The Social Reintegration of ex-Combatants in Postconflict Societies – A Discussion About a Possible Harmonisation of Transitional Justice and Integrated DDR Programs
The Social Reintegration of ex-Combatants in Postconflict Societies – A Discussion About a Possible Harmonisation of Transitional Justice and Integrated DDR Programs

Summary/Abstract: In this essay I will seek to address the social reintegration of excombatants in societies that have suffered from a (civil) war or violent conflict. Transitional justice measures, however, often coexist – or even overlap - with UN-sponsored programs for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). But while transitional justice mechanisms aim for accountability and benefit victims and the society, DDR programs address mainly excombatants and the question of security. The objective of this article is to illuminate the “peace versus justice”-debate by examining the relationship between the two different approaches as well as the questions, whether and how they can reinforce each other.

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