Impressions

Impressions

Content Overview:
 Closing Words and Future Prospects 
 Impression Videos From Each Day
 M. Dahinden on the Importance of the Network 
 Video Statements from C. Graf, A. Reichlin, C. Prissette


Closing Words and Future Prospects

How shall the CHR-network function? The last f2fsession was dedicated to the organization and self-concept of the CHR-network, a late-comer within SDC (start only in June 2010). This is a challenge, but has also advantages since it benefits from the experiences made by other SDC-networks. Members discussed the structure and operational focus of the network and established a preliminary list of tasks for the next 18 months.

One underlying question was, whether it is meaningful to address Human Rights issues and the development work in fragile and conflict affected situations (FCS) within the same network? The meeting confirmed the chosen approach, since the links between the topics are manifold. Human rights issues are often at the heart of the concern in FCS (even though Human Rights are also crucial outside of Fragility and Conflict). It is therefore useful to maintain and promote both topics within the same network. The tools of FCS and HRBA can be combined and applied in a flexible manner.All programmes of development cooperation should further the realization of human rights as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights charters. The HR are universal, inalienable and indivisible.

 

Closing Words and Future Prospects by Markus Heiniger.
(Video: Tobias Sommer)

Although there is a basic structure in place, the network is still in the making. It has to shape its identity, strengthen the links between the headquarter and the field and find effective ways to communicate: A task which is at the core of the working plan for the next 18 month. Find underneath a summary of common positions on the self-concept and organization of the network:

  • Objective: The network has two overarching topics – HR and FCS – and two fields of activities: shape policies and support operations. The objective is two-fold:
    ◾It shall foster the impact of Swiss programmes in FCS by enhancing the focus on conflict sensitivity in the design, implementation and monitoring of humanitarian and development policies and programs.right-holders to claim their rights;
    ◾It shall promote the issue of human rights within SDC and support the use
     of HRBA in all development programmes.
  • Structure: Participants agreed on a decentralized structure with a defined centre, which takes thematic lead and animates the network. The headquarter core group with the focal point in the centre shall be a transparent heart piece sensitive for the needs and inputs from the field.
     An active network requires the inputs and commitments of its members. Each member can propose projects and take the lead for certain activities of the network. The focal point encourages network- members to come up with initiatives, which can be carried out on local, regional or general network level. It is simply as that: The more members are committed, the more productive is the network.
  • Role of the focal point: Markus Heiniger, the CHR-focal point, ought to take the intellectual lead within the network. He advises both headquarters and the field on policy issues, edits comments and position papers and closely follows the international debate. He plans the network activities in line with available resources. He animates the network with thematic inputs and launches discussions. He is supported by the core group and all the network members.
  • Activities/Prioritization of tasks: The sharing of information and the exchange of knowledge is at the heart of network activities. But it is not a goal for itself. The network shall:
    ◾contribute to the shaping of Swiss policies in the field of HR and FCS;
    ◾develop a series of products and services, which support the field and enhance the impact of SDC operations.
    Regional trainings on CSPM and HRBA are part of the latter activities. The next CSPM workshops will take place in Hünigen end of August and in Bogotà in November 2011. In participatory workshops network members proposed a number of learning projects, tasks and activities, including with offers to contribute themselves. Based on these inputs the focal point and the core group will develop a working programme for the coming 18 months.
  • Communication: The shareweb is the central communication platform of the network. The platform offers the possibility to launch dialogue groups on certain issues, it serves as an archive for official documents, reports and project lists and announces upcoming events. Members can post comments and launch discussions. The shareweb is moderated by Armin Rieser. A new version with more interactive features will be launched in January 2012. To get advise or to ask for a second opinion on communication issues members can get in touch with Thomas Jenatsch, head of internal communication. In order to give the network a visual identity (for shareweb and events) a
    logo shall be developed. A competition among network members generated a number of proposals. The winning proposal will be finalized by a graphic designer.
  • Resources: Activities must in line with resources. The network presently counts over 50 members (half of them in the field). 48 members attended the Jordan-f2f – a good turn out to build on. Members may dedicate 5%-15% of their time to the network. At the headquarters there are at the moment around 2 positions (200%, in the South Asia division) at the disposal of the network which also have to cover the related thematic tasks like e.g. coordination with PD IV, OECD-DAC INCAF etc. Due to limited resources a clear prioritization of tasks is imperative.

