The disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of demobilized persons into society is a complex process that requires considerable human and financial resources as well as a high degree of coordination between state institutions, the international community and civil society organizations in order for it to be properly planned, implemented and monitored. Of the three components of a DDR process, the reintegration phase is usually the most complex given that a minimum level of institutional, economic, political and social capacities are needed, but usually lacking, in regions exiting a crisis situation.

 

Currently there are few mechanisms and forums where academics, experts and practitioners can exchange valuable DDR experiences that have been gained thus far in different processes worldwide. In order to address this void, the Government of Colombian is hosting an International DDR Congress (CIDDR in Spanish) in the city of Cartagena de Indias on May 4, 5 and 6, 2009 where these experts and practitioners can meet to share their knowledge from around the world.

 

The CIDDR in Cartagena is being organized by the Office of the High Counselor for the Social and Economic Reintegration (ACR), the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation (CNRR), Acción Social and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to the Colombian government, other international and national governmental and non governmental organizations – including World Bank’s Social Development Department and the United Nations Development Programme’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) – are also co-organizing this event.

 

Beyond providing an important experience sharing forum for DDR, security and development, and post-crisis reconstruction experiences in general, this Congress will seek to highlight the benefits of a community-based reintegration strategy as a way of guaranteeing the long term success and sustainability of reintegration programs.

The main objective of the IDDRC is to highlight the importance of community-based reintegration as the most viable reintegration strategy for the long term success of social and economic reintegration processes for demobilized persons.