Joint Communication on DDR

The European Union's new policy to support disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants (DDR), is part of the EU's wider contribution to peacebuilding. This new Joint Communication outlines the EU strategic approach to support DDR processes and strengthens the EU's capacity to contribute to the prevention and sustainable resolution of armed conflicts that destabilise entire regions, affect the security of the EU and its citizens, and undermine development gains and resilience. The success and sustainability of a DDR process is highly dependent on a wide range of other efforts, including dialogue and mediation, security sector governance and reform, inclusive and sustainable development, transitional justice, prevention and countering of violent extremism, tackling organised crime and illegal exploitation of natural resources, and the management of small arms and light weapons. In this light, the EU's new DDR policy draws on the broad range of tools that are part of the Integrated Approach to Conflicts and Crises, taking into account the UN Integrated DDR Standards. The new policy will effectively contribute to peacebuilding and enhancing resilience of communities affected by fragility and conflicts.