The International Research Group on Reintegration (IRGR) and the Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) are proud to announce the launch of a new study series on reintegration lending voice to revolutionary combatants in Nepal, disillusioned ex-Talibans in Afghanistan and notorious ex-pirates in Somalia.
The report series, undertaken by the Centre for Peace Studies’ International Research Group on Reintegration (IRGR), brings fresh insights into the specific conditions which motivate armed engagement and the critical factors which promote exit out of armed violence. The latter evidence is critical for ongoing efforts, aimed at bolstering durable peace to take hold and post-war reconstruction to be kick-started.
Conducted by CPS, an independent academic center, the reports lend new and unbiased evidence into the problems associated with current international policies and programs. The studies also unravel painstaking lessons learned and little known innovations which deserve to inspire and guide dedicated practitioners who wish to improve programming in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) worldwide. All reports include compelling narratives of female and male fighters and ex-fighters who reveal their reasons for resorting to armed violence and the often towering difficulties they face in returning to civilian life with dignity and in safety.
Each study has gone through an extensive process of peer reviews and consultations with the members organizations in the UN’s Inter-Agency Working group on DDR. This UN system-wise mechanism – comprises 21 UN agencies and the World Bank – all engaged in DDR worldwide and helps set UN policy and practice through the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS). This innovative collaboration between a university center and the UN, has offered a rare opportunity to gain insights into each other’s program and work practices as well as to share and adjust expectations in the effort to create a foundation for a long-term partnership. The study was made possible by generous support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and close cooperation with the members of the UN organizations engaged in peace building, including DDR.
Somalia:
Piracy off the Somali coast has become an increasing problem over the last decade, not only for international shipping companies but also for many affected local communities in Somalia. This study looks at why individuals in Somalia become involved in piracy activities, and how and why some of these individuals eventually leave criminal groups and activities.
Download the executive brief (.pdf)
Download the full report (.pdf)
Afghanistan:
The war in Afghanistan has faced continuing challenges. Though many combatants have left the Taleban they have struggled to reintegrate back into normal society. This study looks at the hardships that ex-combatants endure in Afghanistan – both from the Taleban seeking revenge over those who have left their ranks, and from the international community who have struggled in providing the right aid and protection to help ex-combatants reintegrate into society.
Download the executive brief (.pdf)
Download the full report (.pdf)
Nepal:
Between 1996 and 2006 Nepal experienced an armed conflict between politically-led Maoist guerilla movement and the countries government. Since the conflict settled the United Nations has played a key role in helping ex-combatants reintegrate back into society. However, the UN has faced many political challenges in Nepal. This study looks into the dynamics of the Nepalese Government’s resistance to UN led ex-combatant reintegration.
Download the executive brief (.pdf)
Download the full report (.pdf)
Gendered Practices in Post-War Processes :
The report of the Secretary-General (SG) of the General Assembly and Security Council – “Women’s participation in peacebuilding” – is an astute recent response to a request to the SG by the Security Council to come forward with specified international and national measures that meet the needs of girls and women in post-war situations. More specifically, SG should identify the challenges facing women’s participation in preventing, resolving and recovering from violent conflict. This report highlights the importance of acknowledging the new roles women and men assume during conflict, as combatants, economic actors and activists. Indeed, it is a key challenge if peacebuilders are to address gender inequality and discrimination on the basis of sex.