IOM Director General Speaks at Conference on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
IOM Director General William Lacy Swing arrived in Colombia last
weekend for his first official visit to the South American country
and to take part in the First International Conference on
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in the city of
Cartagena de Indias.
Director General Swing took part in a panel focusing on the role
of community-based reintegration processes for security, peace and
development and shared final reflections and observations on the
subjects discussed during the conference.
Co-organized by IOM, the three-day conference starting 4 May
brought together more than 600 experts from international
organizations, academics, and civil society from more than 20
countries. Participants shared best practices in the field and
discussed the benefits of community-based reintegration processes
as a more viable strategy to achieve long-term success and
sustainability.
The Director General also met various high-level government
officials and the international community and visited IOM projects
that provide support to the victims of illegal armed groups and
which help ex-combatant minors return to civilian life.