Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR)

Promoting security institutions (such as the police, military, customs, border management and prison services) which are transparent, accountable and fully aware of their roles and responsibilities is one of the key security challenges in the Pacific region. This paper examines the need for a new strategic security framework in the Pacific to complement existing reform efforts. Entry points for security sector governance in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu are identified. These include the formulation of national security policies, the establishment or enhancement of specialised Parliamentary Security Committees and capacity building for civil society.

Author: Eden Cole | Thomas Shanahan Source: Cole, E., Shanahan, T., and Fluri, P., 2010, 'Enhancing Security Sector Governance in the Pacific Region - A Strategic Framework', United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Size: 160 pages (3.36 MB)
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How can violence against women and girls (VAW) be addressed more effectively in security and justice (S&J) programmes? This paper outlines how S&J programmes have addressed VAW and provides suggestions for improvement. Engagement with civil society is important; CSOs can help women to articulate their experience and can advocate for institutional and social change. A focus on prevention should complement support to victims of violence.

Author: Saferworld Source: Saferworld, 2010, 'Addressing Violence Against Women in Security and Justice Programmes: Briefing', Saferworld, London Size: 12 pages (107 KB)
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This article examines gender and SSR, outlines the challenges of adopting a gender-sensitive SSR approach, and analyses gender-based violence (GBV) and justice reform as part of SSR. Immediately post-conflict, government and donors tend to focus on train-and-equip programmes for security forces. Gender issues and justice reform are marginalised as being lower priority, more political, and difficult to do. There is a need to refocus gender in SSR discourse. Template models must be avoided. Focusing on justice reform will have a broad effect on SSR and could alleviate GBV in post conflict societies.

Author: Eirin Mobekk Source: Mobekk, E., 2010, 'Gender, Women and Security Sector Reform', International Peacekeeping, vol. 17, no. 2, pp 278-291 Size: 14 pages (144 kB)
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What effect has a legacy of impunity for human rights violations had on the security sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? How can the EU incorporate justice-sensitive reform initiatives within security system reform (SSR) programmes? This paper from the Initiative for Peacebuilding examines the need for justice-sensitive SSR in the DRC. It argues that strengthening accountability and integrity in the security system is a priority for SSR which has yet to be addressed in the DRC.

Author: Laura Davis Source: Davis L., 2009, 'Justice-Sensitive Security System Reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo', International Center for Transitional Justice, Initiative for Peacebuilding, International Alert Size: 36 pages (361 kB)
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What progress has been made in integrating gender into security sector reform (SSR)? What issues concerning gender and SSR require further attention? This report documents a workshop held at the Free University of Berlin in November 2008 on 'Engendering Security Sector Reform'. It finds that the debate on gender and SSR is still only incipient and that many questions remain unanswered. SSR will only live up to its ambitious aspirations if it places gender squarely at the centre of its conceptual thinking and practice.

Author: Ruth Stanley | Margarete Jacob Source: Stanley R., Jacob M., Bendix D. (eds), 2009, 'Engendering Security Sector Reform: A Workshop Report', Freie Universität Berlin Size: 113 pages (928 kB)
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Despite Nepal's 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) targeting rehabilitation of children from armed group associations, the government has failed to implement satisfactory reintegration. This paper, published by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, reviews the current status of the reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG). State failure to tackle deep-rooted inequality and structural problems continues to allow armed movements to recruit marginalised groups, including children, and consequently flourish.

Author: O. Housden | Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) Source: Housden, O., 2009, 'In a Weak State: Status and Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG) in Nepal', IPCS Research Paper, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi Size: 19 pages (183kB)
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What is the extent and impact of the sexual violence perpetrated by government troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? Why have efforts to stop sexual violence committed by soldiers failed so far? This report from Human Rights Watch looks at sexual violence committed by the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). It finds that sexual violence by the FARDC continues despite the efforts of the government, the international community and Congolese civil society. The DRC's military justice system is a weak institution and has done little to bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.

Author: Human Rights Watch Source: Human Rights Watch, 2009, 'Soldiers Who Rape, Commanders Who Condone: Sexual Violence and Military Reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo', Human Rights Watch Size: 62 pages (778 kB)
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Questions about peace and security remain critical both to national decision-makers and to the lives of ordinary people in Nepal. This report, by Interdisciplinary Analysts and Saferworld, analyses changing public attitudes to community safety and human security in the country. It is the second in a series of surveys that will track public perceptions of security over time. It concludes that most Nepalis still feel safer than before the protests in 2006 that led to the end of the country's long-running civil conflict. Nepalis see security both in terms of crime and violence and also in terms of socio-economic development.

