Disarmament and Demobilization

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Disarmament and Demobilization

NGO Statement to the 2002 CG Meeting

Final Draft of the NPRS

Disarmament (in this case, the collection of weapons from ex-combatant soldiers) should be integrated into the demobilization process.

·         Demobilized soldiers should be given an opportunity to publicly hand in their issued and non-issued weapons before demobilization. By doing so, it would show the public that soldiers surrendered weapons before demobilization. When interviewed, most demobilized soldiers supported weapons collection before demobilization.

Not included.

·         Destroy one weapon for each soldier demobilized. Weapons collection and destruction, either from demobilized soldiers and/or government stockpiles, is an important symbol. It can help civilians trust that disarmament and demobilization will directly result in improved security for their communities.

Not included.

·         Continue raising the awareness of demobilized soldiers on small arms issues and peace building.

Not included.

Continue and expand the presence of NGOs in monitoring demobilization and reinsertion.

·         CDAF should provide NGOs with opportunities to monitor the first stage of demobilization: interviewing and selecting soldiers for demobilization. Doing so would promote greater transparency in the process of demobilization, thus ensuring proper implementation of future demobilization efforts.

Not included.

·         NGOs should be allowed to monitor the donation process of support packages to former demobilized soldiers. Involvement of NGOs in monitoring of donations can help to ensure that each demobilized soldier receives their chosen package, and that the quality of packages is as promised.

Not included.

More efforts towards the reintegration of demobilized soldiers are needed.

·         Reintegration efforts should include vocational training for the long-term benefit of demobilized soldiers. Poverty reduction programs could focus on the communities of demobilized soldiers. Support and assistance should especially be provided when they first return to their communities to ensure stable resettlement.

Not included.

·         Reintegration efforts should include activities that seek to limit discrimination against demobilized soldiers and promote peaceful conflict resolution in their local communities. NGOs should be encouraged and supported to actively and creatively find ways to address this fear of demobilized soldiers. Also, activities should be undertaken with local communities to address their fears and find ways to promote peace building and peaceful conflict resolution.

Not included.

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Disarmament (in this case, the collection of weapons from ex-combatant soldiers) should be integrated into the demobilization process.
· Demobilized soldiers should be given an opportunity to publicly hand in their issued and non-issued weapons before demobilization. By doing so, it would show the public that soldiers surrendered weapons before demobilization. When interviewed, most demobilized soldiers supported weapons collection before demobilization.	Not included.
· Destroy one weapon for each soldier demobilized. Weapons collection and destruction, either from demobilized soldiers and/or government stockpiles, is an important symbol. It can help civilians trust that disarmament and demobilization will directly result in improved security for their communities.	Not included.
· Continue raising the awareness of demobilized soldiers on small arms issues and peace building.	Not included.

Continue and expand the presence of NGOs in monitoring demobilization and reinsertion.
· CDAF should provide NGOs with opportunities to monitor the first stage of demobilization: interviewing and selecting soldiers for demobilization. Doing so would promote greater transparency in the process of demobilization, thus ensuring proper implementation of future demobilization efforts.	Not included.
· NGOs should be allowed to monitor the donation process of support packages to former demobilized soldiers. Involvement of NGOs in monitoring of donations can help to ensure that each demobilized soldier receives their chosen package, and that the quality of packages is as promised.	Not included.

More efforts towards the reintegration of demobilized soldiers are needed.
· Reintegration efforts should include vocational training for the long-term benefit of demobilized soldiers. Poverty reduction programs could focus on the communities of demobilized soldiers. Support and assistance should especially be provided when they first return to their communities to ensure stable resettlement.	Not included.
· Reintegration efforts should include activities that seek to limit discrimination against demobilized soldiers and promote peaceful conflict resolution in their local communities. NGOs should be encouraged and supported to actively and creatively find ways to address this fear of demobilized soldiers. Also, activities should be undertaken with local communities to address their fears and find ways to promote peace building and peaceful conflict resolution.	Not included.