Peace-Building

Peace, security and development are closely interlinked therefore peace-building is defined as one of three themes of Iceland's Strategy for International Development Cooperation. A peaceful environment is a prerequisite for long-term  development and economic growth. Iceland's participation in peace-keeping tasks shall be carried out under the auspices of, or under a mandate from, the United Nations. Iceland's contribution to crisis management entails the secondment of experts to international organisations in fragile states or to emergency situations. The main focus is on assistance to vulnerable groups, such as refugees and children, emergency relief, coordination of  post conflict reconstruction and governance. Special emphasis is placed on the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security.

Good Governance
Conversely, weak governance, stagnation and uncertainty can give rise to conflict. Armed conflict and instability can have an impact far beyond borders, e.g. through the increased spread of diseases, organised crime and terrorist activities, with migration and a flow of refugees. The basic  preconditions for peace in conflict-affected countries are good governance and  reconstruction based on economic and social development. Good governance includes, but is not limited to public confidence in the rule of law, respect for human rights and responsible and transparent public administration.

Reconstruction
Peace-building is a fundamental  component  of UN activities and a sector which Iceland supports in a number of ways. In addition to contributions to UN international peace-keeping, Iceland's participation in crisis management and peace-building includes secondment of civilian experts to the field in conflict-affected countries. In recent years understanding of the importance of, and willingness to participate in, civilian reconstruction in post conflict countries has increased. This emphasis is well suited for Iceland, as all Icelandic personnel are civilians.