Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR)

UNDP has been engaged in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) since 1991, managing and implementing programmes in both peacekeeping and non-peacekeeping contexts.  Through DDR interventions,  UNDP seeks to support peace processes and enhance security to facilitate recovery and development. 

During the transition from conflict to peace, UNDP supports ex-combatants' economic and social reintegration with, for example, training programmes on livelihoods creation.  However, UNDP's DDR approach goes beyond ex-combatants to focus on the wider community with programmes on armed violence reduction and weapons management. In support of national authorities, UNDP plays a coordinating role and provides financial assistance to DDR programmes.

UNDP supports DDR in more than 15 countries. UNDP has supported DDR in peacekeeping contexts in Afghanistan, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Haiti, Liberia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Timor Leste. UNDP’s engagement in DDR in non-peacekeeping contexts includes Central African Republic, Colombia, Comoros Islands, Indonesia (Aceh), Nepal, Niger, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Somalia, Solomon Islands and Uganda.

Learn more about UNDP programming in our Donor Proposal on Conflict Prevention and Recovery (pdf).

POLICY, GUIDANCE AND LESSONS LEARNED

Practice Note on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-combatants, UNDP, 2005: The Practice Note defines DDR and outlines UNDP’s role in the process. It reflects on lessons learned and offers practical guidance for DDR policy makers and practitioners, providing a framework for future UNDP interventions in the field.  (English or French)

DDR Management and Information System (MIS): UNDP has developed generic software to manage the significant flows of information on participants, beneficiaries and partners in DDR programmes. This software is available free of charge for DDR programmes.

New UN approach to DDR: The Integrated DDR Standards

What are the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards?

Since 2004, UNDP has been actively engaged in the establishment of the UN Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR (IAWG), a UN-wide group which is working to increase coordination and effectiveness on DDR. The IAWG, which is made up of 15 United Nations departments, agencies, funds and programmes, has been developing UN policy guidelines on the planning, development and implementation of DDR in peacekeeping contexts, also known as the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS).

For more information on UN Integrated DDR Standards, Operational Guide to the IDDRS, and DDR Briefing Note for Senior Managers, visit the UN DDR Resource Center. The UN DDR Resource Center is a comprehensive website where DDR practitioners can find UN DDR-related information, including an overview of DDR country programmes. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Report of the UN Secretary-General on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, 2006  

Report of the UN Secretary-General on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, 2000

Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations - Brahimi Report, 2000

Report of the UN Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, Harnessing Institutional Capacities in Support of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of Former Combatants, 2000

For more information, contact: Info-DDR@undp.org