Peace-building

UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery

The CRU supports the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) through funding and engaging in policy discussions. The BCPR provides a bridge between humanitarian agencies that handle immediate needs arising from conflict situations and the longer-term development phase. As such, it plays a vital peacebuilding role in those countries emerging from sustained periods of conflict. Operating through some 100 country offices, the BCPR has three goals: (a) enhancing conflict prevention and disaster risk management capabilities; (b) ensuring improved governance functions post crisis; and (c) restoring foundations for local development.

International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT)

The CRU is a founding member of ISSAT, and provides both policy advice and funding to the organisation. ISSAT was established within the Geneva-based organisation DCAF (Democratic Control of Armed Forces), to respond quickly to security sector needs in developing countries emerging from conflict. ISSAT assists in the peacebuilding process through security sector reviews, guidance on security sector support and development, and training and capacity development.

Timor-Leste

As the first country that the CRU has engaged in directly, Timor-Leste is a focal point for much of Ireland’s peacebuilding activities.

Our engagement in Timor-Leste is headed by Ireland’s Special Envoy to Timor-Leste and on UNSC Resolution 1325, Dame Nuala O’Loan, who served as the former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and is Ireland’s first Roving Ambassador for Conflict Resolution. The Special Envoy advises the Irish Government on the provision of appropriate assistance to the government and people of Timor-Leste. The Special Envoy has been involved in discussions with the President, Prime Minister and other senior political figures of Timor-Leste regarding security sector reform, and has also met with representatives of the UN, other bilateral donors and civil society organisations.

The CRU also supports a range of other peacebuilding initiatives in Timor-Leste. These include:

Early Warning and Response (EWER) The Early Warning and Response system is managed by BELUN, a local Timorese NGO. It aims to identify potential sources of conflict and develop early responses, by providing regular updates and analysis on conflict trends across the country, and mapping potential threats and peace initiatives undertaken. At the national level, it addresses a need to increase awareness of conflict and to support the development and implementation of policies that can address challenges as they arise, thereby averting or mitigating violence. At the civil society level, it will increase awareness among civil society actors of their role in resolving or contributing to conflict, so that they can better contribute to reducing tensions in the country. BELUN will also support the Secretary of State for Security in bringing together civil society and government actors with a view to ensuring action on issues identified through the EWER programme.

Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation. The CRU also supports a Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation programme, which is managed by Trocaire and implemented by three local Timorese organisations – the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), Max Stahl Video Archives and the Peace Centre in the National University of Timor-Leste.

• The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation, set up in 2001, was mandated to undertake truth seeking for the period between 1974 and 1999, facilitate community reconciliation for less serious crimes, report on its work and findings, and make recommendations. Its 2,800 page report entitled 'Chega!' was presented to the President, Parliament and Government of Timor-Leste in October 2005. The Post-CAVR Secretariat, which the CRU supports, is responsible for disseminating the Chega! Report and other products, completing the CAVR’s publishing programme, and caring for the public Remembrance Exhibition currently housed in Balide Prison, Dili.
• The Max Stahl Video Archives use film as a medium to reach young people in conflict affected communities.
• The Peace Centre is focused on developing strong and capable community leaders through research, collective learning, solidarity, and volunteerism.

 Security Sector Reform. The CRU is committed to supporting the development of a well-functioning and accountable security sector in Timor-Leste, and has provided funding and advice (through Special Envoy O’ Loan) to the UN-led security sector reform process there.