Defections and Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration
Reports
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Programs: An Assessment research report, folke bernadotte academy publications
Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl and Nicholas Sambanis
https://faculty.virginia.edu/j.sw/uploads/research/Disarmament,%20Demobilization,%20Reintegration%20Programs_%20An%20Assessment.pdf
Lesson Report Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), 2019, PKSOI
http://pksoi.armywarcollege.edu/default/assets/File/LessonReport_SSR-DDR_January2019_%20(v1_4-Dec-2018).pdf
Disabled XCs
• Florence Baingana and Ian Bannon, Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Interventions into World Bank Lending for Conflict Affected Populations; A Toolkit. The World Bank, Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction, September 2004.
• ILO Geneva, “Expert Meeting on the design of Guidelines for Training and Employment of XCs”.
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/documents/instructionalmaterial/wcms_141276.pdf
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Available from: <https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/>
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Programs: An Assessment research report, folke bernadotte academy publications
Jonah Schulhofer-Wohl and Nicholas Sambanis
https://faculty.virginia.edu/j.sw/uploads/research/Disarmament,%20Demobilization,%20Reintegration%20Programs_%20An%20Assessment.pdf
Lesson Report Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), 2019, PKSOI
http://pksoi.armywarcollege.edu/default/assets/File/LessonReport_SSR-DDR_January2019_%20(v1_4-Dec-2018).pdf
Disabled XCs
• Florence Baingana and Ian Bannon, Integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Interventions into World Bank Lending for Conflict Affected Populations; A Toolkit. The World Bank, Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction, September 2004.
• ILO Geneva, “Expert Meeting on the design of Guidelines for Training and Employment of XCs”.
https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/documents/instructionalmaterial/wcms_141276.pdf
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Available from: <https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/>
COUNTRY SPECIFIC
SOMALIA
RUSI: Deradicalisation and Disengagement in Somalia Evidence from a Rehabilitation Programme for Former Members of Al-Shabaab
https://rusi.org/sites/default/files/20190104_whr_4-18_deradicalisation_and_disengagement_in_somalia_web.pdf
THE SERENDI REHABILITATION centre in Mogadishu offers support to ‘low-risk’ former members of Al-Shabaab to prepare them for reintegration into the community, as part of the wider strategy of the Federal Government of Somalia and its international partners to counter the organisation. While certain challenges remain, between 2015 and 2018 Serendi was gradually converted into a functional centre in terms of its conditions and services offered. As such,
the implementing team has now additionally been tasked with supporting both outreach (messaging campaigns to encourage additional disengagements from Al-Shabaab, as well as other related activities) and community reintegration of beneficiaries after leaving the centre.
This report presents detailed information about the Serendi programme, as well as wider empirical evidence drawn from interviews with 129 current and former residents on issues such as how and why they enlisted in Al-Shabaab in the first place, how and why they disengaged, and their experiences of reintegration post-exit. While closely related prison-based initiatives have become increasingly common over recent years in countries such as Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Yemen, Serendi-style semi-open residential rehabilitation centres for ‘low-risk’ former violent extremists remain comparatively rare. The authors of this report advocate for cautiously upscaling such efforts in Somalia, as well as exploring the possibilities to replicate this form of programming in other comparable environments.
SOMALIA
RUSI: Deradicalisation and Disengagement in Somalia Evidence from a Rehabilitation Programme for Former Members of Al-Shabaab
https://rusi.org/sites/default/files/20190104_whr_4-18_deradicalisation_and_disengagement_in_somalia_web.pdf
THE SERENDI REHABILITATION centre in Mogadishu offers support to ‘low-risk’ former members of Al-Shabaab to prepare them for reintegration into the community, as part of the wider strategy of the Federal Government of Somalia and its international partners to counter the organisation. While certain challenges remain, between 2015 and 2018 Serendi was gradually converted into a functional centre in terms of its conditions and services offered. As such,
the implementing team has now additionally been tasked with supporting both outreach (messaging campaigns to encourage additional disengagements from Al-Shabaab, as well as other related activities) and community reintegration of beneficiaries after leaving the centre.
This report presents detailed information about the Serendi programme, as well as wider empirical evidence drawn from interviews with 129 current and former residents on issues such as how and why they enlisted in Al-Shabaab in the first place, how and why they disengaged, and their experiences of reintegration post-exit. While closely related prison-based initiatives have become increasingly common over recent years in countries such as Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Yemen, Serendi-style semi-open residential rehabilitation centres for ‘low-risk’ former violent extremists remain comparatively rare. The authors of this report advocate for cautiously upscaling such efforts in Somalia, as well as exploring the possibilities to replicate this form of programming in other comparable environments.
