What's New...

Early Recovery Cluster
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of the humanitarian response, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) has embarked upon an initiative to strengthen leadership and accountability in nine key “clusters” of the humanitarian response. Among these is the cluster for “early recovery”—a complex area that is critical in linking immediate responses to disasters with medium and long-term recovery efforts. UNDP was designated as the lead agency for this cluster. Working with 17 humanitarian and development partners, UNDP identified critical gaps in early recovery and prepared a plan for 2006 that identified priority actions and resource requirements, in order to improve capacities and apply the cluster approach to crisis situations. This, along with the plans for the other eight clusters, were reviewed by the IASC Working Group on 21-22 November 2005 and were submitted for endorsement by the IASC Principals on 12 December 2005. While this new cluster approach is expected to be implemented in early 2006, the early recovery cluster has already had experience applying its key strategies during assistance efforts for the Pakistan earthquake of October 2005. There, the cluster played a key role in coordinating early recovery activities, conducting a joint needs assessment, and producing a UN System Early Recovery Framework, which was presented to the donor conference held in Islamabad on 19 November 2005. For more information, contact kayoko.gotoh@undp.org.

Practice Note on DDR
BCPR recently published a Practice Note on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. This Practice Note outlines UNDP’s key role within the DDR process. It reflects lessons learned and best practices from previous UNDP-supported DDR programmes. It then reviews the programming cycle from discussions on when and how to engage, through the implementation of DDR programmes. The Practice Note offers guidance for DDR policy makers and practitioners, and provides a framework for future UNDP interventions in the field, linking DDR initiatives to wider peace and recovery strategies. The English version of the Practice Note can be downloaded at www.undp.org/bcpr; French and Spanish versions will be available early next year. The Practice Note contributes to wider UN efforts to enhance cooperation and improve effectiveness in DDR. UNDP is working closely with 13 other UN departments, agencies and funds to develop integrated DDR standards that will guide all UN agencies when implementing DDR. The UN DDR Working Group is also creating a joint training and capacity development strategy for all agencies, and implementing integrated DDR programmes in Haiti and Sudan. For more information or to provide feedback on the Practice Note, contact geraldine.ocallaghan@undp.org.

Exploring UNDP’s Engagement with NSAGs
In November 2005, more than 30 UNDP staff participated in an online discussion on how UNDP should engage with non-state armed groups (NSAGs). The demand for such discussion arose from the challenges posed by engaging with armed groups (who can block the delivery of development assistance), and the legal and political implications of such engagements. The discussion aimed to support field staff in making informed decisions on whether or not and how to engage with NSAGs based on UNDP-wide experiences. The discussion started with a strong belief that a strategy on NSAGs is inevitable for many country offices. The experiences shared clearly made the case that the issue of engaging NSAGs is intertwined with how UNDP designs and implements effective programs that fulfill its mandate. Reaching isolated populations, working with local communities, providing security, and running conflict-sensitive programming all imply some form of engagement with NSAGs. The discussion offered assurance that the UNDP has a wealth of knowledge about how to engage with these groups. Participants shared many concrete approaches that they have developed for understanding armed groups in their areas, analyzing the impact of these groups on their programs and on the conflict context, and constructively engaging with them. Based on the rich resources shared, BCPR is developing a summary and document for UNDP staff working in such situations in the future. For more information, contact katrin.kinzelbach@undp.org.

Return to Newsletter Homepage

Quick Links...

Newsletter Home
PDF of This Issue
What's New
Events
Who's Who: CPR Staff
Past Issues (coming soon)

Do You Have a News Item to Submit?

If so, contact us with a 200-300 word summary including any images and contact information.

Contact BCPR