Attachments
1. Introduction
Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS) are an important tool within the spectrum of actions for conflict prevention, management and resolution.
While most of these conflict prevention systems have been implemented in Africa, in recent years increased interest in the development and design of such mechanisms, both at the level of the state as well as in the civil society, has been seen in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in order to mitigate the effects of social conflicts in the countries in the region.
There are several theoretical and methodological models, which have been developed based on the purpose for which these systems are created - tackling armed conflict, addressing political crises, social conflict prevention, etc. - and the dynamics and specific reality of each case. In this regard, system designers must decide which model is most appropriate for each context. The important thing is to establish the scope and limitations of each model.
The EWRS are custom made and their specific configuration depends on, among other things, the characteristics of each country, the mandate, the specific objectives assigned to it, and the human and financial resources available.
The main purpose of this “Practical Guide for Early Warning and Response Systems Design for Social Conflicts” is to contribute to strengthening a preventive approach in addressing social conflict in the region, providing some basic aspects to keep in mind in the design and development of an EWRS from a perspective of conflict prevention and management with a socially and culturally sensitive approach, strengthening democratic governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
This Guide is intended for national and subnational public officials responsible for the development, design and implementation of an Early Warning and Response System. It is hoped that the Guide will serve as a support and reference tool to guide the process of designing these systems. It does not claim to be a unique or universal recipe, nor does it advocate a particular EWRS model that applies to all political and social contexts.
This document has been prepared on the basis of lessons learned from experiences and practice in the design and implementation of EWRS in the region