When conflict comes to an end, those who directly took part in fighting may have special livelihoods, economic and psychosocial needs resulting from sometimes years of being engaged in armed violence. Consideration must be given to these needs when communities and nations try to rebuild.

UNDP focuses most of its attention on the reintegration aspect of this process1, enabling better economic and livelihoods opportunities for former fighters; strengthening governance; and helping communities to manage conflict, so as to guarantee the sustainable assimilation of ex-combatants into society. This approach contributes to short-term stabilization and long-term post-crisis socio-economic recovery and development.