Background:
Beginning in September 2007, the World Federalist Movement Institute for Global Policy (WFM-IGP) embarked on a new initiative: to build a global civil society network for the Responsibility to Protect. The initiative, supported by Human Rights Watch, International Crisis Group, Oxfam International and Refugees International, aimed to establish a global network with representation from both Northern and Southern NGOs. The R2PCS Project organized a series of consultative roundtables with NGOs worldwide, to 1) increase understanding of R2P and how it applies to conflicts in the region, 2) explore how to strengthen regional and international mechanisms to support R2P, and 3) forge partnerships with NGOs who are interested in joining in a core group in building an NGO network.
Perspectives from East Africa and the Horn, April 17-18: Kampala, Uganda
Global Consultative Roundtable on R2P: Perspectives from East Africa
The organization of the Uganda roundtable was made possible through a partnership with International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI).
The first day started with an overview of the R2P principle and how to increase understanding and use of the emerging norm in the Great Lakes and the Horn. Discussions highlighted which institutions in Africa and the sub-region have existing protocols/pacts/mandates for the protection of populations from large scale loss of life and other massive human rights abuses. The African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference of the Great Lakes, and the Inter-Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD) were mentioned as potential targets for further normative R2P endorsement. A discussion followed on specific conflicts in the region, including Kenya, Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi, and the potential challenges in applying and implementing the Responsibility to Protect. Throughout the day, participants emphasized the role of civil society in promoting the norm, and specifically their role in educating regional organization officials, government officials, parliamentarians, and civil society.
The second day was oriented at strengthening civil society activity and collaboration on R2P. An introduction to a draft R2P toolkit was presented, in addition to the experience of civil society lobbying the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights to pass a resolution on R2P. These presentations led to a constructive discussion on specific ways in which civil society can advance R2P in the region. Two important distinctions were made:
- There needs to be both a regional strategy for civil society (targeting regional organizations/mechanisms/institutions) and a national strategy (targeting governments, foreign/defense/judicial ministries, parliamentarians).
- While there is a need to develop state-centric strategies (which target regional mechanisms, governments, foreign/defense/judicial ministries, parliamentarians), there is also a need to develop civil-society centric strategies. This includes advocacy of R2P with the general public, academia, schools, media, faith groups and community leaders.
Finally, the proposal for building an international civil society network on R2P was discussed, in addition to lessons learned from both the Coalition for the International Criminal Court and the Darfur Consortium. The discussion highlighted the need and support for an international network and outlined possible activities, principles and structure.
Outcomes and Next Steps:
Report and Agenda:
|
