New publication on engaging the EU in International Peace Mediation released (8.6.2009)

This synthesis paper aims to crystallise the key points of the EU’s challenges in international peace mediation. These are based on the research and findings that have emerged in the Initiative for Peacebuilding (IfP) Mediation Cluster.

The practice of international peace mediation has been used to good effect in different conflict contexts. However, little systematic learning has been drawn from these experiences to date, and EU approaches and involvement in peace mediation appear ad hoc. In particular, the paper:

Presents different categories of mediation in order to reflect on the range of approaches applied to highlight the need of distinguishing appropriate approaches, and to maximise complementarities between formal and informal processes, and between mediation and dialogue;
Summarises key lessons that surfaced in the research and activities of the Mediation Cluster of IfP in the last fifteen months;
Proposes to apply an evaluation framework for engagement in international peace mediation as a way to further professionalise and improve the practice of international peace mediation; and
Recommends actions in six key areas; pointing also to present gaps in knowledge or institutional set-up that might prevent action.

Key recommendations to the EU:
These are further elaborated in the final section of the report.

Operationalise a “multi-track” approach.
Advocate for the inclusion of international human rights principles and transitional justice approaches into peace agreements.
Improve EU practice by strengthening evaluation capacity.
Conduct mediation research to improve mediation practice.
Strengthen the role of international peace mediation as an instrument in EU Common Foreign and Security Strategy (CFSP) and European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
Strengthen EU mediation capacity through professionalisation.

Download the report here:
International Peace Mediation

Link:
Initiative for Peacebuilding