Water and post-conflict peacebuilding: introduction

Abstract

Water resources assume a unique and varied role in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. This article examines the ways in which water, sanitation and infrastructure play an integral role in meeting basic human needs, maintaining public health, supporting livelihoods at the household and community level, and in fostering economic recovery and long-term sustainable development in war's aftermath. Drawing upon the case studies presented in this special issue on water and post-conflict peacebuilding, we find that there is a need for a more nuanced, coordinated, participatory, and conflict-sensitive approach to managing water resources in the post-conflict context.