Programmes for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants have become an integral part of peace operations and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. A number of countries have also implemented demobilisation programmes as part of a wider security sector reform process or a force reduction initiative. DDR programmes constitute an important link between military and civilian aspects of post-conflict reconstruction work. The success of such programmes is essential for sustainable peace and development.  

Today a wide range of different organizations are involved in the planning and implementation of specific aspects of DDR programmes. There are several complementary military and civilian tasks. In most countries no organisation or mandate cover the entire range from disarmament of soldiers and armed civilians to the reintegration of war-affected groups. It is therefore important for decision-makers and civil servants in national demobilisation commissions, concerned ministries, central and local government agencies, and peacekeeping contingents to ensure consistency in planning, financing and delivery of such programmes.  

The Folke Bernadotte Academy conducts specialised training on DDR for both practitioners and policy makers. The training is conducted both as comprehensive DDR courses and as modules as part of wider training on security and development or on peace support operations in general, as well as specific in-mission training in cooperation with national and international partners. The DDR project activities also include technical assistance, studies, evaluations and methodology development.  

The Folke Bernadotte Academy is a member of the Integrated DDR Training Group (IDDRTG) – an international network of training institutions and training organisers who cooperate on the design and implementation of DDR training.

Definition of DDR

• Disarmament is the collection, documentation, control and disposal of small arms, ammunition, explosives, light and heavy weapons of combatants and often also of the civilian population. Disarmament also includes the development of responsible arms management programmes.  
• Demobilisation is the formal and controlled discharge of active combatants from armed forces or other armed groups. The first stage of demobilisation may extend from the processing of individual combatants in temporary centers to the massing of troops in camps designated for this purpose.
  The second stage of demobilisation encompasses the support package provided to the demobilized, which is called reinsertion.  
• Reintegration is the process by which ex-combatants acquire civilian status and gain sustainable employment and income. Reintegration is essentially a social and economic process with an open time frame, primarily taking place in communities at the local level. It is part of the general development of a country and a national responsibility and often necessitates long-term external assistance.  

Source: Report of the UN Secretary General to the General Assembly on Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (A/60/705 dated 2 March 2006).