Call for Applications, The Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies, Short Course, “An Expansive Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration”, Monetery, CA

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

“An Expansive Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration”


A short course
Co-sponsored by the
International Organization for Migration
Initiative for Inclusive Security
United Nations Development Program,
Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery

June 21 - 26, 2009
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 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, among others, 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.

Course Objectives:

* 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 40 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, June 21 and concludes 12 pm Friday, June 27, 2009.

Travel:
All international and domestic participants should plan to arrive by 5 pm, Sunday, June 21, 2009. 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.)
* CSRS has some grant funds available to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for a few representatives of NGOs, IGOs and non-US government officials from civilian agencies (non-defense sector).
* Gratis lunch provided to all on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


Application:
The application period for this course will close on May 8, 2009. We anticipate much greater demand for this course than we will be able to accommodate, and encourage applicants to carefully articulate how they will benefit from and contribute to the course. Admission decisions will be announced on a rolling basis starting May 15 until all seats are filled. Applications are accepted via the CSRS online system:

http://www.csrs-nps.org/logistica/public/conference_register.cfm

CSRS Contact:
Nick Tomb, ntomb(at)nps.edu, 831-656-1829.