On 13 June 2026, the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) hosted a roundtable meeting in Istanbul to explore the legal, political, and societal dimensions of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR). Titled “New Phase in Peacebuilding: Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and the Legal Framework in Light of the Commission Report,” the gathering provided a vital platform for evaluating the practical requirements of a potential transition toward sustainable peace. The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including bar association presidents from eastern and south-eastern Türkiye, parliamentarians, legal experts, academics, civil society representatives, and diplomatic stakeholders.
The discussions were enriched by the practical insights of international peace and security expert Simon Yazgi, who shared lessons from over two decades of frontline experience in DDR, ceasefire mediation, and security sector governance. By examining international examples from contexts such as Colombia, Northern Ireland, Nepal, Liberia, Sudan, and Côte d’Ivoire, participants explored how DDR processes function as critical mechanisms for reducing violence. However, there was a shared recognition that disarmament alone is insufficient and must be accompanied by broader democratic and institutional transformations.
A major focus of the roundtable was the anticipated standalone legal framework, building upon the political reference points established by the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission Report. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue on the necessity of credible institutional arrangements, impartial oversight structures, and clear legal guarantees to build trust among all stakeholders during periods of transition. Furthermore, the conversation underscored that true reintegration extends far beyond economic support; it requires addressing psychological dimensions, fostering community acceptance, and promoting inclusive narratives to support societal reconciliation.
The event concluded with a mutual understanding that while international models offer valuable comparative lessons, any future steps must be carefully adapted to Türkiye’s specific political, legal, and grassroots realities. Moving forward, DPI remains committed to facilitating informed, multi-stakeholder dialogue and creating constructive spaces for comparative learning as the process continues to evolve.
