Content
Peace
Peacebuilding: Reconciliation and Reconstruction
To secure a lasting peace, it is not enough to end overt violence. If the underlying causes of the conflict are not removed, violence can flare up again at any time. Reconstruction must therefore start in people's minds. Germany supports the restoration of devastated infrastructure and the development of state structures. The aim is to build the state’s capacities to resume its proper functions vis-à-vis its citizens.
It is rarely appropriate when doing so to re-establish the old structures unchanged. In most cases, a new start is essential, for the old institutions and infrastructure often reflect the inequitable distribution of resources and power which must be overcome. Germany therefore also works within the political framework, e.g. by advising governments on long-term reforms of the state and the justice system.
At the same time, the BMZ supports the work of truth and human rights commissions, judicial processes to deal with war crimes, reconciliation projects, and programmes which provide psychological support and counselling for victims of war or facilitate the reintegration of ex-combatants. A particular challenge is the reintegration into society of female ex-combatants and women and children who have been forcibly recruited into the armed forces or militia. The participation of all conflict parties is crucial here, in order to create stable peace constituencies.
