Demobilisation of ex-combatants at UMCOR-managed camp in Liberia
07 June 2004
After handing in their weapons, these ex-combatants were demobilized at VOA
Ex-combatants, including women and
children, are being demobilized as part of a UN-run
program at the Voice of America (VOA) Cantonment Camp in
Liberia. According to UN sources, an estimated 35,000
soldiers have been demobilized at four cantonment camps
throughout the country since the program started in
April of this year. UMCOR is responsible for Camp
Management at the VOA.
Situated on the outskirts of Monrovia,
Liberia's capital city, the VOA was set up as part of the
United Nations program to DDRR (demobilize, disarm,
rehabilitate and reintegrate) ex-combatants in Liberia.
The VOA is designed to accommodate 1,260 people for the
demobilisation stage of the process. UMCOR is responsible
for all aspects of camp management including:
- Overall coordination of programs and
services rendered to ex-combatants at the camp by all
implementing partners
- Orientation / briefing to new arrivals
- Recreational activities aimed at
de-traumatising ex-combatants
- Registration of ex-combatants entering
the VOA cantonment camp
- Providing demobilisation and
reintegration forms
- Taking photos of all ex-combatants
entering the camp
- Distribution of non-food assistance
- Dorm room allocation
- Water and sanitation activities at the
camp
- Providing internal security for
ex-combatants at the VOA
- Organization of departure / discharge
of demobilized ex-combatants
- Payment of US$ 150 (Transitional
Safety Net Allowance) to ex-combatants on discharge
Under the DDRR program, ex-combatants
receive medical treatment and therapy while they stay at
the camp for a period of at least 7 days. They receive US$
150 dollars on discharge and later receive academic or
vocational training after they return to their home
communities. After the initial demobilisation process,
child soldiers go to Interim Care Centers where there
receive counselling to help them deal with the trauma of
their experiences and basic schooling. At the centers,
staff endeavour to reunite the children with their
families. It is estimated that there are between 40,000
and 50,000 former combatants in Liberia.
UMCOR Liberia distributes hygiene kits to IDPs at several camps.
The DDRR process is being supervised by
UNMIL, the United Nations Mission in Liberia peacekeeping
force. Successful disarmament is vital for the future
stability of Liberia as well as for the return of
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their home
communities. UMCOR Liberia staff have also been carrying
out the distribution of hygiene kits to IDPs at several camps near
the VOA. Having been displaced from home
communities for months and even years, many of these
people lack basic necessities and are in urgent need of
assistance. Many suffer from serious and life-threatening
illnesses, including HIV and AIDs. UMCOR is providing IDPs
who have returned to homes in the suburbs of Monrovia with
agricultural tools, seeds and also training.
UMCOR Liberia plans to participate
fully in the relocation, reintegration and rehabilitation
process in Liberia. With over 30,000 IDPs currently in
camps managed by UMCOR, it is our hope that with
continuing donor support, all these people can be
resettled to their communities. Many of them come from the
rural parts of Liberia including Lofa, Bong, Grand Gedeh,
Maryland, Cape Mount, Nimba and Grand Bassa counties.
By Naomi Crusoe, UMCOR Liberia and Joanna Kinberger, UMCOR Europe
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