November 7 at 08:00 – November 18 at 17:00
Background and scope
Following violent conflict or serious political and social crisis, a successful post-conflict transition is key in the peacebuilding and reconciliation process. Within this post-conflict transition, the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants (DDR) is instrumental, seeking to increase security levels locally and nationally, but also enabling those associated with armed groups to (re)join mainstream society following the end of conflict.
Contemporary challenges and developments within the field have challenged the traditional use of DDR as a post-conflict tool. Responding to these challenges, the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR has initiated a revision of the Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS) for the standards to better suit contemporary challenges of peacebuilding environments. Considering this revision, the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) revised its global course on DDR, which was relaunched in November 2019 in Stockholm. A third round of the course will be completed between the 7th and 18th of November 2022 in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with the Barcelona International Peace Center (BIPC).
Learning objectives
The course aims at deepening participants’ understanding and knowledge of the role of integrated DDR processes and related interventions during post-conflict transitions and peacebuilding and stabilization initiatives during ongoing conflict. After completing the course, the participants are expected to be able to:
- Discuss the conceptual evolution of DDR
- Analyze the differences between national DDR initiatives and UN-led integrated DDR processes
- Explain key components and activities of an integrated DDR process
- Connect and distinguish integrated DDR processes to other peacebuilding, or stabilization, interventions
- Apply and combine different elements of integrated DDR processes to differing conflict- and post-conflict settings
- Plan and asses a context specific, differentiated and evidence based integrated DDR processes
Course content
This course is to a large extent based on the revised version of the UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS) for guiding principles, preconditions, core strategies and approaches for undertaking integrated DDR. It outlines preconditions necessary for the success and sustainability of DDR programmes. It also provides guidance on key strategies and approaches to DDR programmes and operations such as community-based reintegration and security aspects. Furthermore, the course includes discussions on mandates as well as on the international legal framework within which integrated DDR programmes operate.
The course covers four general themes with underlying specifics:
- Concepts, Policy and Strategy of IDDRS
- Operations, Programmes and Support
- Structures and Processes
- Cross-cutting issues and linkages
For more specific information on the course content, see Course Invitation.
Participants
The participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of Peace Support Operations and a need or strong interest to learn about DDR. Invited participants are civil servants, diplomats, police, military personnel, academics, and representatives from International and Non-Governmental Organisations. To fully contribute to the development of the course, participants are expected to actively engage with trainers, the course material, and with other participants.
As the course is taught fully in English, fluency is a requirement.
Methodology
The course adopts an interactive, learner-centered pedagogical approach combining presentations, discussions, group work and scenario-based exercises. Individual and group-based reflections are incorporated to support knowledge sharing and promote the learning experience. With facilitators and participants of multiple professional and geographic backgrounds, this course offers a dynamic and synergetic learning environment with extensive networking and peer-learning opportunities.
Venue
The course is jointly organised by the Barcelona International Peace Center and the Folke Bernadotte Academy, and will take place in Barcelona, Spain. The training venue is a beautiful 19th century house that has hosted convents for many years. It is conveniently located minutes away from Barcelona’s city center.
On COVID-19 and safety precautions
In the light of the current pandemic, FBA and BIPC will monitor the health advisory information provided by the Spanish Authorities and act accordingly. For more information, see Course Invitation.
Costs
The course fee is 2 500 Euros. Included in this fee is the cost of accommodation during the course in a suitable hotel in single rooms as well as lunch and daily refreshments. A couple of course related social activities are also included in the course fee. Further and updated information will be provided in the logistical note sent out to the participants of the course.
Payment arrangements will be described in the acceptance letters. A limited number of scholarships can – in exceptional cases – be offered, covering parts of these expenses, for qualified participants who otherwise would not be able to attend.
Application
Please send us your digital applications via the provided link in the bottom of this page no later than September 20th, 2022. Please follow the format of the digital form. We receive many applications and to better evaluate yours, please include a short motivation note as to why you wish to attend this course. In addition, please attach your CV.
Points of contact
For further information please refer to the FBA course page and Barcelona International Peace Center.
Read more and apply via the link below.
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