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Women Identify Flaws in DDRR Program, Want to Assist
by Estella Nelson, The NEWS (Monrovia)
December 12, 2024
Women acting under the banner of "Concerned Women of Liberia",
say they have identified flaws in the disarmament exercise for
which they want the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to "allow
Liberians with the requisite experience to help.
The women comprised representatives from the Liberia Women Initiative
(LWI), Government of Liberia, the Women in Peace-building Network,
the Christian Community and local NGOs.
Addressing Journalists at a news conference Tuesday, the women
outlined the flaws as lack of clarity surrounding information dissemination
on the disarmament package for combatants.
They criticized UNMIL transportation and logistical arrangements,
citing inadequate vehicles and lack of lodging facilities.
Another flaw the women pointed out was that the entire DDRR process
was not localized, thus creating cultural and language barrels
between the combatants and the Peacekeepers.
According to the Women, "There was also no I.D. system put
in place; which indicates that one combatant could register under
several names, thus increasing the actual number of combatants
disarmed to UNMIL.”
The women indicated that the defects in the DDRR exercise could
improve provided citizens with expertise and experience in this
area are brought in. During the conference, the women expressed a "ready-to-help" posture.
They urged UNMIL to share with them information regarding the
full package of the DDRR intended for combatants in the various
categories.
They requested UNMIL to involved representatives of the women
group at the highest level of the DDRR program. The women also
called
on UNMIL and relevant institutions to provide water and food items
to combatants during their stay at camp site.
The women said they have started negotiations with commanders
of forces of the former Taylor government in order to help contain
the latest security situation in Monrovia.
Combatants loyal to former President Taylor for three days went
on the rampage, demanding money from the UN to disarm.
The combatants opened sporadic shooting in the suburbs of Monrovia,
a situation which has caused panic and anxiety in the City.
Copyright © 2003 The NEWS. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica
Global Media (allAfrica.com).
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