Conflict Prevention Debate led by Parliamentarian Network Member, Simon Hughes.
22 February, 2010
In the session, which was well received, Mr. Hughes sought a consensus to switch focus from conflicts to conflict prevention. He emphasised that conflict prevention was not only critical for fundamental humanitarian reasons but also made economic sense. He pointed out that money spent on conflict prevention is repaid many times over through avoiding the conflicts that might otherwise follow. Mr Hughes stated that the direct average cost of one conflict is $64 billion, and at the time that figure was published, there were 70 ongoing or potential conflicts worldwide. He also pointed out the ‘for every dollar spent on conflict prevention, states spend some $2,000 on weapons and military budgets.’
Mr Hughes called for more proactive peace building and better engagement at the regional and Commonwealth level. He suggested that the UK Parliament hold an annual debate on conflict prevention.
According to Mr. Hughes competition for resources, especially in the light of the threats of climate change, may be a factor in future conflicts. He called on members of all political parties in UK to unite in making conflict prevention a priority.
To read the transcript of this lively and informative debate, please visit:
