Civilian support to conflict resolution recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours
Staff of the Stabilisation Unit, the UK government’s centre of expertise in helping fragile or conflict states, are recognised in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Richard Jones (OBE), Robert (Roy) Fleming (OBE), Mark Beautement (MBE) have been awarded honours for work in Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Georgia and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Roy Fleming has worked with the Stabilisation Unit since 2005 and is awarded his OBE in recognition of 34 years in public service which includes numerous roles with the SU where he has used his expertise in Policing and Rule of Law to shape conflict resolution work in Afghanistan, Nepal, Iraq and Somalia.
Richard Jones is awarded an OBE for his achievements as one of the first civilians to be deployed to Helmand province in Afghanistan. Richard lived and worked in rural Helmand for 18 months as a stabilisation advisor in Musa Qala District in 2007. His more recent work as a conflict advisor with the Department for International Development in Kabul is also recognised, in particular his part in helping to establish the Afghan Peace and Integration Programme.
Mark Beautement worked for the Stabilisation Unit on secondment from the Ministry of Defence in Sangin District in Helmand, Afghanistan. Mark has been awarded an MBE for work in support of the local Afghan government, helping provincial and district officials reach out to communities across Sangin with district shuras and consultative assemblies as well as helping them provide essential services and security for their people.
The role of civilians in working alongside military colleagues and the local community to prevent and reduce conflict is critical.
In Afghanistan in particular the achievements of civilian personnel are an essential part of the transition process.
Sheelagh Stewart, Head of the Stabilisation Unit said:
"We are proud of our people, their commitment to make the world a better place and their ability to do so in difficult circumstances. Our Civilian Stabilisation Group is a world class capability, in demand around the world"