The results highlight both areas where participants’ priorities align with the support they receive and persistent gaps that may undermine the overall effectiveness of reincorporation efforts. They also show that participants continue to face significant obstacles—including economic hardship and insecurity—that affect their transition to civilian life and, in some cases, may increase the risk of returning to illicit activities, thereby jeopardizing peacebuilding efforts. The report offers concrete recommendations to strengthen support within the reincorporation process and to inform future disarmament, demobilization and reintegration-style initiatives, as well as broader peacebuilding strategies in Colombia and beyond.

Citation: Angela Olaya, Kyle Johnson, Sofia Rivas, Jente Althuis, Moritz Hoene, Siobhan O’Neil, “Headway and Hurdles: The Reincorporation Progress and Challenges Faced by FARC-EP Ex-combatants”, Findings Report 49, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2026, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/26/01

El informe analiza las experiencias, los avances y los principales desafíos que enfrentan los exintegrantes de las FARC-EP en su proceso de reincorporación. Los hallazgos se basan en 319 encuestas realizadas entre julio y octubre de 2025 a participantes activos en cuatro ubicaciones: dos Espacios Territoriales de Capacitación y Reincorporación —Tierra Grata (departamento del Cesar) y Mariana Páez (departamento del Meta)— así como las ciudades de Bogotá y Medellín.

Los hallazgos identifican tanto áreas en las que las prioridades de las y los participantes se alinean con el apoyo recibido como brechas persistentes que podrían socavar la eficacia general del proceso de reincorporación. También evidencian que las y los participantes continúan enfrentando desafíos importantes —como dificultades económicas e inseguridad— que afectan su tránsito a la vida civil y que, en algunos casos, pueden aumentar el riesgo de regresar a actividades ilícitas. El informe presenta recomendaciones concretas para fortalecer el acompañamiento ofrecido dentro del proceso de reincorporación, para orientar futuras iniciativas de desarme, desmovilización y reintegración, así como estrategias más amplias de construcción de paz en Colombia y más allá.

Citation: Angela Olaya, Kyle Johnson, Sofia Rivas, Jente Althuis, Moritz Hoene, Siobhan O’Neil, “Avances y Desafíos en la Reincorporación de Exintegrantes de las FARC-EP”, Findings Report 49, UNIDIR, Ginebra, 2026, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/26/01

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Citation: Moritz Hoene, Francesca Batault, Kato van Broeckhoven, Siobhan O’Neil, Mohammed Bukar, and Fatima Yetcha Ajimi Badu, “Addressing Silent Burdens: Effective Responses to Psychological Distress in the North East of Nigeria”, Findings Report 46, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2025. https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/25/09.

The post Addressing Silent Burdens: Effective Responses to Psychological Distress in the North East of Nigeria first appeared on UNIDIR.

Drawing on this evidence, the report aims to inform efforts to improve the return and reintegration process for former Boko Haram associates and the communities receiving them. It concludes with co-created, bottom-up recommendations on how to make reintegration more effective and responsive to the needs of conflict-affected populations in the region.

Citation: Chitra Nagarajan, Francesca Batault, Remadji Hoinathy, Célestin Delanga and Douvagaï, “Community Perspectives on Return and Reintegration in Cameroon and Chad”, Findings Report 44, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2025, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/25/05.

The post Community Perspectives on Return and Reintegration in Cameroon and Chad first appeared on UNIDIR.

The report examines how the return process and reintegration prospects have evolved for different cohorts of returnees, with a particular focus on how long returning cohorts stay in the Centre, whether they access services and can procure or renew civil documentation there, and how perceptions of the expected familial and community receptivity have shifted over time.

Citation: Schadi Semnani, Jente Althuis, Muqadas Samarrai, Melisande Genat, and Siobhan O’Neil, “From Al Hol to Hope: Navigating Return and Reintegration Challenges,” Findings Report 37, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2024, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/24/06.

The post From Al Hol to Hope: Navigating Return and Reintegration Challenges (Findings Report 37) first appeared on UNIDIR.

In areas that have received large numbers of formal and informal returns, specifically Mosul (Ninewa) and Rummanah, Qaim, Haditha, Ana, and Rawa (Anbar), interviews and focus groups were conducted with formal and informal returnees, community leaders, and community members.

