Abstract:Reintegrating ex-combatants in post-war societies is one of the most crucial components of peace-building processes, but at the same time it is not an easy thing to do. The UNDP Human Development Report 2002 stated “Demobilizing combatants and reintegrating them into normal life is one of the most challenging priorities in post-conflict situations.” In this paper, I would like to explore how ex-combatants can find new perspectives and roles in post-war societies, taking the example of Lebanon. I will not talk about policies or practices implemented by governments or international organizations. I will speak about what civil society can do in terms of reintegrating ex-combatants, taking as example our organization “Fighters for Peace”.
Vita:Christina Foerch Saab holds a Master Degree in Political Sciences and Spanish from the Free University of Berlin and has a certificate in Biography Work. In the year 2000 she moved from Berlin to Beirut where she has been working as filmmaker, journalist, and consultant for NGOs. Her films were published in 3sat, arte, DW-TV, ORF, and Al Arabiya and were screened at international festivals.
She has specialized in issues such as the memory of the Lebanese civil war, ex-combatants, peace education, media, and arms control and disarmament processes.
Foerch Saab represents civil society from the MENA region at UN conferences for arms control and also speaks and facilitates at international conferences about disarmament and former combatants.
In the organization Fighters for Peace she is part of the management board and in charge of projects, international relations and psycho-social work with ex-combatants.
