What is security sector reform?
The concept of security sector reform (SSR) refers to the set of policies, programmes and activities undertaken by a government, supported by international partners and civil society constituencies, to improve the way in which security and justice are delivered, in accordance with human rights, democracy and transparency.
Who is involved?
Understanding who provides security and justice is central to SSR. Although the SSR concept recognises that state security actors have a central role in justice and security provision, it states that effective security reform across the system requires working with a broad range of stakeholders including:
- Professional security providers: armed forces; police forces (including gendarmeries); paramilitary forces; national guards; presidential guards; intelligence services (both military and civilian); coast and border guards; customs services; and local security units (such as civil defence forces and vigilante groups).
- Management and oversight bodies: the executive; national security advisory bodies; legislative and select committees; ministries of defence, internal affairs and foreign affairs; financial management bodies (finance ministries, budget officers, financial audit and planning units); civil society organisations (civilian review boards, associations and NGOs); and public complaints commissions involved in security-related matters.
- Justice and rule of law actors: judiciary and justice ministries; prisons; criminal investigation and prosecution services; human rights commissions and ombudsmen; and customary and traditional justice systems.
- Non-statutory security forces: liberation armies; guerrilla armies; private security companies; and political party militias.
Niagale Bagayoko-Penone
Institute of Development Studies