This report examines the trajectories of informal returnees, the barriers they face, and how their reintegration progress may differ from those Iraqis who formally are returning through the Government of Iraq-led process and the wider IDP returnee population.

Citation: Schadi Semnani, Jente Althuis, Muqadas Samarrai, Melisande Genat, Noor Mohammed, and Siobhan O’Neil, “Shadow Crossings: Informal Returnees from Al Hol,” Findings Report 35, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2024. https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/24/02

The post Shadow Crossings: Informal Returnees from Al Hol (Findings Report 35) first appeared on UNIDIR.

The report highlights that journeys out of both types of groups are gradual and complex, influenced by a range of factors, including upbringing, parental involvement, coercion, socio-economic grievances, aspirations of belonging, and other societal and environmental factors. The literature examined also reveals the significant psychological impacts of group membership, such as the normalization of violence, which can impact desistance. Regardless of how non-state groups are characterized, evidence points to the value of tailored interventions that address intergroup dynamics, adopt a multi-faceted approach to support that includes community engagement, and are sensitive to cultural and gender-specific needs. 

Citation: Noah Cohen and Anamika Madhuraj, “Disengaging from Armed Groups and Desisting from Conflict Activities: Drawing Lessons Learned from Criminology” Findings Report 34, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2024, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/24/01

The post Disengaging from Armed Groups and Desisting from Conflict Activities: Drawing Lessons Learned from Criminology (Findings Report 34) first appeared on UNIDIR.

The report adopts a conversational approach with Professors Khadka and Gelot to distill the policy implications of their academic research.

It also delves into the impact of critical factors such as perceived potential threat levels, social identity, and reintegration pathways on community acceptance.

These findings hold significance for practitioners engaged in efforts to prevent and respond to political violence and armed conflict.

Citation: Linnea Gelot and Prabin Khadka, Factors Influencing Community Receptivity of Former Fighters in Somalia, MEAC Research into Action, Geneva: UNIDIR, 2023, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/09

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Citation: Angela Popplewell, JP Pullos, Lydia Billings, Siobhan O’Neil and Schadi Semnani (2023) “An Unfiltered View of Struggling to Find Peace: Photography Programme Pilot with Young People in Mosul, Iraq,” MEAC Research Fieldwork Note, UNIDIR, Geneva, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/07

The post An Unfiltered View of Struggling to Find Peace: Photography Programme Pilot with Young People in Mosul, Iraq first appeared on UNIDIR.

Citation: Sajad Jiyad, Schadi Semnani, Mehdi Shakarchi, and Siobhan O’Neil (2023) “Partners in Peace Research: Participatory Research Training Pilot with Young People in Mosul, Iraq,” MEAC Research Fieldwork Note, UNIDIR, Geneva, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/08

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The findings provide an insight into the expectations and experiences of child exits from armed groups, the reintegration support provided, community and family acceptance, and the risk of re-recruitment and continued engagement after exiting an armed group. 

Such knowledge has the potential to strengthen interventions that support children after they leave armed groups and re-enter civilian life, and to ensure that programming accounts for the unique needs of children.

Kato Van Broeckhoven, Siobhan O’Neil, Niamh Punton, Juan Armando Torres Munguía, Fatima Yetcha Ajimi Badu, Mohammed Bukar, and Anamika Madhuraj, “Child Exits from Armed Groups in the Lake Chad Basin,” Findings Report 31, UNIDIR, Geneva, 2023, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/05  

The post Child Exits from Armed Groups in the Lake Chad Basin (Findings Report 31) first appeared on UNIDIR.

The four locations were chosen because they are the sites of community-based reconciliation and reintegration programming delivered by UNDP Iraq. Amongst other objectives, the programmes seek to support the return and reintegration of families perceived as having ISIL affiliation and to support the communities that receive them. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings. The report presents data about community experiences pre-, during, and post-war, and examines what community experiences, perceptions, and preferences mean for reintegration prospects for those families perceived as having ISIL affiliation. This data may be useful to UN and NGO partners working in the region to bolster their early recovery programming, as well as efforts to support reintegration, community reconciliation, and broader peacebuilding efforts. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.

Citation: Jacqueline Parry and Yousif Khalid Khoshnaw, with Siobhan O’Neil and Juan Armando Torres Munguía (2023) “Coming Home: The Return and Reintegration of Families with Perceived ISIL Affiliation in Iraq”, UNIDIR, Geneva, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/02 

The post Coming Home: The Return and Reintegration of Families with Perceived ISIL Affiliation in Iraq (Findings Report 28) first appeared on UNIDIR.

