Peacemaking

UN Mediation Support Unit

The CRU supports the Mediation Support Unit of the UN Department of Political Affairs. The Mediation Support Unit (MSU) serves as a central repository for peacemaking experience and a clearing house for lessons learned and best practices. The Unit also coordinates training for mediators and provides them with advice on UN standards and operating procedures.

A portion of CRU’s 2008 funding was earmarked for increasing the participation of women in peace-making processes, in line with our commitment to the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325, Women, Peace and Security.

National Dialogue in Timor-Leste

The CRU is supporting the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Timor-Leste, which is convening a national dialogue process between Timorese political leaders.  Representatives of the Office of the President and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 19 November 2008, which establishes the terms under which the CHD will provide assistance.

President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao have noted that the process is aimed at building and achieving consensus on issues of national importance, and ultimately contribute to the peace and prosperity of Timor-Leste. More details are available here: http://www.hdcentre.org/projects/timor-leste

Juba Peace Process, Uganda

The CRU has provided funding to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to manage the final stage of the Juba Peace Talks.

The Juba peace talks involved negotiations between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Juba, Southern Sudan, aimed at ending one of Africa’s longest running and most brutal conflicts. Significant progress was made in the talks, particularly on the cessation of hostilities on LRA assembly areas, and agreements on ‘Comprehensive Solutions to the Conflict’ and ‘Accountability and Reconciliation’.