:: Constitution-making for Peace ::

More and more societies are crying out for constitutional reforms but there are limited practical resources focused on supporting post-revolution and post-conflict situations. Over 150 new constitutions have been created since 1975, and as many as 20 national constitutions are reformed or adopted each year. Recent months and the ‘Arab Spring’ have proven this development has continued. However, there are few resources for constitution-makers to draw upon.

Constitutions are often prepared behind closed doors. Historically, constitutions were imposed by the victors of a conflict or by the political elites, and made behind closed doors. Those excluded have little interest in maintaining the new or reformed constitution and this can quickly become a threat to long term peace. The constitution-making process is a clear opportunity to embed lasting peace. Today, some form of constitutional reform is often a key component of comprehensive settlements to conflict and the transition from war to peace. There is also an emerging trend to expand the participation of the public in these processes.

Interpeace is working to enhance constitution-making processes in three ways:

Enhance capacity

The main goal is to enhance the capacity of national constitution-makers as well as key members of the international community so that they can design, lead, implement and support constitution-making processes that lead to the foundations of lasting peace.

Provide an inclusive framework

There is a need for a framework that includes a wide range of interest groups. Working towards consensus on how to address root causes of conflict, the framework should offer a structure for governance, but avoid embedding current issues that may cause obstacles further down the line.

Broad participatory dialogue

The overall approach is to promote nationwide dialogue, to build consensus and to assist with conflict management, transformation, reconciliation and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Broad participation during the development of a constitution strengthens its legitimacy and ownership and it is makes it more likely that citizens understand and support the new constitution.