Decision on the AU Policy Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development

DECISION ON THE AU POLICY FRAMEWORK ON POST-CONFLICT
RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
DOC. EX.CL/274 (IX)

The Executive Council:

1. RECALLS its decision EX.CL/Dec.228(VII) adopted at its 7^th ordinary session held in Sirte, Libya, from 28 June to 2 July 2006, urging the Commission to develop an AU Policy Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), based on the relevant provisions of the Protocol Establishing the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union and the experience gained so far in the continent;

2. NOTES the initiatives taken by the PSC and the Commission to develop such a Policy, including the 4^th Brainstorming Retreat of the members of the PSC and other Permanent Representatives of Member States held in Durban, South Africa, from 4 to 5 September 2005, the technical experts meeting on PCRD held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 7 to 8 February 2006, and the AU/Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) meeting, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 5 to 7 April 2006, as well as the validation meeting within the Commission, on 31 May 2006;

3. ENDORSES the Policy Framework on PCRD as reviewed by the meeting of Governmental Experts convened in Addis Ababa, from 8 to 9 June 2006, to review the document prior to its presentation to the 9^th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Banjul, The Gambia, in July 2006, as a guideline for effective and comprehensive action to consolidate peace and promote sustainable development;

4. STRESSES that the objective of this Policy Framework is to improve timeliness, effectiveness and coordination of activities in post-conflict countries and to lay the foundation for social justice and sustainable peace, in line with Africa’s vision of renaissance and growth. The policy is, therefore, conceived as a tool to: a) consolidate peace and prevent relapse of violence; b) help address the root causes of conflict; c) encourage fast-track planning and implementation of reconstruction activities; and d) enhance complementarities and coordination between and among diverse actors engaged in PCRD processes;

5. REQUESTS the Commission, in collaboration with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), relevant United Nations (UN) and other institutions and African Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to take all the necessary steps for the effective implementation of the PCRD Policy Framework, including the development of operational guidelines for the adaptation of the Policy Framework at regional and national levels, the development of a database of African experts on PCRD, to be placed at the disposal of countries emerging from conflict, the mobilization of the resources required and the enhancement of African capacity, including the use of AU Volunteers (AUVs) and the strengthening of the capacity of relevant African NGOs to address post-conflict issues.

6. DECIDES that an African Union standing multidimensional Committee be established to provide political support and mobilize all the necessary and available resources for the implementation of the Policy Framework.

7. FURTHER DECIDES that this Standing Committee shall interface with the United Nations Peace Building Commission and shall be supported by the relevant units within the Commission through its Peace and Security Department.