Working Papers Meeting Essential Needs in Societies Emerging from Conflict By Shepard Forman and Dirk Salomons A paper prepared by the Center on International Cooperation for the Brookings Roundtable on the Relief to Development Gap In this paper (I) we present a working definition of post-conflict recovery and identify a set of tasks requiring immediate attention as the ground is prepared for longer-term social, economic and political reconstruction (section I.B). We then examine (I.C) the nature of the so-called gap between relief and development, focusing on its main cause: a lack of effective coordination in program planning and implementation. Section II lists the key components of an effective post-conflict response, based on a variety of case studies and lessons learned reports. Having described these essential elements, we examine the current institutional (III) and financial (IV) capacity of the international community to effectively respond to recovery opportunities. Despite the valid efforts of the many agencies involved, a number of intrinsic problems limit the optimal use of the finite resources available for recovery programs. We suggest that currently available instruments should be modified in order to improve operations. Noting that fragmentation remains a major obstacle, however, we conclude that a more developed institutional and financial mechanism, operating under agreed rules and procedures, is required to ensure a timely, collaborative and integrated response. CONTENTS I. Problem Statement A. Introduction B. Essential Elements in Post-Conflict Recovery C. The Nature of the Gap II. An Effective Post-Conflict Response III. Current Institutional Practices and Problems . Headquarters Coordination A. Field Coordination IV. Current Financing Practices and Problems V. Financing Through Bilateral and Multilateral Post-Conflict Units . Processes and Instruments for Collective Action A. Pledging Conferences and Special Appeals B. Key Financial Instruments for Collaboration c. Trust Funds d. Cost-Sharing e. Parallel Financing VI. The Way Forward: Two Options . Criteria for Measuring the Potential of Each Option A. Option One: A Joint Post-Conflict Recovery Project B. Option Two: A Strategic Post-Conflict Recovery Facility VII. Additional Measures . Arrears Clearance and Debt Relief A. Applying the Methodology Download a PDF of the entire paper