An Expansive Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

The Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies is pleased to present:

“An Expansive Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration”

February 21 – 26, 2010 Monterey, California, USA

Inclusion of diverse groups in DDR programs is understood by practitioners to be hugely important for success in the overall transition from conflict to peace. Hence, issues related to special needs groups (including women, children, youth, the disabled, etc.) are treated within the United Nations’ Integrated Standards to guide DDR programs. However, since most DDR programs are under-funded, under-staffed and too short to facilitate effective reintegration, in practice, DDR programs have focused on the most urgent and obvious part of the problem – demobilizing male combatants. Yet, special needs groups pervade into every aspect of DDR and must be addressed to attain success. Given these challenges and pressures, this course will focus on how to effectively incorporate special needs groups into DDR programs even when these programs are under stress from inadequate staff and donor attention.

Why You Should Attend:

Participants will: Review how the Integrated Standards treat issues related to special needs groups and how these ideas were developed. Discuss various examples of how issues related to special needs groups can be incorporated into DDR program design and implementation. Problem-solve collectively with other practitioners to identify innovative ways to overcome the endemic challenges that pressure DDR programs into a narrow, male combatant focus. Expand their professional network among the other communities involved in DDR activities.

Who Will Attend:

Approximately 45 representatives from civilian government agencies, non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations and the armed forces will attend. Participants should be mid to senior level representatives from their communities with policy-making and/or experience working in the field.

Methodology:

The workshop will consist of a series of panel presentations, plenary discussions and role-playing exercises to meet the learning objectives. Additionally, a reception, group meals and a local outing will support professional networking.

Faculty:

Mr. Nicholas Tomb will serve as the Course Director for this event. He will act as the lead facilitator and will be accompanied by subject matter experts from the co-sponsoring organizations, academia, conference participants and the field of DDR.

Specific Dates:

Workshop begins, 6 pm Sunday, February 21 and concludes 12 pm Friday, February 26, 2010.

Travel:

All international and domestic participants should plan to arrive by 5 pm, Sunday, February 21, 2010. All are welcome to arrive early or depart late, but CSRS will not be able to cover additional accommodation expenses. Accommodations: The event will be held at a local hotel (to be announced) where participants from outside of Monterey will be housed.

Cost:

There is no tuition or conference fee. CSRS will cover the costs of lodging at the program site for practitioners from non-governmental organizations, governmental civilian agencies, and inter- governmental organizations. (Representatives of the defense/armed forces community (including civilian employees) must pay their own lodging.) Gratis lunch provided to all on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. CSRS Contact: Nick Tomb, ntomb@nps.edu, (831) 656-1829.

Application:

The application period will close on January 10, 2010. We anticipate that demand for this course will far exceed the number of participants that we can accommodate. Admission decisions will be announced on a rolling basis starting December 15, 2009 until all seats are filled. Applications are accepted via the CSRS online system: http://www.csrs-nps.org/logistica/public/conference_register.cfm

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