In recent years, security sector reform has become an important feature of the international development agenda. Yet there are almost no tools to help governments assess the quality of democratic security sector governance, and plan and implement sector reforms. This framework, from the Clingendael Institute, aims to fill that gap by identifying security sector governance needs and developing a strategy to address them.
The proposed framework is designed to assist governments in determining how best to strengthen democratic governance of the security sector. It outlines a set of formal and informal processes to promote dialogue among local actors in the areas of politics, development and security, as well as between governments and their external partners. The result should be a realistic strategy that reflects government objectives and priorities for security sector governance. This is achieved by following a three-part assessment process: developing the terms of reference for the process; mapping and analysing the status of security sector governance; and assessing options and developing strategy.
Sound governance of the security sector is essential for democratic consolidation and for sustainable economic and social development. These will not occur where people and states are not secure from the fear of violence. Often, insecurity arises from poor governance, based on a lack of respect for human rights and the rule of law. Key considerations in promoting democratic governance of the security sector are that:
- Technical measures alone are not sufficient. They must be supplemented by an understanding of relationships between actors and of how local institutions function beyond their formal role.
- All those involved should have a clear vision of the objectives of policy reform.
- Efforts must form part of a wider governance agenda, based on democratic principles and the rule of law.
- Transparency is the fundamental condition for accountable democratic governance, and the public should be given access to appropriate information.
- Both civilians and members of security bodies should possess adequate capacity to participate in reforms.
- The process of change must be well managed.
If the above conditions are met, the assessment process and framework should result in a clear set of reforms to be implemented over time. Ensuring that the process is participatory and as transparent as possible will enhance success. The main steps are as follows:
- The government, in close consultation with its partners, develops terms of reference for the process, including the rationale, methods, expected outputs and timeline.
- A small team of independent experts maps and analyses the security sector situation, covering the rule of law, policy development and implementation, professionalism of the forces, oversight and expenditure management.
- The government convenes a workshop, facilitated by the experts and attended by all stakeholders. Participants discuss the team’s findings and options for strategy development.
- The government and its partners then agree on core needs to be addressed, the constraints to be overcome and the collaboration required.
- Based on this, the government develops a series of short, medium and long-term options for action and assesses their feasibility.
- The strategy is formalised.
