undertake emergency development surveys that formulate both reconstruction programs and immediate reconstruction projects, and be prepared to make use of information that has been gained from such surveys at the necessary time. Japan will in addition work to ensure a smooth transition from emergency humanitarian assistance to subsequent reconstruction development cooperation, and to eliminate as far as possible the gap that tends to occur between the two.

## (c) Rapid and effective assistance

Conflict gives rise to a variety of problems, such as the generation of large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, destruction of infrastructure, collapse of the governing structure, food shortages, poverty, and epidemics. At such times of crisis, rapid action is required to protect human lives and livelihoods. Japan will therefore work in collaboration with international and regional organizations, domestic and international NGOs, and others in order to deliver aid more effectively.

For Japan to engage actively and effectively in peace-building in the years ahead, developing the human resources needed to provide peace-building assistance is crucial. Various kinds of training will therefore be provided for JICA personnel and specialists, consultants, NGOs, and other personnel involved in the provision of ODA. In addition, flexible use will be made of forms of cooperation suited to the security situation. Security training will be provided to persons dispatched to provide peace-building assistance. Systems will be developed to enable personnel to be dispatched swiftly when required, and the capacity of overseas establishments and JICA offices will be strengthened.

## (d) Combination of assistance to governments and to local communities

In the aftermath of conflicts, central and local governments can frequently become dysfunctional. In order to urgently fill the resulting void, Japan will work to achieve the revival of local communities by providing basic social services, such as health and medical services, education, food and water, through assistance at the grassroots level to local communities. At the same time, Japan will strive to restore the functions of government and enable countries to become self-reliant swiftly by assisting in the development of human resources and institution building at the levels of central and local government.

## (e) Assistance to achieve domestic stability and law and order

Even after conflicts have ended, governments often lack the ability to maintain law and order. This can threaten people's safety and impede development activities, and can even lead to the recurrence of conflicts. Therefore, in parallel with humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, Japan will provide assistance with the objective of strengthening law and order and preventing the recurrence of conflicts, for strengthening the police, for social integration of discharged soldiers through job creation, for recovery and destruction of weapons (including landmines and small arms) and for reform of the judicial system. Such assistance will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the ODA Charter.

## (f) Consideration for socially vulnerable people

Rapid protection will be provided to people who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of conflict, such as people with impaired health, women and children, and to people who are direct victims of conflicts. Particular consideration will be given to capacity building for the socially disadvantaged, including mine victims.

## (g) Assistance that includes neighboring countries in its scope

Neighboring countries of conflict may face problems and fall into serious difficulties that arise from such problems as influx of refugees and adverse impact on trade and investment. Neighboring countries may also have close ties with a country in a conflict situation, giving them a political influence and enabling them to act as intermediaries, thus contributing to the resolution of conflicts. Trade and exchanges of people between the country in conflict and neighboring countries often play an important role in regional stability and conflict prevention. On the other hand, it is also common for neighboring countries to support particular parties to a conflict, and the power relations between neighboring countries are often reflected in the rivalries between the factions involved. In light of this, consideration will also be given to providing