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Community-Based DDR & SSR

A "Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration" - a DDR process aims to deal with the post-conflict security problems that arise when combatants are left without livelihoods and support networks, during the vital period that stretches from conflict to peace, recovery and development.

This definition of DDR focuses on four stages: Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reinsertion and Reintegration. A "Security Sector Reform" - an SSR means transforming the security sector/system, which includes all the actors, their roles, responsibilities and actions – working together to manage and operate the system in a manner that is consistent with democratic norms and sound principles of good governance, and thus contributing to a well-functioning security framework.

Security governance issues such as DDR, SSR and reinforcing the rule of law are now increasingly recognised as priority peace-building tasks. Pax Christi International acknowledges the inter-linkages between security sector reforms and other important factors of stabilisation and reconstruction, such as transitional justice, disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of former combatants, small arms and light weapons control, as well as gender equality, children and armed conflict and human rights issues.

For Pax Christi, it is crucial that civil society and community-based organisations are included in the design of a DDR/SSR process. DDR/SSR processes take root at local levels and are essential to their legitimacy and sustainability.