How can the UN engage effectively in post-conflict Security Sector Reform? What lessons can be learned from multidimensional peacekeeping missions in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Kosovo? This book from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF) examines the role and experience of UN integrated missions in post-conflict SSR. A common, comprehensive and coherent approach is necessary to enhance UN SSR support. This is especially important in the areas of strengthening local ownership and domestic oversight and accountability of the security sector.
UN peacekeeping operations are increasingly involved in providing a wide range of SSR support, and the UN has recently begun to develop a common approach to SSR. However, current UN SSR capacity is limited, fragmented, under-resourced and poorly coordinated. Focus tends to be on short-term security and justice institution building at the expense of important governance issues.
SSR programmes need to be holistic, taking account of SSR's complex interdependencies to avoid compartmentalised and piecemeal approaches. The UN should develop SSR strategies at the beginning of integrated missions in close consultation with local actors; recognise judicial and prison reform as integral to SSR; take account of the governance dimension; address cross-cutting issues such as gender and child protection in all aspects of SSR; and explore linkages with SSR-related activities such as DDR and transitional justice. The UN should also:
Author: Heiner Hänggi | Vincenza Scherrer
Source: Hänggi, H & Scherrer, V. (eds.), 2008, 'Security Sector Reform and UN Integrated Missions: Experience from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Kosovo', DCAF, Geneva, Switzerland
Size: 247 pages
Mediating election-related conflicts
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