The Issue

Russia’s war on Ukraine has exposed the failings of an international peace and security system already in deep crisis, unable to respond effectively to conflicts between and within states across the world. In the emerging, multi-polar phase of big power relations, new conflicts and forms of warfare are already emerging.  Global tensions are being exacerbated by the rise of ultra-nationalist politics, making it harder to maintain inclusive dialogue and resolve conflict.

Widespread impunity is fuelling the systematic violation of international law, while accountability mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court are selectively opposed, undermining their deterrent effect and the rules-based order. Women and girls suffer disproportionately from conflict-related sexual violence, and women’s ability to shape security dialogue and conflict resolution processes remains limited.

Our Priorities

We will focus our efforts on advocating for international law and accountability, and on engagement in a limited number of conflict situations where the Elders have the ability to play a distinctive role. We will take a flexible approach in response to demand for Elders’ engagement, initially prioritising Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We want to see action on the following:

Our Approach

The Elders’ value includes our willingness to talk privately to all conflict parties, to speak out on difficult issues, and to get access to decision-makers at the highest political levels. We engage on high priority conflicts based on their global or regional significance, the demand for our engagement, and our ability to play a distinctive role. We will also push for endorsement and implementation of far-reaching reforms of the international conflict architecture, where a consistent approach to human rights will be integral to reinforcing international law and accountability.