How is the Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP) facilitating cross-departmental coordination to realise a more strategic and cost-effective UK approach to conflict prevention and reduction? This report from the Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) examines the initial two years of GCPP’s work. It highlights programmes supported through geographical, thematic and international strategies.
Each strategy must ensure the integration of defence, development, foreign policy and economic perspectives within its activities. Working together has increased the impact of the partner departments’ programmes. More detailed and consistent policy analysis and an integrated approach to programme development and implementation strengthen the UK’s contribution to international conflict prevention. GCPP activities include: conflict assessments; supporting peace initiatives; promoting safety and security; supporting fair and accessible justice systems; professionalising security services; demobilising, disarming and reintegrating soldiers (DDR); building capacity of civil society organisations; research and evaluation to adapt GCPP activities in response to changing circumstances.
GCPP operates ten geographical strategies, in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Central America. Highlights of its work supporting governments, security sector organisations, NGOs and multi-lateral organisations include:
- In Afghanistan, GCPP funding has supported the training and development of the army and police, along with the purchase of equipment and salary provision. Capacity-building of the Counter-Narcotics Directorate, funding and training a National Security Advisor and strengthening an independent media also form part of the strategy.
- The Balkans strategy is based on providing support in areas including democracy, inter-ethnic relations, organised crime, security sector reform and justice sector reform. Activities include strengthening capacity at ministerial level, supporting electoral monitoring and education, and the reintegration of former soldiers into civil society.
- In Indonesia, GCPP work with the police and military promotes reform and civilian oversight, and provides human rights training. Defence and legal advisors have been provided to assist with a strategic defence review in Indonesia, and the drafting of legislation in East Timor.
- The Nepal strategy has funded NGOs working in cross-party mediation, communication and conflict prevention. Developmental activities, such as road and bridge building in conflict-affected areas, and support of human rights initiatives to address the causes of conflict are included in GCPP’s work.
GCPP also operates a number of thematic and international strategies:
- The security sector reform (SSR) strategy focuses on analysis and policy development, technical assistance and capacity building. Facilitating the transfer of expertise and learning to countries undertaking reforms, providing cross-departmental analysis on security sector issues and building a holistic global network to exchange information are central to the strategy.
- Raising awareness, working with the UN and supporting NGOs addressing issues relating to the proliferation of small arms, forms the basis of the small arms and light weapons (SALW) strategy. GCPP is set to work long-term with both regional and national organisations to develop plans of action.
- GCPP works with the EU, OSCE, CoE and UN to strengthen responses at international level. Strategies employed include influencing policy, encouraging cooperation and experience sharing, and supporting conflict prevention capacity and effectiveness through the provision of funding and human resources.
