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Citizens of fragile and conflict-affected states confront threats to their security and livelihoods on a daily basis. Nearly 1.6 billion people are forced to live in the midst of violence perpetuated by a diverse array of actors - from political extremists to transnational criminal syndicates. Too often these most vulnerable and marginalized are left without a voice in their personal and political future and are denied adequate forums for addressing their grievances. On January 12, 2012 USIP brought together rule of law practitioners from the field and policymakers from Washington, DC to discuss these critical issues.

How are the roles of "soldier" and "victim" defined by post-conflict programs? Most disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs are limited in the ways in which issues specific to female combatants are addressed. Panelists examined the particular challenges faced by female ex-combatants in post-conflict environments, and ways in which reintegration agencies and post-conflict programs can integrate gender into their work.

An inside look at dialogue sessions run by USIP in Nepal. In the aftermath of violent civil unrest in Nepal in 2006, USIP brought together Nepal Police and members of civil society to re-establish trust, open lines for communication and develop recommendations for strengthening rule of law and security in Nepal.

At this event, Dr. Megan Mackenzie, a specialist on female soldiers in Sierra Leone, explored how the reintegration process for men has been securitized, or emphasized, as an essential element of the transition from war to peace.