The survey was rolled out with all current and former reintegration process participants who have active contact information on file with the ARN with respondents who were located across the country. The survey inquired after their conflict experiences and their transitions into civil life, economic situation, personal security, psychosocial vulnerabilities, and support networks. This report compares some of the experiences of former rank-and-file combatants and former mid-ranking commanders, that may affect their transition to civilian life.

These findings may be useful to government, UN, and NGO partners working to address conflict and build peace amidst the changing landscape of insecurity and vulnerability in Colombia. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.
 

Citation: Javier Cárdenas, Cristal Downing, Sofía Rivas, Juanita Vélez, and Siobhan O’Neil (2023) “How Rank Affects the Transition to Civilian Life: Lessons from the Reintegration Process in Colombia”, UNIDIR, Geneva, https://doi.org/10.37559/MEAC/23/01

The post How Rank Affects the Transition to Civilian Life: Lessons from the Reintegration Process in Colombia (Findings Report 27) first appeared on UNIDIR.

This survey took place thanks to the cooperation agreement established between MEAC and the Reincorporation and Normalization Agency (ARN by its Spanish acronym) in Colombia; MEAC is grateful to the ARN for its collaboration in this work. The interviews took place in three cities in Colombia – Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali – where the ex-associates were participating in exit programming provided by the Colombian Government. The survey enquired about ex-associate conflict experiences and their transition out of their group and back into civilian life.

This report focuses on recidivism risks that may affect their transition to civilian life and the potential for them to return to an armed group or participate in other illegal activities. These findings may be useful to the Government, the UN, and NGO partners working to implement and support the differential assistance process, and may inform the design and implementation of similar interventions in Colombia in the future. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.

Spanish version is available here.

Citation: Cristal Downing, Kyle Johnson, Ángela Olaya and Sofía Rivas (2022) “Recidivism Risks in the Differential Assistance Process for People Exiting Criminal Groups in Colombia”, United Nations University, New York.

The post Recidivism Risks in the Differential Assistance Process for People Exiting Criminal Groups in Colombia (Findings Report 25) first appeared on UNIDIR.

The report presents data about the experience of return and reintegration for those coming from Al Hol, including an examination of how communities and returnees understand the concepts of rehabilitation and reintegration and how these concepts compare to international approaches.

This data may be useful to UN and NGO partners working with Al Hol returnees, as well as efforts to support reintegration, community reconciliation, and broader peacebuilding efforts in Iraq – and possibly beyond. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.

Citation: Dr. Jacqueline Parry, Yousif Khoshnaw, Siobhan O’Niel, Juan Armando Torres Munguía and Mélisande Genat (2022) “The Road Home from Al Hol Camp: Reflections on the Iraqi Experience”, United Nations University, New York.

The post The Road Home from Al Hol Camp: Reflections on the Iraqi Experience (Findings Report 24) first appeared on UNIDIR.

It draws heavily on research conducted with Iraqis returning from Al Hol camp in Syria through Jeddah-1 camp, with access facilitated by IOM Iraq and support from the Swiss FDFA. That component of the study consisted of a survey of 223 respondents currently residing in Jeddah-1 camp; 60 former residents of Jeddah-1 camp; and key informants in Jeddah-1 and areas of return. These research components took place between June and September 2022.

The report presents data about information ecosystems – the type and sources of information available and how they interact – that are present in Al Hol camp in Syria, Jeddah-1 camp in Iraq, and areas of return. It examines how information, misinformation, disinformation, and rumours affected decision-making and transition outcomes associated with the return and reintegration trajectories of Iraqis from Al Hol. This data may be useful to the UN, the Government of Iraq, and NGO partners working with Al Hol returnees, as well as efforts to support reintegration, community reconciliation, and broader peacebuilding efforts.

While the research presented herein is focused on the journeys of Iraqis who had been in Al Hol, many of the findings may speak to issues impacting other nationals, both in the camp and in their countries of origin following repatriation. The report ends by presenting key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.

Citation: Jacqueline Parry and Yousif Khalid Khoshnaw, with Siobhan O’Neil (2022) “How Information Ecosystems Affect Conflict Transitions: Experiences from Al Hol and Iraq,” MEAC Findings Report 23, United Nations University, New York.