Author: Interdisciplinary Analysts | Saferworld Source: Analysts I., Saferworld S., 2009, 'On track for improved security? A survey tracking changing perceptions of public safety, security and justice provision in Nepal', Saferworld Size: 66 pages (1.7 MB)
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Gender roles play a central role in East Timor's security sector reform (SSR) and have the potential to increase or undermine security sector professionalism. This paper, published by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, reviews recent security sector developments in East Timor and assesses its SSR from a gender perspective. Comprehensive gender-sensitive SSR processes, including increased recruitment of and equal opportunities for women in security forces, are necessary to provide security for the entire population.

Author: Henri Myrttinen Source: Myrttinen H., 2009, 'Poster Boys No More: Gender and Security Sector Reform in Timor-Leste', DCAF Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, Geneva Switzerland Size: 43 pages (324 kB)
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What are the key challenges and opportunities for security sector reform (SSR) in difficult contexts? This chapter compares SSR in the Central African Republic (CAR), Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Georgia, Morocco, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste. It finds a significant gap between the theory and practice of SSR. A practical approach is needed that gives greater attention to accountability, gender-mainstreaming, change management and political factors. Reform will only be successful if linked to specific problems that are considered urgent by political leaders and stakeholders.

Author: Hans Born Source: Born, H., 2009, 'Security Sector Reform in Challenging Environments: Insights from Comparative Analysis', in Security Sector Reform in Challenging Environments, eds H. Born and A. Schnabel, LIT, Münster, pp241-266 Size: 26 pages (188 KB)
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What are the links between politics and security sector reform (SSR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? This chapter argues that SSR should be understood as a political process, rather than as a purely technical issue. Obstacles to reform include the absence of effective oversight mechanisms and donor fragmentation. SSR efforts (encompassing the army, police, military, and civil and criminal justice) need to be scaled up in the DRC to foster long-term peace and security.

Author: Caty Clément Source: Clément, C., 2009, 'Security Sector Reform in the DRC: Forward to the Past', in Security Sector Reform in Challenging Environments, eds. H. Born and A. Schnabel, Lit Verlag, Munster, Germany, pp89-117 Size: 29 pages (220 KB)
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Various models of transitional justice (TJ) have developed throughout Africa, but they have often failed to adequately address gender-based violence. While recent African TJ mechanisms have been innovative in developing means to address crimes against women, they continue to fail victims. Future TJ initiatives need to re-examine the types of violations prioritised, and recognise the continuum of gender-based violence that exists in pre-conflict and post-conflict societies. It is important to radically challenge the current configuration of processes to enable a more gender-aware and -inclusive approach to post-conflict reconstruction.

Author: Helen Scanlon | Kelli Muddell Source: Scanlon, H. and Muddell, K., 2009, 'Gender and Transitional Justice in Africa: Progress and Prospects', African Journal on Conflict Resolution, vol. 9, no. 2, pp9-28. Size: 20 pages (695 kB)
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How is post-conflict reintegration in Liberia affected by gender bias? How can such bias be overcome? This article argues that underlying the Liberian DDR process are gendered assumptions, such as that the idleness of male ex-combatants is a security threat, and that men's reintegration is more important than that of women. Reintegration programming has privileged male access to the formal economy, overlooking the high percentage of female ex-combatants, the shortage of formal employment, and the importance of the informal economy (particularly to women). Contested perceptions of women's roles and capabilities in war and peace must not be perpetuated.

Author: Kathleen M. Jennings Source: Jennings, K. M., 2009, 'The political economy of DDR in Liberia: a gendered critique', Conflict, Security and Development, Vol.9, No.4, pp.475-494. Size: 19 pages (170 kB)
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Why have international disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes ignored the role of women as soldiers in war? This article finds that the ideal of the female war victim has limited the ways in which the needs of female combatants are addressed by DDR programmes in Sierra Leone. This error has sacrificed both gender equality and programme effectiveness. Men and masculinity are securitised post-conflict while women-even women soldiers-are desecuritised and, in effect, de-emphasised. Programme design must consider the breadth of female combatants' active participation in conflict in order to understand their needs, and must avoid entrenching gender inequality by emphasising a return to 'normal'.

