8By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Thursday led the adoption of a landmark resolution on post-conflict recovery at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul, Turkey.
Kalu, who served as co-rapporteur alongside A. Al-Zu’bi of Jordan and F. Belhirch of the Netherlands, presented the draft resolution titled “The Role of Parliaments in Establishing Robust Post-Conflict Management Mechanisms and Restoring a Just and Lasting Peace.” The resolution places national parliaments at the centre of global efforts to build sustainable peace in countries emerging from conflict.
Its adoption signals increasing global recognition of the critical role of strong, inclusive, and accountable legislative institutions in post-conflict recovery processes.
According to the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the resolution outlines a five-pillar framework for recovery, focusing on strengthening institutions, promoting equitable economic reconstruction, fostering social reconciliation, ensuring inclusive political participation, and sustaining international support. It also emphasizes human security and preventive approaches aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting trust, dignity, and resilience.
Speaking at the Assembly, Kalu stressed that post-conflict recovery must be nationally driven, with parliaments leading inclusive consultations and shaping recovery priorities through democratic processes.
He urged legislatures in affected countries to ensure that peace agreements are fully integrated into national laws and supported by clear implementation mechanisms. According to him, parliaments should establish cross-party systems to monitor progress, hold regular hearings with key stakeholders, and maintain continuity across political cycles.
Kalu also called for the establishment of transitional justice frameworks, including legislation to support truth-seeking initiatives, victim-centred reparations, and transparent vetting or amnesty processes. He noted that such measures are essential to addressing past injustices and achieving lasting peace.
The resolution further encourages parliaments to adopt people-centred approaches to recovery, prioritize conflict-affected populations in reconstruction efforts, and strengthen transparency and anti-corruption safeguards in the management of recovery funds.
In addition, it calls for inclusive dialogue and reconciliation initiatives at both national and community levels, with a strong emphasis on the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding processes.
The document also urges parliaments to work closely with governments, regional bodies, the IPU, and the United Nations to mobilize resources and enhance international support for peace agreements.
It recommends the exploration of lawful mechanisms for reparations, including the potential use of frozen or immobilized assets to support reconstruction efforts.
The resolution also mandates the IPU to provide technical assistance to parliaments engaged in post-conflict recovery through advisory missions, capacity-building programmes, peer learning, and mediation support.
The adoption of the resolution marks a significant step in strengthening the role of parliaments worldwide in advancing peace, stability, and sustainable development in post-conflict societies.