The post How Information Ecosystems Affect Conflict Transitions: Experiences from Al Hol and Iraq (Findings Report 23) first appeared on UNIDIR.

It also draws on research conducted with Iraqis returning from Al Hol camp in Syria through Jeddah-1 camp, with interviews facilitated by IOM Iraq and support from the Swiss FDFA. The research in Jeddah-1 camp included ten focus group discussions conducted with Jeddah-1 residents in July 2022; key informant interviews with camp leadership, government officials, and camp service providers; a survey conducted with 223 Jeddah-1 camp residents in August 2022; and phone surveys completed with 60 former Jeddah-1 residents who had returned to their areas of origin, in September 2022. Finally, the report also draws on key informant interviews with mukhtars, tribal sheikhs, and key political and security actors in areas where Jeddah-1 residents have returned (19 interviews total).

The report presents findings on children’s return and reintegration journeys in Iraq and looks at the experiences of children who have lived under ISIL, those who have returned from Al Hol camp in Syria, and/or children whose families are perceived as having ISIL affiliation. It examines metrics of wellbeing for these children and the challenges they face post-return and concludes with key policy and programmatic recommendations that may be useful to government, UN, and NGO partners working to support the return and effective reintegration of children in Iraq.

Citation: Dr. Jacqueline Parry and Yousif Khalid Khoshnaw, with Dr. Siobhan O’Neil (2022) “Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Children from Families with Perceived ISIL Affiliation: Experiences from Iraq and Al
Hol,” MEAC Findings Report 20, United Nations University, New York.

The post Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Children from Families with Perceived ISIL Affiliation: Experiences from Iraq and Al Hol (Findings Report 20) first appeared on UNIDIR.

This survey took place thanks to the cooperation agreement established between MEAC and the Reincorporation and Normalization Agency (ARN by its Spanish acronym) in Colombia; MEAC is grateful to the ARN for its collaboration in this work. The interviews took place in three cities in Colombia – Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali – where the ex-associates were participating in the differential assistance process led by the ARN.

The survey inquired about their conflict experiences and their transition to civil life, economic situation, personal security, psychosocial vulnerabilities, and support networks. This report focuses on security threats that affect the exit process in ways that could increase the likelihood of recidivism and decrease the likelihood that participants make full, sustained, and positive transitions to civilian life. If this process is unable to support successful transitions out of armed groups, it will not achieve the goal of winnowing the ranks of – and ultimate dismantling – active armed groups.

These findings may be useful to the Colombian government and other governments, UN, and NGO partners working to address conflict and build peace amidst the changing landscape of insecurity and vulnerability in Colombia. The report ends with an examination of key policy and programmatic implications of these findings.

The version in Spanish is available here.

Citation: Javier Cárdenas, Cristal Downing, and Juanita Vélez (2022) “Security Threats Affecting People Exiting Criminal Groups in Colombia,” MEAC Findings Report 19, United Nations University, New York.

The post Security Threats Affecting People Exiting Criminal Groups in Colombia (Findings Report 19) first appeared on UNIDIR.

This data will allow the LCBC and its partners to better understand the needs in the region and the challenges to enhancing security and protection efforts. This data can serve as an initial reference point from which to understand subsequent progress. In addition, throughout the report, the potential policy and programmatic implications of the presented findings are considered.

The version in French is available here.

Citation: Sophie Huvé, Dr. Siobhan O’Neil, Dr Remadji Hoinathy, Kato Van Broeckhoven with Mohammed
Bukar, Fatima Yetcha Ajimi Badu, Teniola Tayo, Jessica Caus, and Adja Faye (2022) “Preventing Recruitment and Ensuring Effective Reintegration Efforts: Evidence from Across the Lake Chad Basin to Inform Policy and
Practice,” MEAC Lake Chad Basin Case Study Report, United Nations University, New York.

The post Preventing Recruitment and Ensuring Effective Reintegration Efforts: Evidence from Across the Lake Chad Basin to Inform Policy and Practice first appeared on UNIDIR.

The report focuses on community leaders’ receptivity to returning Boko Haram associates. This policy brief focuses on how community leaders’ experiences of personal targeting, and the extent to which their community members participated in Boko Haram, affect their willingness to allow former members to return.