Author: Megan MacKenzie Source: MacKenzie, M., 2009, 'Securitization and Desecuritization: Female Soldiers and the Reconstruction of Women in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone', Security Studies, Vol.18, No.2, pp.241-261 Size: 22 pages (140 kB)
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Why is gender important to security sector reform (SSR)? How can gender issues be integrated into SSR? This guide from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) provides an introduction to SSR and gender issues. The integration of gender issues into SSR processes is crucial in enhancing operational effectiveness, establishing local ownership and strengthening oversight of the security sector. The integration of gender issues into SSR will face different challenges and opportunities based on the specific context in which SSR takes place.

Author: Kristin Valasek Source: Valasek, K., 2008, 'Security Sector Reform and Gender', in Gender & Security Sector Reform Toolkit, DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR, UN-INSTRAW. Size: 35 pages (863 kB)
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What are the major challenges in demilitarising militias in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)? This paper for the African Security Review analyses the militias currently active in North and South Kivu (the Kivus), in the eastern DRC. The war in DRC officially ended in 2003 and a fragile peace has been established. However, the Kivu regions of the east are still plagued by endemic violence. New militias have appeared outside the original peace agreement. The international community must support the DRC in containing these militias, and be more proactive in preventing illegal arms trafficking into the DRC.

Author: Monika Thakur Source: Thakur, M., 2008, 'Demilitarising militias in the Kivus (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo)', African Security Review Vol 17 No 1, pp.52-67, Institute for Security Studies, Praetoria, South Africa Size: 16 pages (504 kB)
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What are the issues facing the European Union in developing its Security Sector Reform policy? This book from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces discusses the EU policy framework plus broader international perspectives, and examines EU SSR involvement in the Western Balkans, the former Soviet Union, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia and the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Key challenges in enhancing EU SSR interventions are lack of coherence and coordination. It is important to prioritise SSR at senior national and EU levels and to develop strategies for streamlined implementation.

Author: David Spence | Philipp Fluri Source: Fluri, P. & Spence, D. (eds.), 2008, 'The European Union and Security Sector Reform', DCAF, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 376 pages ()
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What is the current state of local level justice institutions in Sierra Leone's provinces? How good is access to justice there? This study by the World Bank reviews of what is known already and analyses recent events to highlight opportunities for intervention. It argues that justice reform that works primarily with formal justice systems ignores the customary justice systems used by the majority of the population. A comprehensive approach to justice reform requires understanding of an engagement with customary systems.

Author: Pamela Dale Source: Dale, P., 2008, 'Access to Justice in Sierra Leone: A Review of the Literature', Justice for the Poor Programme, World Bank, Washington DC Size: 30 pages (254 kB)
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The contributions of South Sudanese women associated with armed forces during the 22-year Sudanese civil war (1983-2005) remain unrecognised and undocumented. This brief, published by the Small Arms Survey, reviews women's involvement in the conflict and the lack of official recognition of women in post-conflict programmes. The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) and United Nations' agencies need to give women priority Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) treatment and full access to employment opportunities.

Author: Small Arms Survey Source: Small Arms Survey, 2008, 'No standing, few prospects: How peace is failing South Sudanese female combatants and WAAFG', Small Arms Survey, The Human Security Baseline Assessment, Sudan Issue Brief, No. 13, Geneva Size: 8 pages (329 kB)
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What opportunities has the decentralisation process given women in Cambodia to participate in political leadership? What obstacles and challenges hinder women's participation and leadership at the local level? This article from Gender & Development discusses the work of Banteay Srei, a Cambodian NGO, in building the capacity of women to participate in leadership. It describes how Banteay Srei's leadership training activities have enabled women in the targeted villages to make the most of leadership opportunities. However, challenges to women's effective political leadership still remain and it is important for NGOs and women leaders to develop strategies to overcome these challenges.

Author: Thavy Chhoeun | Panha Sok Source: Chhoeun, T., Sok, P., Byrne, T. C., 2008, ''Citadel of Women': Strengthening Female Leadership in Rural Cambodia', Gender and Development, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 535-547 Size: 13 pages ()
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How can gender power relations be challenged in conservative societies? This article from Gender and Development looks at Sawt el-Amel, an Arab grassroots organisation in Israel. It uses innovative approaches to address gender issues within a conservative minority community, where women face gender, race and socio-economic discrimination. Its forum for socially and economically marginalised women has become a union for Arab women across Israel, providing valuable lessons about activism for economic justice.

