Security, conflict and development 

Poverty alone does not create violent conflicts. Unequal access to political, economic, and social opportunities often does. The quality of governance determines whether or not conflicts are resolved without violence. Massive suffering has been caused by violent conflicts and war. Fragile and failed states have been the outcome. Human security is a basic right and a necessary foundation for effective poverty reduction and development.

COWI's approach to conflict management

COWI brings together experience from humanitarian interventions, poverty reduction, the security sector, civil society, and the establishment of good governance. COWI involves all stakeholders in the field of human security and has experience in working with regional organisations, governments, and civil society organisations in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Services:

• Support to rebuilding of basic and accountable state structures including security sector reforms and demobilisation of ex-combatants
• Improving conflict prevention and peace-keeping mechanisms, including strengthening of counter terrorism efforts and civil-military cooperation
• Assessments of the conflict potential of development efforts, including (re-)integration of refugees and internally displaced people.