These insights are unique as this data is collected in an ongoing conflict, while reintegration is actively occurring in the North East and communities are receiving those who exit Boko Haram and other armed groups.

This publication can also be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website

Citation: Hilary Matfess, Siobhan O’Neil, Kato Van Broeckhoven, and Mohammed Bukar (2022) “Community Leaders’ Receptivity to Returning Former Boko Haram Associates and its Impact on Peacebuilding,” MEAC Findings Report 15, United Nations University, New York.

The post Community Leaders’ Receptivity to Returning Former Boko Haram Associates: Implications for Peacebuilding (Findings Report 15) first appeared on UNIDIR.

It presents data about individual victimization and exposure to violence, and how this relates to a respondent’s willingness to accept former Boko Haram associates who return to their communities. Victimization refers to being subjected to conflict-related harm (physical violence, sexual violence, coercion, threats, and property damage).

These insights are unique as this data is collected in ongoing conflict, while reintegration is actively occurring and communities in and around Maiduguri are receiving those who exit Boko Haram and other armed groups.

This publication can also be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website

Citation: Rebecca Littman, Siobhan O’Neil, Kato Van Broeckhoven, and Mohammed Bukar (2021) “The
Relationship Between Victimization and Receptivity to Returning Boko Haram Associates,” MEAC Findings
Report 13, United Nations University, New York.

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It presents data on the public’s perspectives on transitional and criminal justice as a way for responding to former Boko Haram associates. This report will examine the public’s receptivity to apply transitional justice to returning armed group associates, either as an alternative or alongside criminal justice and counter-terrorism approaches to Boko Haram.

These insights are unique as this data is collected in ongoing conflict, while reintegration is actively occurring and communities in and around Maiduguri are receiving those who exit Boko Haram and other armed groups.

This publication can be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website

Citation: Rebecca Littman, Siobhan O’Neil, Kato Van Broeckhoven, Mohammed Bukar, and Fatima Yetcha
Ajimi Badu (2021) “Criminal and Transitional Justice Preferences for Former Boko Haram Associates,” MEAC Findings Report 12, United Nations University, New York.

The post Criminal and Transitional Justice Preferences for Former Boko Haram Associates (Findings Report 12) first appeared on UNIDIR.

It presents data around community receptivity to and perceptions about individuals who exit Boko Haram. This report builds on published findings that indicate that people are generally accepting of former Boko Haram associates, but delves into what social acceptance means in practice and how it translates into the way people interact with former armed group associates in their daily lives.

These insights are unique as this data is collected in ongoing conflict, while reintegration is actively happening, and communities in and around Maiduguri are receiving those who exit Boko Haram and other armed groups.

This publication can be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website.

Citation: Rebecca Littman, Siobhan O’Neil, Kato Van Broeckhoven, Zoe Marks, and Fatima Yetcha Ajimi Badu (2021) “Social, Economic, and Civic Reintegration of Former Boko Haram Affiliates”, MEAC Findings Report 10, United Nations University, New York.

The post Social, Economic, and Civic Reintegration of Former Boko Haram Affiliates (Findings Report 10) first appeared on UNIDIR.

This report traces the shifts and policy and programmatic outcomes that have shaped Colombia’s approach to DDR today, paying special attention to how international and national factors (including the work of the UN) have influenced the design and implementation of relevant interventions in Colombia; how policy and programmatic decision-making have served the overarching goal of conflict resolution in the country; and what the impact of these factors and decisions has been on children, women, and ethnic minorities within the population of individuals formerly associated with armed groups.

It draws on an extensive literature review and more than 15 interviews conducted between November 2020 and August 2021 with stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of relevant interventions at different points of Colombia’s history, to better understand the evolution of Colombia’s approach to disengagement policy and programming.

This publication can be downloaded from the UNU-CPR website in English and Spanish

Citation: Cristal Downing et al. (2021) “The Evolution of Inclusion: Three Decades of Policies and Programmes to Manage Exits from Armed Groups in Colombia”, United Nations University, New York.

The post Colombia Case Study Report: The Evolution of Inclusion: Three Decades of Policies and Programmes to Manage Exits from Armed Groups in Colombia first appeared on UNIDIR.

The post A Framework Document for Evidence-Based Programme Design on Reintegration first appeared on UNIDIR.