Afghanistan since the Bonn Agreement: A discussion paper

This paper highlights the main tasks and opportunities presented by the ‘Bonn Agreement’ recovery process as they relate specifically to the overarching aim of peacebuilding.The overall goal of the Bonn Agreement being sustainable peace, this paper deals only with issues of relief and reconstruction, which have a direct bearing on creating the conditions for peace.

This paper is based on research and consultations with agencies, including a discussion forum held on April 17th, 2002 in London with the participation of a number of UK-based NGOs operating in Afghanistan.

The Development and Peacebuilding programme at International Alert examines the relationship between violent conflict and the agents and processes of development. Its aim is to provide development and humanitarian actors with knowledge-based, gender-sensitive policy prescriptions, best practice and tools. Drawing on action research methodologies, International Alert aims to increase understanding in this area, as well as producing resources to aid in the formulation of pro-active responses. In our work we engage with, and help to build the capacity of partner NGOs, governments, bilateral agencies and intergovernmental organisations.