Exchange of Notes concerning Grant Aid to the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme through the United Nations Development Programme

January 8, 2009
Japanese

The Government of Japan has decided to provide 1,575 million yen, as grant aid for peacebuilding, to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for “the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme.” Notes to this effect were exchanged on January 8 (Thu.) in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, between Mr. Yuichi Ishii, Japanese Ambassador to Sudan, and Ms. Ameerah Haq, the Resident Representative of the UNDP in the Republic of the Sudan.
This grant aid supports the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Programme for armies in Southern and Northern Sudan. This programme was agreed between the Government of Sudan, the Government of Southern Sudan, and the UNDP based on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005. For Blue Nile and South Prm Kordofan States, the top-priority regions in the Programme, the grant aid will provide funds necessary for 1) supporting the social integration programme for approximately 6,000 ex-combatants which includes vocational training and new business start-ups, etc., 2) establishing a system for monitoring the progress in reintegration, 3) strengthening the ability of local agencies to support reintegration, 4) publicity and civil-education activities for local communities to accept ex-combatants.
With the general elections including the presidential election scheduled for this year, the peace process in Sudan is facing a crucial phase. Realizing that this DDR Programme is of great significance to promote the peace process, the Government of Japan promptly decided to support the DDR Programme, intending, as a member of the UN Security Council and the G8, to take an active role in issues concerning the peace and stability of the international community including Sudan.

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