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See also agency publications on SSR (including justice)
Bookmark this page: www.oecd.org/dac/conflict/ssr
[The full report is available in PDF, and publication can be purchased from the Online Bookshop. A short policy brief can also be accessed on this site.]
OECD members see development and security as being inextricably linked. This perception is opening the way to treating security in partner countries as a public policy and governance issue, inviting greater public scrutiny of security policy. It is increasingly recognised that security concerns not only state stability but also involves the safety and well-being of people. Security in all its dimensions is fundamental to reducing poverty, protecting human rights and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Continuing efforts to develop useful tools for conflict prevention and for improving security and stability in the long term, the DAC High Level Meeting in April 2004 Ministers and Agency Heads endorsed a policy statement and paper entitled "Security System Reform and Governance: Policy and Good Practice". The Policy and Good Practice paper highlights the changes that are taking place in the way that donors think about security and offers and sets out concrete examples to help guide donors who engage in Security System Reform (SSR). The OECD has also published an accompanying concise Policy Brief.
SSR seeks to increase the ability of partner countries to meet the range of security needs within their societies in a manner consistent with democratic norms and sound principles of governance, transparency and the rule of law. A democratically run, accountable and efficient security system helps reduce the risk of violent conflict. The term security “system” is used in order to emphasise the number and inter-connectivity of its different components, which include not only the armed forces, police and gendarmerie, intelligence services and justice and penal systems, but also the civil authorities responsible for oversight and democratic control (e.g. Parliament, the Executive, and the Defence Ministry).
Drawing on examples of good practice in other areas of institutional reform, the paper argues that partner country ownership and buy-in are critical. Wherever possible, donors need to support locally-owned comprehensive strategies and should seek to avoid piece-meal efforts. In addition, all external actors need, through in-depth analysis, to have an understanding of the context and history of partner countries and must carefully consider regional dynamics. Long-term engagement is vital if the assistance is to sustain political, economic and social development.
Whole-of-government approaches to Security System Reform should be the goal both in donor and developing countries. The importance of SSR, and its key concepts, must be understood throughout the foreign affairs, development and the defence establishments so that comprehensive reform is promoted by their officials at all levels. Clarity on objectives and principles is essential for effective implementation on the ground.
The 2004 DAC publication on Security System Reform and Governance, follows on from work conducted by the CPDC’s precursor, the DAC Informal Task Force on Conflict, Peace and Development Co-operation. “Security Issues and Development Co-operation: A Framework for Enhancing Policy Coherence”, published in 2001, provides a broad conceptual framework for examining the role development co-operation can play in supporting countries which are seeking to address and manage security issues. The article looks at how to increase policy coherence within and between OECD countries in order to build a more comprehensive and effective international response to security management.
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