Costs of peace processes (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1112)

Abstract

Query What is the available evidence on the costings of core components of peace processes and the average time commitments that have been committed for international funding of the main components? Summary The rapid review indicated that there is limited literature available on this topic. The information uncovered by this rapid review focuses mainly on the latter stages of a peace process and the core components of supporting the success of the peace process. These include, for example, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes, dialogue forums, transitional justice, and reconciliation support to women and youth, amongst others. There is little available information about the costs required to set up and run peace process talks and the average time commitments that have been committed for international funding of the main components. Some mention was made of the high cost of flights, hotels and per diems for peace talk attendees (Tieku, 2012). Experts contacted for this review suggest that costs of peace processes can vary hugely and that there is ‘no standard set of core activities behind a peace process’ as each process ‘needs to be tailored to the requirements of the context and stakeholders’. The report includes case studies of Burundi, Guinea, Nepal, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. A number of key issues to consider in relation to the cost of peace processes highlighted in the literature and by experts include: Timing and fit-for-purpose financing: international funding is often slow to react and covers too short a time-frame for a peace process to be effective. Peace processes benefit from flexible, long-term funding. Per diems and other perks: High per diems and other perks have been found to prolong peace talks. Tackling this issue poses many challenges as changing the current system may cause resentment amongst delegates