INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the July 2015 special edition of the SOLLIMS Sampler. In this
edition, we cover Cross-Cutting Guidelines for Stability Operations, derived
from the Guiding Principles for Stabilization and Reconstruction. Seven crosscutting principles “apply to every actor across every end state.” These principles
are outcome-focused; they serve as overarching themes that should guide all
actions/efforts toward desired stability outcomes. The seven principles are:
Host Nation Ownership and Capacity. The key elements of this
principle consist of: understanding the local context, fostering ownership,
promoting inclusivity, capacity-building, balancing formal and informal
systems, careful use of early resources, attention to the role of women,
and effective transitions from international to host nation actors.
Political Primacy. Under the basic premise that everything is political,
this principle requires: using a “conflict lens,” fostering and sustaining a
political process, inclusivity of warring parties and marginalized groups,
and effective strategic communications.
Legitimacy. The derivation of this principle is as follows: establishing a
bargain between citizens and the government, articulating a clear mandate
and authorities, matching resources to goals and delivering a timely peace
dividend, adept leadership, accountability and transparency, management
of expectations and communication, building constituencies for peace, and
ensuring international community engagement.
Unity of Effort. The main elements of this principle involve getting all
actors to work together through: a shared understanding of the situation, a
shared strategic goal, integration, cooperation and coherence, civil-military
cooperation, and recognition of humanitarian space.
Security. This principle – an imperative for other efforts moving forward –
rests heavily on the following factors: information, management of
“spoilers,” reform of the security sector, and protection of human rights.
Conflict Transformation. This principle focuses on the following complex
issues: understanding drivers and mitigators of conflict, reducing drivers of
conflict and strengthening mitigators, and building host nation capacity to
manage the drivers of conflict through nonviolent means and to support
long-term development.
Regional Engagement. This principle is based on: comprehensive
regional diplomacy, a shared regional vision, and cooperation with
neighboring countries and regional structures.
This Sampler of lessons is meant to be used by actors across the range of
peace and stability operations – whether contributing to a peacekeeping mission,
partnering with other nations on stability operations, or engaging in peacebuilding
efforts. Along with the various lessons – which are categorized under the seven
principles – this Sampler’s Conclusion offers final thoughts & recommendations,
and its Related Documents, References, and Links provides the reader with
additional reference material.
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