Demobilization

1
Demobilization

• 4.20

2
Overview

• Introduction
• Planning factors
• Profile of demobilization beneficiaries
• Demobilization modalities
• Activities during demobilization
• Discharge

• Constructing a demobilization site
• Managing a demobilization site
• Managing a mobile demobilization site
• Other considerations
• Conclusion

3
Introduction

• Demobilization is the formal and controlled
  discharge of active combatants from armed forces
  or other armed groups. The first stage of
  demobilization may comprise the processing of
  individual combatants in temporary centres to the
  massing of troops in camps designated for this
  purpose (cantonment sites, encampments, assembly
  areas or barracks). The second stage of
  demobilization encompasses the support package
  provided to the demobilized, which is called
  reinsertion.
• Note by the Secretary-General on administrative
  and budgetary aspects of the financing of the
  United Nations peacekeeping operations, 24 May
  2005 (A/C.5/59/31)

4
Planning Factors

• Linkages with reintegration
• Striking a balance between assistance and rewards
  
• Linkages with security sector reform
• Public information and awareness-raising

• Security
• Location
• Size/Capacity
• Information Management
• Inter-agency coordination

5
Profile of Demobilization Beneficiaries

• DDR candidates include combatants and dependants
• Combatant includes individuals who were part of
  the armed group in a support capacity and
  involved in active combat
• Each category of people has its own needs and
  concerns
• Children

6
Demobilization Modalities

• Semi-permanent demobilization sites
• Look at positive and negative aspects to
  establishing an encampment
• Mobile demobilization sites
• Limit permanent structures

7
Activities During Demobilization

• Counselling and referral
• Health screening
• Pre-discharge awareness-raising/sensitization

• Reception
• Screening and registration
• Registration and documentation
• Introduction and briefing

8
Discharge

• Reinsertion is the assistance offered to
  ex-combatants during demobilization but prior to
  the longer-term process of reintegration.
  Reinsertion is a form of transitional assistance
  to help cover the basic needs of ex-combatants
  and their families and can include transitional
  safety allowances, food, clothes, shelter,
  medical services, short-term education, training,
  employment and tools. While reintegration is a
  long-term, continuous social and economic process
  of development, reinsertion is a short-term
  material and/or financial assistance to meet
  immediate needs, and can last up to one year.
• Note by the Secretary-General on administrative
  and budgetary aspects of the financing of the UN
  peacekeeping operations, 24 May 2005
  (A/C.5/59/31)
• Cash or no cash?
• Transport

9
Constructing a Demobilization Site

• Considerations in site selection
• Accessibility
• Security
• General amenities
• Storage facilities/armoury
• Communications infrastructure
• Site alternatives
• Refurbishment and temporary use of community
  property
• Refurbishment and temporary use of state
  /military property
• Construction contracted or military?
• Mobile demobilization sites

10
Managing a Demobilization Site

• Coordination of services, supplies and assistance
• Camp management contracts
• Management of disputes within the demobilization
  site
• Civilmilitary cooperation
• Equipment and logistics
• Staff security, emergency and evacuation planning
  
• Provision of basic needs (food, water and medical
  treatment)

11
Managing a Mobile Demobilization Site

• Security
• Disarmament and weapons storage
• Secure weapons
• Weapons in the custody of the military

12
Other Considerations

• Concealed weapons
• armed until DDR staff are satisfied