 

Thomas Jenatsch
Dead Sea, June 30, 2011

 

Impression Videos From Each Day

Summary of Saturday: Fourth Day

 

(Video: Hynek Bures)

 

Summary of Friday: Third Day

 

(Video: Tobias Sommer, Martina Schmidt, Hynek Bures; Photos: Benoît Meyer-Bisch)

 

Summary of Thursday: Second Day

 

(Video: Hynek Bures)

 

Summary of Wednesday: First Day

 

(Video: Sophie Delessert, Martina Schmidt, Tobias Sommer)

 

M. Dahinden on the Importance of the Network

Building common ground for institutional policies on human rights and cooperation in conflict affected and fragile contexts and defining the working schedule of the network for the coming year are the main objectives of the first Face-to-Face meeting of the SDC Network Conflict and Human Rights CHR. It is unfolding at the Mövenpick Hotel at the shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan with 47 participants from SDC headquarters and branch offices around the world including two representatives of the Political Division IV, a member of the UNHCR, two Swiss consultants and two social reporters. In his opening video address SDC Director General Martin Dahinden expressed the wish that Switzerland plays an important role in fragile contexts with both sustainable project activities in the field and by shaping policies on the multilateral level.

 

Opening video address by Director General Martin Dahinden
(Video: Vesna Roch, Hynek Bures)

A main finding of the MDG+10 conference in New York in September 2010 was the fact that almost none of the countries involved in violent conflict have met the MDG’s. This calls for increased attention on fragile and conflict affected situations (FCS) by the international community. As Martin Dahinden emphasized in his message, Switzerland wants to join this effort by stepping up its presence in those contexts. This is a main issue of the upcoming message (2013-2016) to the Swiss Parliament. Dahinden recalled the comparative advantages of Switzerland: neutrality, lack of geostrategic interests and a pool of skilled staff with experience in conflict areas and international humanitarian organizations. He shared his conviction that the topics of CHR network will grow in importance for the coming years and that Switzerland can indeed make a difference. He considers the conflict sensitive programme management CSPM and the human rights based approach HRBA as complementary tools, which should be used together and set the guidelines for our work in fragile contexts.

 

Video Statements from C. Graf, A. Reichlin, C. Prissette

Christoph Graf, Head of South-Asian division and thematic responsible for conflict and human rights, recalled the rational behind the creation of the network: to closely link the policy level with operations in the field and to enhance the exchange of knowledge and mutual learning between branch offices and headquarters. The main roles of the network are to influence and shape policies, to insure quality and to support the field with training and advice. The work in fragile settings needs a comprehensive and integrated Swiss approach. Graf emphasized the importance of close coordination among the operational bodies of SDC and other actors of the Swiss government: different mandates, same overall objective to foster peace and to support statebuilding.

 

Christoph Graf: Expectations towards the F2F.
(Video: Milena Mihajlovic, Lea Valaulta Naamneh)

 

The workshop has been organized with strong engagement of the COOF Amman, represented by Cyril Prissette, deputy regional director and acting head of the Amman office, who was warmly welcoming all the participants to Jordan. To build a common understanding of our work and to shape the network-agenda for the coming year are the main objectives of the Jordan-workshop. In his opening words Markus Heiniger, focal point of the CHR network, welcomed the f2f-meeting as a chance to become a truly SDC-wide network able to inform policy discussions with experiences from the field. The network has been launched in June 2010. In his short review of activities Heiniger emphasized the fact the most of the work was done by the network members themselves with little support of consultants and external partners. One important result is the increased attention to the topic of human rights and conflict affected regions within SDC, which is a solid base for focusing and deepening on those themes in the next phase.

Information on the regional context was provided by Andrea Reichlin, Swiss Ambassador to Jordan and Giancarlo de Picciotto, Head of SDC Jerusalem office. Reichlin gave an overview on the political, economic and social situation in Jordan with special focus on the regional peace process. With its long borders and large refugee population (almost half of the national population) Jordan will strongly benefit from a peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Arab spring was also felt with numerous demonstrations in Amman too. Although repression has been relatively moderate compared to other Arab countries, the demands for more democracy and civil rights have not been heard. The government is unwilling to deliver a blueprint for reform. And there is presently little hope to forge a new social contract aimed to close the gap between the losers and the winners of a period of considerable economic growth in Jordan.

 

Ambassador Andrea Reichlin on the Impact of the Recent Developments in the Arab World on the Human Rights Situation in Jordan
(Video: Lea Valaulta Naamneh, Milena Mihajlovic)

Giancarlo de Picciotto recalled that the Arab spring has increased instability and violent conflict in the region. However it has triggered a social and political dynamic, which has on the medium and long range a positive impact. The regime change in Egypt brought another setting of political positions to the fore, which are going to change the dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict. A 63-year old conflict, which is also influenced by the (unpredictable) developments in Syria, a geostrategic corner stone in the Middle East. De Picciotto supports the idea that stability at any price cannot be the goal and that conflict has a transforming potential. Therefore Switzerland is willing to support Arab counties on the path towards more citizen rights and democracy. Regarding the situation in the Occupied Territories de Picciotto stated that Switzerland is among donors with less than 1% a nobody by financial terms. But it is truely somebody when it comes to sustainable action improving people’s lifes – citing the example of the economically successful value chain approach in the olive oil sector.

 

 Cyrill Prissette, Deputy Regional Director, SDC Amman, on the SCO’s expectations towards the face to face event.
 (Video: Lea Valaulta Naamneh)