Disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in August 2003 calls for prompt and efficient implementation of a national process of cantonment, disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration of all combatants of the Government of Liberia Forces (GOL), Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), Movement for Democracy (MODEL); and para-military groups and other militias. Though estimates of the total number of combatants vary, the latest data approximates that 53,000 combatants need to be engaged in the DDRR process.

It is envisaged that through comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and sustainable reintegration, all ex-combatants will be enabled to contribute to national development and reconciliation in Liberia instead of posing a threat to peace and stability. It should also be emphasized that the consolidation of national security is a precondition to facilitating humanitarian assistance, restoration of civil authority, and the promotion of economic growth and development.

A Joint Implementation Unit, led by UNDP and comprising UNMIL, UN Agencies and other partners, has been established and tasked with the overall programme planning, design and coordination of implementation. A considerable part of DDRR programme implementation is being contracted out to local and international NGOs as well as in partnership with various UN agencies, line ministries, private sector institutions and community-based structures. A Project Approval Committee, which UNDP will chair, will be established to ensure transparency in the use of donor resources. UNDP will also coordinate reintegration activities for ex-combatants and overall community-based development, which is vital for the success of the DDRR programme and lasting peace in Liberia.

The overall DDRR programme will take place over a three-year period and will cost approximately US$75 million, a portion of which is to be covered by assessed contributions from the UN peace-keeping budget. UNDP is managing the DRRR Trust Fund, which will provide the funding for demobilization and reintegration.

This year, UNDP and its partners will complete the disarmament and demobilization of 53,000 combatants, including 1,000 women, 21,000 child and 1,400 disabled combatants, and prepare demobilized ex-combatants, through validation and verification, for reintegration assistance. UNDP will work with UNMIL and others to initiate stopgap and quick implementation projects in cantonment sites and communities of resettlement, and will establish five field offices and deploy counsellors to provide referral services to ex-combatants. UNDP will work to ensure that community-based programmes are tailored to address the needs of women and child ex-combatants and those associated with fighting factions, and will assist UNICEF as needed in the reintegration of child ex-combatants.

UNDP will continue to build the capacity of the National Commission on DDRR and provide policy and technical advice. UNDP also plans to advocate for nationwide reconciliation as part of the DDRR process.