Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programming With Colombia’s Youth.

This paper shifts the focus away from the narrative portraying youth as a security concern and beneficiaries of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programs and instead recasts youth as partners and champions for advancing DDR. Building on the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) resolution 2250, it identifies a practice framework that harnesses young Colombians’ vital role in ensuring the reintegration of FARC ex-combatants and promotion of reconciliation and social cohesion. The practice framework is based on two of YPS’ five pillars: 1. Participation—which calls for youth participation at all levels of decision-making as well as measures to support local youth initiatives, and 2. Disengagement and Reintegration—which encourages support for youth-led peace building organizations.