Fragility, Conflict and Stabilisation
Building Resilience and Supporting Recovery in Fragile and Conflict-affected Contexts
Cowater International delivers transformative programming in some of the world’s most complex and fragile environments. Nearly 80–90 percent of our portfolio operates in fragile and conflict-affected settings, where we work with governments, civil society, and communities to restore trust, strengthen institutions, and create the conditions for peace, recovery, and long-term resilience.
Our experience spans over 40 years , with projects in countries including Ukraine, Mali, Somalia, Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Haiti, and Burkina Faso. We bring proven expertise in stabilization, recovery, and state modernization, underpinned by a commitment to “do no harm” and to deliver results even in the most volatile contexts. Our extensive presence in Ukraine exemplifies this commitment, where we manage large-scale governance, economic recovery, and security sector programs to support stabilization and democratic reform in the face of ongoing conflict.
Through a combination of justice reform, peacebuilding, institutional strengthening, and security sector reform, Cowater helps partners address the drivers of fragility and lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.
Justice, Peacebuilding, and Stabilisation
Cowater supports governments and communities to build fair, transparent, and inclusive justice systems that foster trust and strengthen the social contract between citizens and the state. Our programming enhances access to justice, supports legal and institutional reforms, and promotes inclusive governance as a pathway to peace.
We deliver targeted interventions in fragile and conflict-affected settings to:
- Strengthen the rule of law and judicial institutions.
- Foster inclusive dialogue and reconciliation processes at local and national levels.
- Enhance the participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in peacebuilding and governance.
- Support stabilization programming that restores basic services, strengthens social cohesion, and promotes accountable governance.
In Mali, Palestine, and across Sub-Saharan Africa, our projects combine institutional reform with grassroots engagement, creating resilient communities able to withstand shocks and contribute to recovery. In Ukraine, we are working with national and local authorities to strengthen governance, transparency, and citizen engagement, ensuring that stabilization efforts are durable and inclusive.
Security Sector Reform
Security sector reform is critical to achieving stability in FCAS contexts. Cowater works with governments, oversight bodies, and communities to build professional, accountable, and rights-respecting security institutions that protect citizens and uphold democratic governance.
Our programming has supported:
- Police and community safety reforms, including modernizing policing standards to align with international best practices.
- Strengthening civilian oversight and accountability of security forces.
- Supporting national dialogues and reforms that ensure security institutions are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to citizens’ needs.
- Building capacity in border management, customs, and defence institutions to enhance resilience and reduce drivers of instability.
In Eastern Europe, Cowater has delivered large-scale EU-funded programs on community policing and security sector reform, contributing to improved public safety and trust in law enforcement. In Ukraine, we continue to work alongside partners to modernize institutions, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and align security and justice systems with European standards.