On July the 7th 2008, one of the most important opinion publications in Colombia "SEMANA" published an article called “El ensayo y error de la reintegración” (Trial and error of the reintegration programme. According to this article, part of the nearly fifty thousand former combatants (left oriented guerrilla groups and right oriented paramilitary groups) considers that the Colombian government has not kept its commitments in the framework or the reintegration program of ex-combatants into civilian life. For instance, the article stresses that some of the demobilized persons do not have access to health and education (particularly vocational training) services and psychological orientation and for this reason the former combatants run the risk of returning to armed conflict (Semana 2008). This situation seems to validate the "positive peace theory", which suggests that the end of violence via peace agreement does not necessarily mean the achievement of peace. On the contrary, in the aftermath of any intense violence or any so called post-conflict situation, new challenges and opportunities arise, which have to be taken into account if one wants to achieve a real transition toward the ideal of peace.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical framework
2.1. Post-Conflict from a peacebuilding perspective
2.2. Post-Conflict and Human Rights
2.2.1. A complex relationship
2.2.2. Human Rights and post-conflict from a Transitional Justice approach
2.2.3. Relationship between human rights and post-conflict from a peacebuilding perspective
3. Social and economic reintegration of former combatants
3.1. Overview of the social and economic reintegration
3.2. Relationship between social and economic reintegration and transitional justice
3.3. The social and economic reintegration of former combatants in El Salvador and in Colombia
4. Implications: importance and challenges of the social and economic reintegration of former combatants for peacebuilding
5. Toward the transition from a former combatant to a citizen
6. Bibliography
Objectives & Core Themes
This paper examines the critical role of the social and economic reintegration of former combatants within the context of peacebuilding, arguing that these processes are essential for preventing a return to conflict and fostering sustainable peace by addressing structural inequalities and human rights.
- Theoretical intersection of human rights, post-conflict transitions, and peacebuilding.
- Challenges associated with reintegrating former combatants into civilian life.
- Role of transitional justice in balancing accountability and reconciliation.
- Comparative analysis of reintegration programs in El Salvador and Colombia.
- Development of inclusive strategies that involve host communities for sustainable peace.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
On July the 7th 2008, one of the most important opinion publications in Colombia “SEMANA’’ published an article called “El ensayo y error de la reintegración” (Trial and error of the reintegration programme. According to this article, part of the nearly fifty thousand former combatants (left oriented guerrilla groups and right oriented paramilitary groups) considers that the Colombian government has not kept its commitments in the framework or the reintegration program of ex-combatants into civilian life. For instance, the article stresses that some of the demobilized persons do not have access to health and education (particularly vocational training) services and psychological orientation and for this reason the former combatants run the risk of returning to armed conflict (Semana 2008). This situation seems to validate the “positive peace theory”, which suggests that the end of violence via peace agreement does not necessarily mean the achievement of peace. On the contrary, in the aftermath of any intense violence or any so called post-conflict situation, new challenges and opportunities arise, which have to be taken into account if one wants to achieve a real transition toward the ideal of peace.
On the one hand, there is the challenge of satisfying the demands of justice and on the other hand to meet the demands of reconciliation. The judicial and non-judicial mechanism known as transitional justice is used to find equilibrium between the exigencies of no impunity and the search for a sustainable peace. Generally the efforts oriented toward restoring the dignity of victims and toward ensuring the accountability of perpetrators is considered to be a priority. However, one often forgets that the offenders (generally former combatants) also have the right to be reintegrated into civilian life under the rule of law as holders of duties and human rights (civil, economic, social and cultural rights). Particularly the former combatants have to meet their basic needs and those of their families (in other words ‘legal livelihoods’) in a new context which, generally speaking, is hostile toward them because of the prejudice, discrimination and social rejection that result from their actions in the past.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the motivation for the study, highlighting the failures of reintegration programs in Colombia and introducing the theoretical link between post-conflict peacebuilding and human rights.
2. Theoretical framework: Establishes key concepts, focusing on post-conflict challenges, the intersection of transitional justice with human rights, and the necessity of meeting basic human needs for peace.
3. Social and economic reintegration of former combatants: Analyzes the mechanics of reintegration programs, the relationship between these efforts and transitional justice, and provides empirical insights through the cases of El Salvador and Colombia.
4. Implications: importance and challenges of the social and economic reintegration of former combatants for peacebuilding: Synthesizes the theoretical and practical evidence to argue that reintegration is a constitutive factor of reconciliation and must prioritize long-term stability.
5. Toward the transition from a former combatant to a citizen: Concludes the paper by reiterating the necessity of a virtuous cycle between transitional justice, community participation, and successful reintegration to maintain peace.
Keywords
Peacebuilding, Post-conflict, Former combatants, Reintegration, Human rights, Transitional justice, Reconciliation, Colombia, El Salvador, Sustainable peace, Human needs theory, Social exclusion, Economic development, Demobilization, Social interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the importance and the complex challenges of the social and economic reintegration of former combatants as a core component of post-conflict peacebuilding.
What are the primary thematic fields addressed?
The core themes include the intersection of human rights with conflict resolution, the function of transitional justice, and the practical implementation of reintegration programs.
What is the central research aim?
The primary aim is to analyze how the social and economic reintegration of former combatants can positively contribute to sustainable peace and reconcile the conflicting demands of justice and social stability.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author utilizes a theoretical framework grounded in "positive peace" and "human needs" theories, complemented by a comparative case study analysis of recent history in El Salvador and Colombia.
What issues are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definitions of post-conflict, the tensions between retributive and restorative justice, the specific social and economic hurdles ex-combatants face, and the importance of community involvement in the process.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include Peacebuilding, Transitional justice, Former combatants, Social and economic reintegration, and Human rights.
How does the author define the 'post-conflict' period?
The author defines it as the first decade following the 'outbreak of peace,' characterized by unique challenges that go beyond simple physical reconstruction to include social and psychological healing.
Why are the cases of El Salvador and Colombia significant to this study?
They serve as illustrative examples of different peace process outcomes—one following a formal peace treaty and one occurring in the absence of a comprehensive agreement—demonstrating the structural barriers to effective reintegration.
What role does the 'community' play in the author's argument?
The author argues that community participation is essential for the legitimacy of the reintegration process, transforming the focus from individual ex-combatant support to a more holistic 'community-based' approach.
- Quote paper
- Andrés Home (Author), 2009, Social and economic reintegration of former combatants: Challenging human rights and peacebuilding, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/124851
