Peace and democracy As the sovereign power of national governments has diminished, so too has the vision of more democratic societies with responsible governments acting on behalf of all citizens. The abdication by governments of their responsibilities is leading to alienation, exclusion and social disintegration, making development and social renewal extremely difficult. The crisis in governance is especially a crisis for citizens, who have lost the right to govern themselves as well as the right to be governed. A key focus of Inter Pares' work is the restoration and development of accountable and responsible government at the local, regional and national levels. Around the world, citizens' groups are promoting broad participation in the process of democratization and the development of a new contract between citizens and government. These efforts aim to re-establish the power and accountability of governments to set national social and economic policies that protect and promote the interests of all citizens.
Since so many places where Inter Pares is active have been torn by war and civil violence, building democratic societies in this sense is often predicated on a transition from sustained conflict to a sustainable and permanent peace built on processes of reconciliation and self-determination. In many parts of the world, citizens’ groups are attempting to construct durable peace after years of civil conflict and war. Inter Pares and our counterparts are promoting the conditions necessary for peace – justice, tolerance, participation, equality – as well as reconciliation. Inter Pares’ experience is that international actors can help create the space for social processes in post-conflict situations when our interventions are based in established relationships of trust and collaboration, and we commit ourselves to support, over the long term, efforts aimed at reconciliation and reconstruction.
The development of accountable local government is an important part of this strategy. Inter Pares and our counterparts in many regions are developing local civic associations that create possibilities for local development that respond to people’s needs and promote broad participation. We promote integration among these processes, reinforced by regional, national and international linkages. Local power has enormous potential, not only in ensuring participation and self-governance at the local level, but also in laying the foundation for democratization.
Links to recent Inter Pares Bulletin articles related to this theme
The Hope that Unites Us; Vol. 31, No. 2, June 2009
Bearing Witness: The Struggle for Democracy in Burma; Vol. 30, No. 3, September 2008
Reclaiming the Romance of Social Change; Vol. 29, No. 4, November 2007
Searching for Justice in Guatemala; Vol. 29, No. 3, September 2007
Weaving Solidarity with Sudanese Women; Vol. 29, No. 2, June 2007
Links to reports, articles and presentations related to this theme
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