Democratic Constitution-making

This USIP report examines the role of constitution-making as part of peacemaking, particularly in divided societies. The report analyzes recent practices of constitution-making worldwide and documents the emergence of international human rights norms that recognize the right to public participation in changing or creating a constitution. The report concludes with a reflection on lessons learned and stresses the importance of process as well as outcome in evaluating the final product. Includes examples from Canada, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among others.