The Nigerian Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff and Federal Ministry of Justice, with Support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM – UN Migration Agency), hosted a high level meeting on Demobilisation, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) in Abuja today 5 December 2017, to bolster Nigeria’s Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Enira Krdzalic in her welcome address said “IOM is committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria to a successful peacebuilding processes.”

This high level meeting adopted approaches to integrate a comprehensive Demobilization, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) strategy into the Government existing Policy Frameworks.

Furthermore, as identified in Nigeria’s policy frameworks, the DDRR approaches will strengthen the justice system and promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Through its implementation, and in accordance with the 1999 Constitution and national Statutes, the Nigerian Government will enhance the investigative techniques for the screening of suspected Boko Haram associates, capacity for developing a national terrorism database, provide training in investigative interviewing techniques and evidence collection based on national legislations and the rule of law.

Also, legal frameworks will be strengthened with standard guidelines developed to reinforce access to justice, improve the detention conditions and protect human rights. Prosecution for criminal offences committed by Boko Haram associates will be conducted where it is in the public interest to do so, and the right to a fair trial of all people suspected of terrorism will be fully respected. Training will be provided to prosecutors and judges to ensure that trials of children suspected of terrorism meet all legal requirements and standards.

The Policy framework will be implemented identifying a clear role for family members in successful rehabilitation and reintegration of former violent extremists. The involvement of religious and community leaders is crucial to successful reconciliation within conflict affected communities.

The Government of Nigeria is aware of the right of victims of the conflict in the country’s north-east. In addition renewal programmes focused on the needs and concerns of victims, will be provided as part of this initiative.

The Nigerian Government will also seek to strengthen its cooperation with other countries affected by the actions of Boko Haram and support the safe return of displaced populations from these countries, in particular Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

It is expected that the DDRR approaches will strengthen the implementation of Nigeria’s policy framework and National Action Plan launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday 28 November 2017.

For further information, please contact IOM Nigeria: QUINTERO Maria maquintero@iom.int , KRDZALIC Enira +2349038891136, EMAIL: iomnigeria@iom.int,