The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) created the first formalized Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) learning program in the world. In the context of peace operations, disarmament is the collection, control and disposal of small arms, ammunition, explosives and light and heavy weapons of both combatants and the civilian population. Demobilization is the process by which armed forces either downsize or completely disband, as part of a broader transformation from war to peace. Reintegration programs are assistance measures provided to former combatants and their families that increase the potential for their economic and social reintegration into civil society.
The PPC fundamentally believes that the reintegration stage can make or break a DDR process – and that the DDR process is far more complex than taking guns away from soldiers. Rather, all people in a fragile environment need to be reintegrated into a newly assembled civil society. For instance, a significant challenge is posed when a former child soldier is reintegrated into a community as a civilian. The community has to be prepared to accept this child, even if he or she was a participant in armed conflict.
While challenges to re-integrate all of these groups of people back into their homes, villages and communities are significant, the PPC believes that DDR – as a long term objective – goes a long way towards establishing and maintaining peace. The PPC offers DDR training to civilian groups, military and police and can tailor this course to suit any audience, anywhere in the world.
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