Peace-Building

Virtually all conflict in the world today is internal conflict in developing countries, predominantly in the poorest nations and regions. The number of civilian victims is increasing, while the divide between combatant and civilian is fading, resulting in more deaths among the general population, including children.

There are limits to political methods such as arms control and diplomacy in preventing and resolving conflicts and consolidating peace. The role of development aid in peacebuilding is becoming increasingly important to alleviate economic disparity, unequal opportunity and other factors.

The Japanese government is active in peacebuilding, with emphasis placed on this area within the framework of the ODA Charter and the Medium-term Policy on ODA. Definitions of peacebuilding differ from place to place, so a comprehensive approach is taken from military, political and social/economic perspectives.

Conflict destroys social foundations and infrastructure and tears the bonds holding society together, leaving a bitter legacy that further exacerbates the suffering of both sides. According to some statistics, close to 50% of countries return to a state of war within five years of signing a peace or cease-fire agreement.