RDC : report on the links between transitional justice and DDR

Since the emergence of transitional justice (TJ) and Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 1990s, policies, projects and programs in these two fields have been implemented simultaneously in many (post-conflict) contexts. Most of the time, however, TJ and DDR were developed and implemented separately. This is despite the recognition that they share the same objectives of building sustainable peace and that their operations can have reciprocal and complementary effects.

DRC, having been the scene of conflicts characterised by massive violations of human rights and international law for decades, it has a long history of involvement in DDR and TJ processes.

The aim of engaging in these processes is to resolve armed conflicts and fight against impunity for perpetrators of serious human rights violations. But so far, little has been done to build bridges between the disciplines.

This report offers concrete ways for integrating TJ and DDR in the DRC.It analyzes how, in a context of multiple conflicts and instability, these approaches can complement each other, taking into account political, security, social and operational dynamics. It explores the role of addressing human rights violations, reparations, truth-telling and local justice mechanisms.