An efficient, coherent and well coordinated security sector

Session 1: Review of Basics of SSR © DCAF/ISSAT

Session 1 Session 1 Review of the Basics of SSRReview of the Basics of SSR

Session 1: Review of Basics of SSR © DCAF/ISSATSession 1: Review of Basics of SSR © DCAF/ISSAT

Session objectivesSession objectives

• Understand the new security agenda and SSR

• Identify the key characteristics of SSR

• Discuss key challenges in post-conflict contexts


WHAT IS SECURITY?WHAT IS SECURITY?


Why is security important?Why is security important?

• Security is fundamental to reducing poverty, protecting human rights and supporting sustainable development

• Security for whom? Security of states and security of people are not the same thing but are mutually dependant

• Insecurity in one country can have a significant impact on neighbouring countries and beyond


A new concept of securityA new concept of security

Traditional Security

Security beneficiaries

State and individuals within the State

StateFocus on Military Security(Cold War Legacy)

Focus on Military and Non-Military SecurityMilitary, Political and Economic, Social, Environmental and Human Security

Security providers

New SecurityAgenda


WHAT IS A SECURITY SECTOR?WHAT IS A SECURITY SECTOR?


Security and Justice ActorsSecurity and Justice ActorsTHE SECURITY SECTOR

STATE

SECURITY and JUSTICE PROVIDERS

GOVERNANCE, OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT BODIES

NONSTATE

State Providers

Non-State

Providers

State Oversight

Non-State

Oversight


Security and Justice ActorsSecurity and Justice ActorsTHE SECURITY SECTOR

• Non-state security providers– Private military and security companies– Unofficial armed groups (militias, factions)– Self-defense groups– Other informal security providers (customary)

• Non-state justice providers– Defense lawyers– Legal aid bodies– Victim support groups– Informal justice providers (customary)

STATE

SECURITY AND JUSTICE PROVIDERS

GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT BODIES

• Civil society actors– Human rights NGOs– Media– Victims groups– Unions– Academic and research institutions– Religious groups

• Electorate• Village elders• Citizens

• State security providers– Armed forces– Law enforcement agencies– Intelligence and secret services– Border and customs services

• State justice providers– Courts (civil and military)– Prosecutions service– Correction service– Bar association

• Governance and oversight– Legal framework– Legislature/parliamentary committees– Political oversight– Human rights institutions– Anti-corruption bodies

• Management– Ministry of justice– Ministry of interior– Ministry of defence

NON-STATE


WHAT IS SECURITY SECTOR REFORM? WHAT IS SECURITY SECTOR REFORM?


Security Sector Reform (SSR)Security Sector Reform (SSR)

The Problem:

– a partially dysfunctional security sector– ineffective and inefficient provision of security; source of insecurity– No /inadequate accountability and oversight (governance deficit)

The Purpose/Objective:

– Effective and efficient provision of state and human security within a framework of good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights


Security sector reformSecurity sector reform

• Security sector reform … is critical to the consolidation of peace and stability, promoting poverty reduction, rule of law and good governance, extending legitimate state authority, and preventing countries from relapsing into conflict” (UN Security Council, 2007).

• The establishment of an effective, professional and accountable security sector is one of the critical elements in the transition … to sustainable peace and development, including economic recovery” (UN General Assembly/C-34, 2008).

• ......the transformation of security institutions so that they play an effective, legitimate and democratically accountable role in providing external and internal security for their citizens.” (Clingendael Institute, Netherlands)

“…its about making people safe (reality)…..and also feel safe (perception)…”


Definitions of SSRDefinitions of SSR

•There is no single, fully agreed definition of SSR ...

• Neither is there a single agreed definition of the security sector ...

• There is, however, a convergence of understanding amongst various international bodies (AU, ECOWAS, OECD, EU, UN and various member states on the broad parameters of SSR ...


Definitions of SSR

• There is no single, fully agreed definition of SSR ...• Neither is there a single agreed definition of the security sector ...• There is, however, a convergence of understanding amongst various international bodies (AU, ECOWAS, OECD, EU, UN and various member states on the broad parameters of SSR ...

• It is important not to adhere too tightly to any single definition but accept a flexible understanding of the concept.


