Post-Conflict Reconstruction Task Framework Report

May 1, 2002

Countries emerge from conflict under differing and unique conditions. Therefore, the priority, precedence, timing, appropriateness, and execution of tasks will vary from case to case. The attached framework presents the range of tasks often encountered when rebuilding a country in the wake of violent conflict. It is designed to help indigenous and international practitioners conceptualize, organize, and prioritize policy responses. By laying out the universe of options, the framework is intended to help identify shortfalls and gaps in reconstruction process and capabilities. It is also geared to assist planning and coordination efforts. The framework is not a political-military plan; nor is it a checklist of mandatory activities for all cases or a strategy for success. Rather, it provides a starting point for considering what needs to be done in most cases. It does not suggest how it should be done, or who should do it.

The specific answers to what, how, and who will be different in every case. In some cases they will be largely determined by a peace agreement, while in others they will be worked out by multiple actors on the ground. In some cases there will be significant human, financial and institutional capacity in the society in question to draw upon, while in others there may be minimal capacity. In some cases there will be great international interest, while in others little or none. Because of differing histories, baselines and interested parties, each case must be addressed on its own merits. In all cases, however, it is important to create a strategic planning process that establishes priorities and an appropriate division of labor among the many local and international actors involved. In general, indigenous actors should have the primary responsibility and should play central roles throughout the reconstruction process, since it is indeed their own future that hangs in the balance. To the extent that international actors are required to fill key gaps during certain stages of the process, building capacity among indigenous actors and institutions then facilitating hand-offs to them are crucial to long-term success.