Security Sector Reform

International Alert uses the concept of JSSR, Justice and Security Sector Reform, to emphasize the centrality of justice. It is derived from thinking from UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR).

In many of the conflict zones where International Alert works, the security sector (armed forces, police and intelligence services) is a key obstacle to building lasting peace. If security agents do not play a legitimate and accountable role in providing security for citizens then not only are they unable to prevent conflicts occurring but they can also be a source of tension and violence. Security Sector Reform (SSR) aims to make the security and justice sector a positive force for reducing conflict and building a stable environment.

Reform of the security and justice sector is a vital part of post-conflict reconstruction. Without guaranteed security for civilians, efforts to disarm communities will not succeed, as people are unlikely to surrender their weapons if they feel unsafe, refugees and internally displaced people will not return to their homes and the likelihood of investment in the economy by businesses is slim. SSR related programmes have become an increasingly important component of peace processes. The success of SSR programming is essential for providing the necessary secure space for long-term equitable economic development to be initiated and consolidated.

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Effective and legitimate use of resources
• Enhancing the role of civil society as monitors and independent overseers

We have been working on the issue of security sector reform (SSR) since 2000. All too often, it is seen as a purely technical issue, and is based on training for security professionals and those working at the political and decision-making level. Whilst this training is important, it is also vital that security sector reform involves the local community so that they accept it, so that it reflects their needs and so that they can play a role in overseeing its work.

One of the areas we currently focusing on is building the capacity of civil society to become more involved in SSR. This work includes supporting research by local partners in order to provide accurate data on security issues (for example gauging opinions of the security situation at the grassroots level, assessing priorities and needs of ordinary people) and ensuring that this knowledge informs decision making at the national and international level. This work is taking place in the West Africa and Nepal.

The privatisation of security is a neglected part of security sector reform because traditionally, reform has been focused on the police, military and intelligence services as they are controlled by the state. However, over the past decade there has been a surge in the privatisation of security. Private security companies provide ‘police-type’ security, such as guarding banks or other buildings. Private military companies offer military services (although usually not direct combat) such as training, equipment, logistics and strategic advice. In many countries, for example, most recently in Iraq, private military and security companies are a significant part of the security sector. However, they are often not regulated so there are few controls on where and how they operate, increasing the likelihood of human rights abuses.

Working with Saferworld and the UNDP/Stability Pact South Eastern Europe Small Arms Clearinghouse (SEESAC) International Alert completed a survey of the implications of the privatisation of security in South Eastern Europe. The study concentrates on the ramifications that private security companies have on SSR processes and SALW proliferation in the region. This report covers all eight countries covered by the Stability Pact and examines separately the three entities within the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro. The report can be downloaded from the SEESAC Website.