National ownership must also be a core element in all peacekeeping and peaceb...

National ownership must also be a core element in all peacekeeping and peacebuilding mandates and missions. Peacekeepers come and go, but only national participation, involvement and ownership from all segments of society, particularly disadvantaged groups such as women and children, can create the sort of organic development that will sustain long-term peace. Better integration of all these dimensions of security can also result in the greater inclusion of women and those groups previously excluded from decision-making processes. The promotion of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law are essential in this context.