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undertaken as soon as possible in order to avoid protracted displacement situations. He pointed
out that peacebuilding processes were vital to efforts to find durable solutions for displaced
persons, but also that, without durable solutions, such processes might be short-lived.
75. On 13 March 2008, the Representative was invited once again to participate in a thematic
discussion on internal displacement in the Working Group on Lessons Learned in order to draw
conclusions at the national and international levels from post-conflict interventions. On that
occasion, the Representative emphasized that the return and reintegration of displaced persons
are often the solutions favoured by the persons concerned, and that the way in which such
solutions are implemented has a considerable impact on the sustainability of peace. Drawing on
experience gained in post-conflict situations, the Representative concluded by outlining the
following fundamental considerations: the mere signing of peace agreements is not sufficient to
provide durable solutions for internally displaced persons; the quality of the process leading to
durable solutions is a key element necessary for ensuring stability; the successful return of
displaced persons requires as a minimum that their safety is guaranteed, that their property is
restored and that an environment conducive to return is created; activities relating to the
establishment of security, property restitution and the creation of an environment conducive to
return should as far as possible take place in parallel; peacebuilding efforts should take into
account the specific needs of displaced persons and returnees; funding must be rapidly available
and flexible so as to avoid the traditional dichotomy between humanitarian activities and
development activities.
3. Capacity-building activities and research
76. The Representative also attaches particular importance to activities designed to build the
skills of those called on to work on issues relating to internal displacement. As in previous years,
the Representative continued to implement a number of capacity-building initiatives. He also
continued, in cooperation with the Brookings-Bern project, to carry out and commission research
on internally displaced persons and related issues.
77. From 4 to 7 June 2007, the Representative organized the third course on internal
displacement at the Institute for International Humanitarian Law in San Remo (Italy). This
one-week course was for the first time organized jointly with OHCHR. It was attended
by 28 participants from 19 countries. The purpose of the course was to build national capacity by
focusing on three main areas: promoting understanding of the normative framework; dialogue
and exchanges of views on national legislation and policies relating to internal displacement; and
the development of tools for the implementation of legislation and policies. The participants
were principally government officials, but also representatives of United Nations agencies and
bodies and civil society. The next course, which will take place in June 2008, will be organized
for the first time in French so as to benefit officials from French-speaking countries affected by
the phenomenon of internal displacement.
78. As a part of research activities, a study on displaced persons and peace processes was
finalized and published in 2007.15 This study shows the extent to which the solving of internal
15
Addressing Internal Displacement in Peace Processes, Peace Agreements and Peace
building, Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, septembre 2007.
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