between DDR and SSR was “ Reintegration ” – the process of reincorporating as many appropriate ex-combatants into the new military as possible . For the select few who were able to pass the vetting process , “ Reintegration ” not only gave them quick employment in the new military , but also served to build trust ( between former enemies ) and let them become an integral part of the greater Liberian peacebuilding effort . Due to the downsizing of the new military , however , other avenues for reintegration for most ex-combatants ( economic avenues , such as public works programs ) had to be pursued .
Likewise , the UN and U . S . integrated DDR and SSR in the transformation of the Liberian National Police ( LNP ). The highly corrupt , brutal police force that had operated during the Taylor years was , unfortunately , still largely intact after the civil war . Its officers posed a significant threat to the state and to peace . In response to this threat , the United States initially put much a much higher priority and much greater attention on reforming the LNP than on reforming the AFL . The U . S . and UNMIL demobilized ( purged ) all unqualified policemen , vetted / reintegrated a small number of personnel , conducted extensive recruiting / vetting / training of new police forces , established a new police academy , and developed an emergency infrastructure . UNMIL took on the major role of training the LNP , worked with various international partners to build new police stations and barracks , and equipped the force with vehicles and logistics . Also , efforts were made to increase female representation in the force .
A unique approach taken by recovery leaders and new governmental leaders was the effort to operationalize “ human security .” The primary focus here was to ensure that the population could gain " freedom from fear " of the military . A number of steps were taken to ensure the new AFL would not appear threatening to the people . As stated earlier , a vetting process was used to screen all of the candidates for the AFL . Secondly , the AFL ' s force structure was addressed : its size was made deliberately small , it contained no special units ( to preclude any loyalties to a specific person , vice the state ), and it was ethnically balanced – with all tribes equally represented . Third , non-traditional training was highly emphasized , covering the following subjects : discipline , moral judgment , respect for the laws of war , Liberian history , the Liberian constitution , civics , and literacy . Also , Liberians were taught to be the trainers of the AFL , so that they could take stock in professionalizing their own military .
Finally , besides the many SSR and DDR actions to consolidate the state ' s monopoly of force , another key short-term action was to mobilize “ networks for peace ” – for the purpose of counterbalancing “ networks for war .” Conflictrecovery leaders were extremely proactive in promoting the actions of peaceminded groups and in establishing multilateral , national , and nongovernmental webs of people and organizations who wanted a warless Liberia . As nongovernmental organizations ( NGOs ) trickled back into the country , and as evacuated embassy staff personnel returned , these groups / people were significantly helped by the UN , by the embassies , and by recovery leaders to enhance reintegration
Table of Contents | Quick Look | Contact PKSOI Page 14 of 36