Operational Framework for Children’s Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo—in particular, the Commission nationale de désarmement, démobilisation et reinsertion (CONADER)—adopted this operational framework in May 2004. The final document was based on an interim operational framework developed through a process led by UNICEF, in collaboration with other child protection stakeholders.[1]

According to the plan for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, child members are first brought to military regroupment centers and then to CONADER centers. Upon entry, individuals under 18 are registered as children and then housed in a separate compound. The framework organizes their release and also provides an assistance package, organizes family reunifications, and provides education opportunities.[2]

[1] See “Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” S/2006/389, June 13, 2006, https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/CAC%20S2006389.pdf.

[2] See “Democratic Republic of Congo: Children at war, creating hope for the future,” Amnesty International, 2006, https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/afr620172006en.pdf; and “Evaluation Report 2007-2011 Programme for the Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups in the DRC,” UNICEF DRC, 2011, https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/RelatedRecords/CR2017_07217.PDF.