Locations
Armed Forces and Groups: Exits and Reintegration
Supporting transitions from conflict to civilian life
Across conflict and post-conflict settings, UNDP supports regionally and nationally-led efforts for former members of armed forces and groups to transition away from violence while strengthening the resilience of the communities they return to.
Since 1991, UNDP has supported Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) processes in countries affected by conflict. This work has evolved to respond to changing realities, including armed criminal violence, fragile security arrangements, violent extremism and institutional reform.
Today, UNDP supports a range of approaches, including Community Violence Reduction (CVR), support to veterans, Security Sector Reform (SSR) downsizing processes, and Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (PRR) approaches for armed groups designated as terrorist organizations by the UN Security Council.
As a trusted development partner, UNDP works in contexts where institutions may be weakened, authority fragmented and full disarmament not immediately feasible.
UNDP supports integrated reintegration approaches that respond to interconnected security, social, economic and civic needs, while helping governments build nationally owned systems for long-term recovery and peacebuilding.
This includes supporting safe transitions and reducing risks of retaliation or re-recruitment; expanding access to healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support; creating livelihoods through vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment pathways; and supporting legal identity, civic participation and community engagement.
Conflict and armed violence affect people differently.
Women associated with armed groups, including combatants, supporters, wives and family members, often face stigma, exclusion and barriers to reintegration.
Young people exposed to violence may face disrupted education, unemployment and heightened risks of recruitment.
People with disabilities often require long-term rehabilitation and care due to injuries or chronic conditions. They may face barriers to services, limited mobility, and social exclusion, making recovery and reintegration more difficult.
UNDP supports exits and reintegration efforts across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Europe, including in
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Colombia
Ethiopia
Haiti
Iraq
Libya
Mali
Mozambique
Niger
Nigeria
Philippines
Somalia
South Sudan
Ukraine
Lake Chad Basin region
Liptako-Gourma region
UN DDR Resource Centre: For more information and resources on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).
Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) on DDR: The IAWG is a collaborative body of 27 United Nations entities that maintains and updates the IDDRS and related DDR policy and resources.
UNDP DDR intranet: For UNDP practitioners.
UNDP country offices and regional hubs worldwide deliver support. Global efforts are strategically coordinated and technically supported by the
UNDP Crisis Bureau
Crisis Readiness, Response and Recovery Team - C3RT
UNDP
New York