Research

Reports and papers

Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration: Mapping Issues, Dilemmas and Guiding Principles

30 Aug 2006 - 11:34

The process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants plays a critical role in transitions from war to peace. DDR processes have become an integral part of peacekeeping operations and post-conflict reconstruction activities. Their success or failure can affect the long-term peacebuilding prospects for any post-conflict society. Notwithstanding the importance of and increased experience with DDR over the last decade, program implementation remains problematic. That is why the Stockholm Initiative on SSR (SIDDR) was undertaken, and why the UN developed its Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS). In this briefing note, Nicole Ball (from the Center on International Policy, Washington DC) and Luc van de Goor (Clingendael Institute) address some of the problems that practitioners will encounter in dealing with DDR program design and implementation. It provides a concise overview of some of the main lessons learned, as well as some guidance questions.