Scholarly Works
Risks versus Transformational Opportunities in Gender-Responsive Security Sector Reform
Eleanor Gordon, Ciara McHugh, Jane Townsley
https://academic.oup.com/jogss/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jogss/ogaa028/5859572?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Abstract: This article investigates the gap between policy and practice in gender-responsive security sector reform (SSR) by exploring the ways in which risks perceived to be associated with gender-responsive SSR in conflict-affected environments legitimize inaction. A typology of risks is presented, which range from risks to individuals, security sector institutions, and peacebuilding efforts and encompass security, programmatic, fiduciary, and reputational risks. The risks are analyzed to consider the extent to which they are present and could be managed, mitigated, or avoided, rather than stall action. This article argues that the process of determining what constitutes a risk, and what constitutes a risk worth taking, is inherently political and serves to reinforce dominant power relations, including gendered power relations. The article then discusses the risks that result from inaction and the opportunities that are missed when arguments about risk trump gender responsiveness. As a result, it is argued that gender inequalities persist, women continue to be marginalized within and beyond the security sector, and transformational opportunities that could lead to sustainable peace are missed. The article concludes by arguing that the potential risks resulting from not advancing gender-responsive SSR far outweigh the perceived risks associated with it.
Do Truth and Reconciliation Committees Improve Human Rights? Evidence From Africa 2020
Paul Kubicek & Christina Walker
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21520844.2020.1808401?journalCode=ujme20
ABSTRACT: This article examines the impact of truth and reconciliation committees (TRCs) on human rights in Africa. It examines the effects of fifteen different TRCs from 1984–2014, and fills a gap in the existent literature by developing measures to assess the strength of each TRC. Many African TRCs are quite weak. Nevertheless, the study does not find that stronger TRCs are more successful in terms of human rights outcomes. While not dismissing the value of TRCs, this work discusses limitations of quantitative studies on their impact.
Demobilising and Disengaging Violent Extremists: Towards a New UN Framework 2017
Joanne Richards
https://www.stabilityjournal.org/articles/10.5334/sta.543/
Abstract: First and second generation programmes of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ in contexts of violent extremism. Recognising this, voices from within the United Nations (UN) system have recently called for the development of a practice framework combining DDR and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Drawing on examples from Nigeria and Somalia, this commentary outlines six issue areas where DDR and CVE overlap, and where further operational guidance is required. These issue areas are: safe passage; the handling of seized and captured weapons; risk assessment; the use of deradicalisation programmes; the reintegration of extremist offenders; and the links between DDR and rehabilitation programmes for extremist prisoners.
Risks versus Transformational Opportunities in Gender-Responsive Security Sector Reform
Eleanor Gordon, Ciara McHugh, Jane Townsley
https://academic.oup.com/jogss/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jogss/ogaa028/5859572?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Abstract: This article investigates the gap between policy and practice in gender-responsive security sector reform (SSR) by exploring the ways in which risks perceived to be associated with gender-responsive SSR in conflict-affected environments legitimize inaction. A typology of risks is presented, which range from risks to individuals, security sector institutions, and peacebuilding efforts and encompass security, programmatic, fiduciary, and reputational risks. The risks are analyzed to consider the extent to which they are present and could be managed, mitigated, or avoided, rather than stall action. This article argues that the process of determining what constitutes a risk, and what constitutes a risk worth taking, is inherently political and serves to reinforce dominant power relations, including gendered power relations. The article then discusses the risks that result from inaction and the opportunities that are missed when arguments about risk trump gender responsiveness. As a result, it is argued that gender inequalities persist, women continue to be marginalized within and beyond the security sector, and transformational opportunities that could lead to sustainable peace are missed. The article concludes by arguing that the potential risks resulting from not advancing gender-responsive SSR far outweigh the perceived risks associated with it.
Do Truth and Reconciliation Committees Improve Human Rights? Evidence From Africa 2020
Paul Kubicek & Christina Walker
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21520844.2020.1808401?journalCode=ujme20
ABSTRACT: This article examines the impact of truth and reconciliation committees (TRCs) on human rights in Africa. It examines the effects of fifteen different TRCs from 1984–2014, and fills a gap in the existent literature by developing measures to assess the strength of each TRC. Many African TRCs are quite weak. Nevertheless, the study does not find that stronger TRCs are more successful in terms of human rights outcomes. While not dismissing the value of TRCs, this work discusses limitations of quantitative studies on their impact.
Demobilising and Disengaging Violent Extremists: Towards a New UN Framework 2017
Joanne Richards
https://www.stabilityjournal.org/articles/10.5334/sta.543/
Abstract: First and second generation programmes of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ in contexts of violent extremism. Recognising this, voices from within the United Nations (UN) system have recently called for the development of a practice framework combining DDR and Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Drawing on examples from Nigeria and Somalia, this commentary outlines six issue areas where DDR and CVE overlap, and where further operational guidance is required. These issue areas are: safe passage; the handling of seized and captured weapons; risk assessment; the use of deradicalisation programmes; the reintegration of extremist offenders; and the links between DDR and rehabilitation programmes for extremist prisoners.
