2. Values/Principles/Criteria.
As a CSO, CCSDS will play a constructive, independent and non-partisan role in the peace negotiations. To defend its independence and neutrality CCSDS will use objective criteria to decide on negotiating priorities and develop negotiating positions on these. These objective criteria will come from CCSDS values and principles. This approach allows CCSDS to
(i) discuss, clarify and develop its own priorities on challenging and controversial issues while maintaining cohesion within the organisation;
As a CSO, CCSDS will play a constructive, independent and non-partisan role in the peace negotiations. To defend its independence and neutrality CCSDS will use objective criteria to decide on negotiating priorities and develop negotiating positions on these. These objective criteria will come from CCSDS values and principles. This approach allows CCSDS to
(i) discuss, clarify and develop its own priorities on challenging and controversial issues while maintaining cohesion within the organisation;
(ii) distinguish its position and methodology from that of other actors in the negotiations;
(iii) demonstrate the non-partisanship basis of its positions.
The last two are important where the CCSDS position on an issue is similar to that of another actor in the negotiations. It means that CCSDS can demonstrate it honestly holds an impartial position that was arrived at independently.
The values and principles that inform CCSDS approach to peace are those that underpin its vision and programme work. These are:
Freedom – including opinion, demonstrations, religion, tradition, etc.; freedom for political detainees.
Democracy – is related to all aspects.
Justice – implementing justice implies respect for freedom and implementing freedom implies justice; equality of opportunity; respect of others rights and duties; transitional justice; reparation for victims; punishment for perpetrators; perpetrators’ right to be tried before the law rather than face revenge or imprisonment without trial and forgotten; social justice for all citizens, among all religion and sects.
Commitment to international treaties and laws – including human rights and equality; guarantee of all rights; political and religious rights; rights and protections for women and minorities; freedom of beliefs and opinions.
Co-existence – respect the uniqueness and sensitivities of each region and its laws but also recognising the importance of equality, diversity and inter-dependence; respect principles, traditions and variety of sects; rights of all regardless of difference.
Inclusion – people’s participation and cooperation with everyone.
Independence
Neutrality – deal objectively with all components in society without bias and equality for all.
Transparency – clarity in how people are treated; clarity in work; monitoring systems.
(iii) demonstrate the non-partisanship basis of its positions.
The last two are important where the CCSDS position on an issue is similar to that of another actor in the negotiations. It means that CCSDS can demonstrate it honestly holds an impartial position that was arrived at independently.
The values and principles that inform CCSDS approach to peace are those that underpin its vision and programme work. These are:
Freedom – including opinion, demonstrations, religion, tradition, etc.; freedom for political detainees.
Democracy – is related to all aspects.
Justice – implementing justice implies respect for freedom and implementing freedom implies justice; equality of opportunity; respect of others rights and duties; transitional justice; reparation for victims; punishment for perpetrators; perpetrators’ right to be tried before the law rather than face revenge or imprisonment without trial and forgotten; social justice for all citizens, among all religion and sects.
Commitment to international treaties and laws – including human rights and equality; guarantee of all rights; political and religious rights; rights and protections for women and minorities; freedom of beliefs and opinions.
Co-existence – respect the uniqueness and sensitivities of each region and its laws but also recognising the importance of equality, diversity and inter-dependence; respect principles, traditions and variety of sects; rights of all regardless of difference.
Inclusion – people’s participation and cooperation with everyone.
Independence
Neutrality – deal objectively with all components in society without bias and equality for all.
Transparency – clarity in how people are treated; clarity in work; monitoring systems.
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