Public Participation: The Six Paths to Peace National Unification Commission

1. The pursuit of social, economic and political reforms that address the root causes of the armed conflicts. The recommendations include a set of “immediate doables” which are governmental actions that set the direction and push the necessary reform to address the identified root causes. The most commonly expressed root causes in the NUC consultations were: a. Massive and abject poverty and economic inequity, particularly in the distribution of wealth and control over the resource base for livelihood. b. Poor governance, including lack of basic social services, absenteeism of elected local officials, corruption and inefficiency in government bureaucracy, and poor implementation of laws, including those that should protect the environment. c. Injustice, abuse of those in authority and power, violations of human rights, and inequity, corruption and delays in the administration of justice. d. Structural inequities in the political system, including control by an elite minority, traditional politicians and political dynasties, and enforcement of such control through private armies. e. Exploitation and marginalization of Indigenous Cultural Communities, including lack of respect and recognition of ancestral domain and indigenous legal and political systems.

Serious concerns were also expressed about, among others, the destruction fo the natural environment, the conduct of counterinsurgency campaign, and the continuing hardships experienced by communities in the midst of armed conflict.

2. Building consensus and empowerment for peace This path includes people’s participation in the peace process and continued consultations for constructive exchange between government and local communities, especially on issue with direct impact on the life of the community.

3. Pursuit of a peaceful, negotiated settlement with the different armed rebel groups. This path involves continued and vigorous efforts towards the conduct of exploratory talks (Where these have not yet been initiated or completed), the holding of formal peace negotiations, and the achievement of a final negotiated peace settlement with each of the armed rebel groups.

4. Establishment of programs for honorable reconciliation and reintegration into mainstream society This includes amnesty to respond to concerns for legal status and security, and a program of community-based economic assistance for former rebels. The proposed amnesty program presents twin measures, one for rebels from all armed groups; the other, applicable to agents of the state charged with specific crimes in the course of counter-insurgency operations.

5. Addressing concerns that arise out of the continuing armed hostilities To ensure maximum protection and welfare of non-combatants in the midst of the fighting four activities were proposed along this path: a. Local suspension of offensive military operations for a fixed period b. Increasing the effectiveness of legal protection of non-combatants, through a multi-track dissemination and information campaign on laws and regulations for combat behavior and the protection of non-combatants in the midst of armed conflict, official review of compliance with these laws and regulations, and vigorous prosecution and punishment of those found guilty of violation. c. Intensified delivery of basic services to conflict areas by civilian government d. Respect and recognition of “Peace Zones” as agreed upon by the concerned sectors of the community.

6. Nurturing a positive climate for peace This includes confidence-building measures between government and the armed groups, and peace advocacy and education within the rest of society. Finally, as recommended by the NUC, President [Fidel] Ramos has created the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process which shall be fully dedicated to the pursuit of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, and in managing the day-to-day needs of this comprehensive peace effort. The National Unification Commission shall cease to exist when this new Office shall be fully operational.

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