Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Thursday played a leading role in securing the adoption of a landmark global resolution on post-conflict recovery at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Istanbul, Turkey. The move places legislatures worldwide at the forefront of efforts to achieve sustainable peace after conflicts.
Kalu, who served as co-rapporteur alongside representatives from Jordan and the Netherlands, presented the draft resolution titled “The Role of Parliaments in Establishing Robust Post-Conflict Management Mechanisms and Restoring a Just and Lasting Peace.” He also participates in the IPU Steering Committee overseeing matters related to the World Trade Organization.
The resolution’s adoption reflects a growing global consensus that enduring peace depends on strong, transparent, and inclusive parliamentary systems. It outlines a five-point recovery strategy focused on strengthening institutions, rebuilding economies fairly, promoting reconciliation, ensuring inclusive governance, and maintaining consistent international support.
Central to the framework is an emphasis on human security and preventive approaches aimed at tackling the root causes of conflict while fostering trust, dignity, and long-term stability. Kalu stressed that recovery processes must be led and owned by affected nations, with parliaments playing a critical role in shaping policies through inclusive and democratic procedures.
He further highlighted that external assistance should align with national priorities and remain subject to legislative oversight. The resolution encourages lawmakers in post-conflict countries to domesticate peace agreements, establish mechanisms for monitoring implementation, and engage stakeholders such as women, youth, and affected communities.
Additionally, it calls for the creation of transitional justice systems that support truth-seeking, victim-focused reparations, and fair accountability measures. It also promotes inclusive dialogue, transparency in funding, and active participation of marginalized groups in rebuilding efforts.
The framework urges parliaments to prioritize peacebuilding in national budgets, strengthen anti-corruption safeguards, and collaborate with international partners, including the United Nations, to ensure effective implementation. It also recommends technical support from the IPU, such as capacity-building and advisory services, to help countries navigate post-conflict recovery successfully.