HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Stabilisation group delivers in challenging situations – Gordon Brown [February 2010]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 9 February 2010.
The Prime Minister has said civilians deployed to conflict and disaster zones carry out work that is “vital” to the ongoing success of military and stabilisation operations.
Gordon Brown was speaking to members of the UK Civilian Stabilisation Group who assist with reconstruction in fragile, conflict-afflicted states.
The group was set up in 2008 following the PM’s commitment to create a 1,000-strong civilian pool, reporting to the MOD, FCO and DFID.
Members of the UKCSG have been deployed to a variety of countries since 2008, including Sudan, Kosovo, Georgia, the DRC and Haiti. The group’s first operation was in Musa Qala, Afghanistan.
The PM said civilian experts deployed in close coordination with the military are able to show immediate progress.
“This work in the field, which can so often go unnoticed, is absolutely vital to the enduring success of any military or stabilisation operation and building more secure communities where people feel they have a stake in the future through basic justice, schools, health centres and jobs.”
The Stabilisation Unit is drawn from across the public, private, civil and military sectors and has the expertise to support countries affected by conflict and disaster.
Recently the government announced that a small team of experts would be deployed to support the Haitian Ministry of Justice following January’s devastating earthquake. The Stabilisation Unit currently has two staff deployed in Port-au-Prince.
