoup plus éloignées.

978-1-906677-72-5

Private Sector Development in Conflict-Affected Environments

paul — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:21:05 +0000

Key Resources for Practitioners

The aim of this publication is to help PSD practitioners to make better and timelier interventions in conflict affected environments (CAEs). Moreover, its aim is to ensure that PSD programming maximises the positive effect it can have on all aspects of conflict management and peace-building: on economic development; on governance; on building security, stability and trust, and on developing infrastructure.