Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)
Disarmament and demobilization of ex-combatants is key in order to prevent a relapse into violence and to create a secure environment for peacebuilding.
However, a key lesson learned from past peace operations is that disarmament and demobilization will only be sustainable in combination with reintegration. However, the reintegration of ex-combatants into their families and their social environment as well as gainful employment is an extremely complex challenge. A number of political, economic, social, and psychological factors, all of them hard to influence, need to be considered. Rehabilitation has become another key element (DDRR).
Generally, the military component of a peace operation is in charge of the demobilization and disarmament while civilian staff and police can assume supporting functions. The reintegration and rehabilitation, however, is generally the responsibility of international civilian personnel in close cooperation with local partners and international development organizations.
DDR is closely related to work in the area infrastructure and economic development.
Possible Tasks and Functions
- Planning and implementing infrastructural measures for temporary accommodation of combatants
- Registering ex-combatants and gathering information relevant for reintegration
- Monitoring the disarmament and demobilization process
- Analysing and supporting social, political, and economic conditions for reintegration
- Developing and implementing public information campaigns
- Organizing the distribution of reintegration payments or compensation packages
- Developing and implementing training programs (e.g. vocational training)
- Establishing information centers
- Providing medical and psychological care
updated September 2009