Resources
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration: A Primer for Military Practitioners
U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, October 2019
http://pksoi.armywarcollege.edu/default/assets/File/Homepage/DDR%20paper_web.pdf
As this primer illustrates, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs are intensive, especially in terms of resources, funding, and personnel requirements. In terms of desired effects, past DDR programs have had fair success with disarmament and demobilization, but fall short with reintegration. DDR practitioners often cite a loss of funding and time as reasons for this shortfall, but the actual cause involves an ad hoc approach to planning, management, and organization. This primer is intended to address the complex issues inherent in DDR and provide a framework for planning, management, and organization. Post conflict scenarios which prompt a US policy decision to initiate DDR vary in character, so implementation is by no means clear cut. While this primer provides a logical framework, DDR practitioners must adapt their plan to the circumstances. In other words, while the DDR primer provides a roadmap, the practitioners are the drivers
A PATHWAY TO DEFECTIONS: AN ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROCESSING DEFECTORS AND DISENGAGED FIGHTERS
U.S. Department of State CSO and UK Stabilisation Unit
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Pathway-to-Defections-US-UK.pdf
This report is the culmination of a joint project between the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations in the U.S. Department of State and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Stabilisation Unit. Its purpose is to provide planners and practitioners with an analytical and evidence-based framework for building an effective and sustainable defections plan. The report presents optimal conditions for encouraging disengagement but emphasises that not all
elements will be present in a given context and that the defections pathway is not linear or static in any way. Nevertheless, there are good reasons for taking calculated steps to encourage voluntary defections even when conditions are not optimal. Successful defection programmes depend on several critical enablers: detailed analysis for understanding fighters’ incentives and motivations, lines of communication and political offers built on the analytical and contextual findings, and a defection ‘pathway’. The report highlights several critical factors in the analysis— key actors, structural capacities and programmatic provisions, as outlined below—and provides guidance to planners and practitioners for implementing the defection plan.
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration: A Primer for Military Practitioners
U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, October 2019
http://pksoi.armywarcollege.edu/default/assets/File/Homepage/DDR%20paper_web.pdf
As this primer illustrates, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs are intensive, especially in terms of resources, funding, and personnel requirements. In terms of desired effects, past DDR programs have had fair success with disarmament and demobilization, but fall short with reintegration. DDR practitioners often cite a loss of funding and time as reasons for this shortfall, but the actual cause involves an ad hoc approach to planning, management, and organization. This primer is intended to address the complex issues inherent in DDR and provide a framework for planning, management, and organization. Post conflict scenarios which prompt a US policy decision to initiate DDR vary in character, so implementation is by no means clear cut. While this primer provides a logical framework, DDR practitioners must adapt their plan to the circumstances. In other words, while the DDR primer provides a roadmap, the practitioners are the drivers
A PATHWAY TO DEFECTIONS: AN ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR PROCESSING DEFECTORS AND DISENGAGED FIGHTERS
U.S. Department of State CSO and UK Stabilisation Unit
https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Pathway-to-Defections-US-UK.pdf
This report is the culmination of a joint project between the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations in the U.S. Department of State and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Stabilisation Unit. Its purpose is to provide planners and practitioners with an analytical and evidence-based framework for building an effective and sustainable defections plan. The report presents optimal conditions for encouraging disengagement but emphasises that not all
elements will be present in a given context and that the defections pathway is not linear or static in any way. Nevertheless, there are good reasons for taking calculated steps to encourage voluntary defections even when conditions are not optimal. Successful defection programmes depend on several critical enablers: detailed analysis for understanding fighters’ incentives and motivations, lines of communication and political offers built on the analytical and contextual findings, and a defection ‘pathway’. The report highlights several critical factors in the analysis— key actors, structural capacities and programmatic provisions, as outlined below—and provides guidance to planners and practitioners for implementing the defection plan.
Training
POTI: Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): A Practical Overview
https://www.peaceopstraining.org/courses/disarmament-demobilization-and-reintegration-ddr-practical-overview/
The transition from civil war to sustainable peace is a difficult one. Successful disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants is essential for this transition. While the objectives of DDR are broad, it must be carefully planned and executed to enhance security, support development, reduce government expenditures, and remove impediments to democracy. DDR should be viewed as a holistic process, not discreet steps. The success of any programme to support DDR is closely linked to the political, economic, and security situation of the country where it occurs. The 2017 edition of this course includes the latest recommendations and strategies for DDR practitioners in the field and recent United Nations doctrine, including the 2014 UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS). This version also examines recent DDR processes and programmes, such as Colombia’s Agencia Colombiana para la Reintegración. Seven lessons.
https://www.disarmamenteducation.org/
POTI: Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): A Practical Overview
https://www.peaceopstraining.org/courses/disarmament-demobilization-and-reintegration-ddr-practical-overview/
The transition from civil war to sustainable peace is a difficult one. Successful disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants is essential for this transition. While the objectives of DDR are broad, it must be carefully planned and executed to enhance security, support development, reduce government expenditures, and remove impediments to democracy. DDR should be viewed as a holistic process, not discreet steps. The success of any programme to support DDR is closely linked to the political, economic, and security situation of the country where it occurs. The 2017 edition of this course includes the latest recommendations and strategies for DDR practitioners in the field and recent United Nations doctrine, including the 2014 UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS). This version also examines recent DDR processes and programmes, such as Colombia’s Agencia Colombiana para la Reintegración. Seven lessons.
https://www.disarmamenteducation.org/
