Details for Avoiding Disarmament Failure: The Critical Link in DDR. An Operational Manual

Publication Date: 2007
Author: Peter Swarbrick
Institution: Small Arms Survey
Keywords: Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR)
Read Full Text Here: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP5-DDR-Manual.pdf

Relevance:
This paper aims to highlight for the 'engaged but largely uninformed reader' some of the most important obstacles to disarmament in Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR), although it touches on the process of DDR as a whole. It focuses heavily on the DDR programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), although draws on examples from other countries such as Burundi, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Haiti. It is not relevant to all disarmament scenarios, but those where a large number of national and international actors are engaged.  

Key Issues:
The paper argues that in each phase of DDR there are pitfalls that can threaten the transition to peace. It focuses particularly on disarmament, arguing that this component is particularly urgent and delicate, involving political, legal, administrative, organisational, financial, logistical, and security aspects.

The paper is divided into three main sections:

• Overall context of disarmament in relation to DDR
• Preconditions and preparations for disarmament in relation to DDR
• Roles in and responsibilities for disarmament in relation to DDR

The first focuses on the motivations and expectations of armed groups engaging in a political process leading to disarmament, including the risk of 'rewarding' violent behaviour; and on the different international actors likely to be involved. It points out that DDR needs to be broader and more holistic than just weapons collection.

The second covers the place of DDR in peace processes and the legal framework, as well as practical issues such as financing, infrastructure, site selection and security, phasing and security guarantees, caseload selection, incentives, reintegration, public awareness campaigns, and benchmarking/indicators. It argues that in theory, a DDR programme should be included in the text of any peace or ceasefire agreement, and ideally be constructed 'back to front' so that reintegration programmes are underway before disarmament begins – albeit this may not be practical. Regardless of timing, expectations of all relevant groups must be managed. Disarmament is the result of political solutions, not the solution itself.

The final section covers roles and responsibilities of different actors, including the state (which it argues should have primacy), civil society, the military and police (international and national). It argues that a successful DDR operation is dependent on an integrated team of organisations and agencies that understand their roles and responsibilities.

Read Full Text Here: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP5-DDR-Manual.pdf