End of War and Reinsertion of Former Combatants. Legitimacy of the Humanitarian Assistance Program for the Demobilized

Abstract

Based on the hypothesis that the Humani­tarian Assistance Program for the Demobi­lized, implemented since 2003 during the reinsertion process of former paramilitary combatants in Colombia, can be analyzed as a sui generis Social Policy which purpose is not to interfere with the richness distri­bution processes but to pacify society, this article is intended to analyze and describe the social legitimation process of the HAPD.  The article makes emphasis on the fact that social acceptance of the reinsertion programs for former combatants is decisive for the specific features of the post-conflict since social acceptance is the basis for solving tensions such as social integration and definition of the violence monopoly. The article reconstructs testimonies and arguments that comprise recognition and challenge of the HAPD.