Principles of PD 11. Principles to guide the practice of PD a re necessary to increase understanding of the scope and mechanisms of the scope and mechanisms of PD and to provide consistency and reasonable expectations of the process. It relies on diplomatic and peaceful methods such as diplomacy, negotiation, enquiry, mediation, and conciliation. It is non-coercive. It should be timely.
Action is to be preventive, rather than curative.
PD methods are most effectively employed at an early stage of a dispute or crisis. It requires trust and confidence. PD can only be exercised successfully where there is a strong foundation of trust and confidence among the parties involved and when it is conducted on the basis of neutrality, justice and impartiality. It operates on the basis of consultation and consensus. Any PD effort can only be carried out through consensus after careful and extensive consultations among ARF members, with due consideration for the need for timeliness.