Author: Marie-Olivia Badarne Source: Badarne M-O., 2008, ''Flower by flower, we make a garden': Palestinian women organising for economic justice', Gender and Development, Vol. 16 No.3, pp.509-521, UK Size: 13 pages ()
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Grassroots women's leadership is important if representative democracies are to include citizen participation beyond simply voting in elections. This study from Gender and Development examines an approach, developed by the Huairou Commission and GROOTS International, that helps grassroots women organise as leaders and engage with local government to achieve change in their communities. The success of the Local to Local Dialogue approach in Uganda, Kenya and Russia reflects the importance of organised groups of women having autonomous space, where they can progress to being recognised as community leaders, whose views are listened to and acted upon by the government.

Author: Dahlia Goldenberg Source: Goldenberg D., 2008, 'Grassroots women's leadership and 'deepening democracy': the Huairou Commission's Local to Local Dialogue replication', Gender and Development, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 443-456, UK Size: 15 pages ()
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What hinders Malawian women's full participation in formal, national-level state politics? How can policy makers support the goal of gender equality in Malawi? This article from Gender and Development draws on qualitative research conducted with Malawian female politicians. Constraints on women's political participation include limited income and education, and gender stereotypes. Women in Malawi are socialised to be followers, not leaders. Gendered expectations among both women and men need to be challenged.

Author: Alinane Priscilla Kamlongera Source: Kamlongera A.P., 2008, 'Malawian women's participation in State politics: what are the constraints?', Gender and Development, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp.471 - 480, UK Size: 10 pages ()
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How has Kup Women for Peace (KWP), a community organisation in Papua New Guinea, contributed to reducing violence and ensuring free and fair elections? What progress has KWP made in changing attitudes about women and their roles in society in the Kup sub-district? This article from Gender & Development describes the work of KWP. It shows how in seven short years, KWP has gone from tribal peacebuilding to ensuring a free, fair and violence-free election in Kup.

Author: Rachael Hinton et al. | Yanny Guman Source: Hinton, R. et al, 2008, 'The Kup Women for Peace approach to peacebuilding: taking the lead in the Papua New Guinea national elections', Gender and Development, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 523 - 533 Size: 11 pages ()
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How successful has Rwanda been in its efforts to increase the participation and representation of women? This study from Louisville University explores the increase in women's participation in public life and representation in governance, as well as the increasing authoritarianism of the Rwandan state under the guise of democratisation. It argues that while the participation of women has increased, their ability to influence policymaking has decreased. In the long term, however, increased female representation in government could led to participation in a genuine democracy because of a transformation in political subjectivity.

Author: Jennie E. Burnet Source: Burnet J.E., 2008, 'Gender balance and the meanings of women in governance in post-conflict Rwanda', African Affairs, Vol. 107, Issue 428, pp. 361-386 Size: 26 pages ()
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How can the destabilising effect of conflict and disaster on gender relations be mitigated? This study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology explores the ways in which the tsunami in Sri Lanka changed people's relations, for those who lost a spouse. The tsunami not only reorganised gender relations, but also changed the meaning of 'widow'. War-widows and tsunami-widows are viewed differently within post-tsunami society. It argues that a 'feminism and development' approach coupled with a 'feminism and disaster' approach to understanding change should be adopted in the wake of the tsunami. Focusing on gender alone is insufficient.

Author: Jennifer Hyndman Source: Hyndman J., 'Feminism, Conflict and Disasters in Post-tsunami Sri Lanka', Gender, Technology and Development, Vol.12, No. 1, pp. 101-121 Size: 22 pages ()
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How have social changes within migration-generating societies converged with an enlargement of the underground economy worldwide? How has this convergence created new conditions under which migrants (trafficked or smuggled) become incorporated into the worlds of production and consumption? This study, from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, argues that there is, currently, too great an emphasis on control without sufficient knowledge of the rapidly changing realities. Approaching human trafficking and migration as sequences in a continuum of mobility might bring new insights into the dynamics that exist at a deeper level of structural transformation.

