Learning Objectives
What does oversight have to do with conflict?

After studying this unit you should be able to:

• Appreciate how parliamentary oversight contributes to conflict prevention and poverty reduction;

• Identify which oversight committees are pivotal in preventing conflict and reducing poverty;

• Understand how parliament can use autonomous accountability institutions to aid it perform its oversight function;

• Discuss what parliament can do in order to strengthen the performance of autonomous accountability institutions.

Introduction

This unit considers parliament’s oversight function and how, in fulfilling this function, parliaments can help reduce conflict. Parliament’s oversight function aims to ensure that the government and its agents use their powers and available resources appropriately and with probity to respond to the needs and interests of all members of the community. In exercising their oversight role, parliament helps to manage tensions that could escalate into violent conflict.  Furthermore, oversight by parliament and other autonomous accountability institutions can assist in guaranteeing that the decisions and actions of the government stay within the bounds of the law, thereby strengthening an open and accountable democracy.  Ultimately, oversight enhances public confidence in the integrity of the government’s activities and encourages all groups in the community to accept the policies of the executive branch, rather than resorting to violent conflict.