Security Sector Reform

In many of the conflict zones where International Alert works, the security sector (armed forces, police and intelligence services) is a key impediment to building peace. Agents of security that do not play a legitimate and accountable role in providing security for citizens are not only unable to prevent conflicts occurring but can also be a source of violence. Security sector reform aims to make the security sector a positive force for reducing conflict and building a stable environment.

The security sector has played a significant part in Philippine politics since Independence. The key issue now is whether it is willing and able to support the current peace process. One of the main issues hindering talks between the government and the National Democratic Front is the allegation of continued violation of human rights, in particular those of opposition political leaders. The various consultations and workshops that we have held in the Philippines have identified security sector reform as a priority if sustainable peace is going to be achieved. There are four main areas to be addressed:

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

International Alert has been engaged with senior figures in the police and the military in the Philippines since 2002 and is now planning a targeted programme to stimulate security sector reform, to include:

• Expert exchanges - visits to the Philippines by police and military experts in order to discuss crucial security sector governance issues with their Filipino counterparts, exchange experiences of how to handle difficult scenarios and explore the importance of the separation of powers between the police and the military
  
• Research into the Philippine security sector, identifying the key security sector agencies, assessing their activities, outlining issues to be addressed and providing solid recommendations on how this should happen

This will be followed up in future Waging Peace conferences co-convened by International Alert and attended by peace advocates, members of the diplomatic community, government and NGO representatives and international facilitators. The fifth conference, in December 2006, discussed research findings and concrete plans for implementing the recommendations made.

For more information contact Charlotte Watson

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Last updated: March 2006