5.4. Policy considerations

Although, as mentioned above, it is unwise to extrapolate too far on the basis of a given situation, there may be a number of lessons from the Mozambican experience that could potentially influence the determination of future ILO policy towards reintegration assistance in war-affected countries. First and foremost, it is appropriate to reaffirm the tremendous need in any post-conflict society for vocational skills training for youth. The social upheaval that conflict generates inevitably affects adversely the system of secondary and tertiary education essential to long-term social and economic development. The ILO, with its expertise in skills training leading to employment, has a great deal to contribute in formulating country-specific strategies towards employment creation and promotion as a country seeks to move from war to peace.

In developing such strategies, there are three principles that should remain at the forefront of policy: planning, participation and partnership. Planning should be the basis of all interventions and yet in the rush to “do something” so often is rather neglected. It should incorporate strategies for monitoring and evaluation of programmes and allow for their necessary adaptation based on experiences gained. Participation draws attention to the need to involve the beneficiaries at all stages of the process. This helps to ensure successful project implementation and sustainability such that the project becomes a social process. Partnership - with the government, other agencies, local and international NGOs and, especially, the local communities - is the basis of successful coordination of efforts. It widens the pool of knowledge and expertise which can be drawn on and avoids unnecessary duplication and overlap.