This session will focus on evolving landscape of community safety, security and policing in conflict and disaster-affected regions, focusing on case studies including Karenni State in Myanmar, Bangsamoro in the Philippines, Lumbini Province in Nepal, and Vanuatu. The theme contributes to the theme ‘Solidarity and Resilience’ by outlining how investing in capacity-building and resources for policing enhances operational effectiveness. By promoting community engagement, inter-community dialogue, gender equality, and inclusivity within security institutions is the key to supporting community resilience in the face of ongoing conflict​.

 

Delegates will gain contemporary understanding to the importance of timing, local agency, and networked relations in establishing effective and legitimate security structures in conflict and disaster-affected regions, in addition to highlighting how community security initiatives and international support play crucial roles in fostering trust and cooperation between security forces and the community.

The case studies map security institutions and actors, including state and non-state, formal and informal, direct and indirect, and national and international entities. The case studies examine the evolution of systems and structures related to the security sector, focusing on roles during and after conflict, including their interactions with other community structures from a national and sub-national level. The studies also discuss gaps and needs in community safety, identify barriers and challenges in addressing these needs, and explore gender dynamics with examples of innovative approaches.