United Nations University, Tokyo
27 April 2003
New book defines essential building blocks for societies disrupted by conflict
Ramesh Thakur, UNU Vice-Rector
Judges should be recruited from the international community until a country disrupted by war can repair its justice system, say experts in a new book on post-war societies published by the United Nations University.
Drawing lessons from several conflicts in the recent past, the book details the complex problems confronting nations looking to rebuild a society from the ashes of war – from ending violence to reconstituting political, legal and social order. It also addresses the challenges faced by military forces in disrupted states and the difficult and unfamiliar roles into which soldiers are thrust, often without adequate training.
“This book offers expert insights into the needs of war-torn societies and, as reconstruction begins in Iraq, a timely opportunity to see what we can learn from the past,” said UNU Rector Hans van Ginkel.
Edited by William Maley, Charles Sampford and Ramesh Thakur, the book, From Civil Strife to Civil Society: Civil and Military Responsibilities in Disrupted States, says the rapid institution of a fair and impartial justice system once hostilities end is an essential pre-requisite to the rebuilding process.
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