What’s in a Name? – Alternative Terminology What’s in a Name? – Alternative Terminology

• Security Sector Reform (SSR)• Security System Reform (SSR)• Security Sector Transformation (SST)• Security Sector Governance (SSG)• Security Sector Stabilisation (SSS)• Security and Justice Sector Reform (SJSR)


KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SSR KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF SSR


Key Characteristics of SSRKey Characteristics of SSR

1 2 3fundamental approach core objectives essential dimensions

Localownership

Localownership

EffectivenessEffectiveness

AccountabilityAccountability

PoliticalPolitical

HolisticHolistic

Technical

Technical


One Fundamental ApproachOne Fundamental ApproachLocal ownershipLocal ownership• SSR should be a nationally owned process aimed at ensuring that

security providers are:– accountable to the State and its people;– effective, efficient and affordable;– respective of international norms, standards and human rights;– Legitimate

• Local ownership of SSR– Strengthens institutional legitimacy– Ensures buy-in and makes SSR sustainable– Ensures that SSR responds to local needs

• Donors do not do but support SSR!


Accountability and EffectivenessAccountability and Effectiveness

• Common core objectives:– OECD: delivery and governance– UN: effectiveness and accountability– EU: functioning and governance– Capacity and integrity

• Two twin objectives of SSR– Just effectiveness: not SSR– Just accountability: not SSR

Seek balance in promoting both objectives

TWO CORE OBJECTIVES

CAPACITY/ EFFECTIVENESS

INTEGRITY/ ACCOUNTABIL

ITY

IND

IVID

UAL

ORG

ANIS

ATI

ON

AL

Education Experience Aptitude

Human Rights Conduct Affiliation

Structures Resources Rules

Representation Discipline Transparency

Management support Interagency cooperationService delivery

Formal oversight Independence Informal oversight

EXTE

RNAL

Mandate


Essential DimensionEssential DimensionPolitical sensitivityPolitical sensitivity

• SSR is highly political because …– Power and sovereignty– Use of force– Status and income– Resources and privileges– A society’s values: freedom, rights, security– A country’s political system and architecture

• A political process that produces winners and losers


Essential DimensionEssential DimensionHolistic natureHolistic nature

Other

Human Rights

Gender

Management

Security and justice needsPEOPLE

National Security and Justice Strategy

STATE

Cross-cutting issues

Executive, judicial, parliamentary

oversight

Public oversight


Essential DimensionEssential DimensionTechnical complexityTechnical complexity• Thematic competence :

– Policing, defence, intelligence, corrections, border management, justice, penitentiary administration…

• Knowledge of organisation management/systems:– Management, budget, IT, personnel, logistics…

• Knowledge of ethics and integrity systems:– Human rights, gender, governance, internal discipline...

• Process management skills:– Fundraising, planning reporting, writing reports, coordination, change

management…

• Political experience– Diplomacy, political negotiation, advocacy...


POST-CONFLICT CHALLENGESPOST-CONFLICT CHALLENGES


NormalisationTransitionStagnationEscalation

The conflict dynamicThe conflict dynamicIntensity

Time

Military status quo

Elections

• Agreement•Transitional authority

Negotiation Demobilisation

Violence


NormalisationTransitionStagnationEscalation

Dynamics of post-conflict reconstructionDynamics of post-conflict reconstructionIntensity

Time

Violence

Humanitarian

Refugees/ IDPs

Peacekeeping

DDR

SSR

Trans. justice

Devel. Aid

Elections

U.N. Security Council

Resolution

DDR and integration of non-state forces in security institutions

Donors Conference

ComplexityComplexity


Some practical adviceSome practical advice

• Promote grass root projects that make sense in the long term, particularly with civil society and elected representatives

• Focus on low key capacity building of civil society, media, academics

• Build your local knowledge, especially of the actors and their motives, their legitimacy

• There is no magic formula• Assess political will• Be pragmatic, flexible realistic, empathetic approach• Manage expectations especially with international actors• Take time to see what works


RememberRemember• Security and Development are

closely linked. No security – no development!

• Bottom Line – Security is fundamental to Peoples’ well being

• Context matters!

• SSR in a Nutshell: 1 – 2 – 3

An efficient, coherent and well coordinated security sector

News & Politics

security sector state

security important

security of people

security of states

review of basics

nonmilitary security

ssr dcafissatsession

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