Author: Thanh-Dam Truong Source: Truong T-D., 'Human Trafficking and New Patterns of Migration', Gender, Technology and Development, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 5-8 Size: 5 pages ()
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Is the zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse having a positive impact on UN peacekeeping missions? This report, prepared for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reviews evidence from UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti and Liberia and concludes that the policy is yielding mixed results. It contends that the policy's difficulties stem from implementation problems and contextual challenges that would be eased by better communication and clarity as to the intents and purposes of the zero-tolerance approach.

Author: Kathleen Jennings Source: Jennings, K. M., 2008, 'Protecting Whom? Approaches to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in UN Peacekeeping Operations', Fafo, Oslo Size: 80 pages (1.02 MB)
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How successful have Community Problem Solving Groups (CPSGs) been at representing their communities and identifying and solving problems? How supportive of their efforts are local government officials? This study from the United Nations Development Programme assesses the Support to Security Sector Reform (SSSR) Programme's CPSGs in Albania. In general, local governments are interested in supporting the CPSGs, local police officers are dedicated to community-based policing, and there are active CPSG members. The CPSGs thus have a lot of potential, which the SSSR Programme should help to realise.

Author: Sean DeBlieck Source: DeBlieck,S., 2007, 'Representation, Relevance and Interest: An Assessment of the SSSR Programme's Community Problem Solving Groups', UNDP Albania/SSSR Programme, Albania Size: 29 pages (336 kB)
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How can the use of gender analysis help improve post-conflict peace processes? This paper, published in Gender and Development, discusses the research methodology and results of the 2005 Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis (PCGA) conducted by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in the Solomon Islands. The use of gender analysis to shape peace processes would help solidify women's gains in status and contribute to economic and civil society development.

Author: Annalise Moser Source: Moser, A., 2007, 'The Peace and Conflict Gender Analysis: UNIFEM's Research in the Solomon Islands' Gender and Development, volume 15, issue 2 Size: 10 pages (115 KB)
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Gender-based violence and discrimination hinder the establishment of peace and human security. Without gender equality, progress in global poverty reduction and development will fail. This study by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) argues that gender-sensitive reform of the security sector can make an important contribution to the reduction of gender-based violence and discrimination. It is an aspect of reform that has been overlooked in development cooperation to date.

Author: Sandra Oelke Source: Oelke,S., 2007, 'Security Sector Reform and Gender: Concept and Points of Entry for Development Cooperation', Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany Size: 24 pages (1.62MB)
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Minority issues lie at the heart of many of the world's conflicts. Yet minority rights are often marginalised in peace processes and conflict prevention programmes. This study, by the Minority Rights Group, looks at Chechnya, Darfur, Kashmir, Kosovo and Sri Lanka. Understanding the warning signs provided by minority rights violations could prevent conflicts. Groups should not be separated along ethnic, religious or linguistic lines as a way of creating peace, as such divisions can entrench old hatreds and wounds in the long term.

Author: Clive Baldwin | Chris Chapman Source: Baldwin, C., Chapman, C. and Gray, Z., 2007, 'Minority Rights: The Key to Conflict Prevention'. Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Minority Rights Report, UK Size: 44 pages (435 KB)
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What role has land and resource scarcity played in violent conflict in Rwanda? How should the international transitional justice community integrate economic factors such as land distribution into reconciliation processes? This paper from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation examines the role of land in conflict and reconciliation in Rwanda. It shows that land and resource scarcity are deeply linked to conflict and ethnicity in Rwanda. Unless land issues are integrated into transitional justice processes, reconciliation will remain superficial and the potential for violent conflict will remain.

Author: Zinaida Miller Source: Miller, Z. 2007. 'Constructing Sustainable Reconciliation: Land, Power, and Transitional Justice in Post-Genocide Rwanda', Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, Cape Town Size: 61 pages (318 kB)
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To what extent has the World Bank incorporated gender considerations into its investments in post-conflict reconstruction (PCR) situations? This paper from Gender Action examines World Bank PCR investments for gender considerations, with particular attention to Angola, Cambodia, Colombia, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Rwanda. It shows that the World Bank has integrated gender considerations into its investments to only a limited extent. The Bank must integrate into PCR: 1) women-focused activities; 2) gender aware programming; and 3) the promotion of gender equality aimed at building peaceful societies.

Author: Elaine Zuckerman | Suzanna Dennis Source: Zuckerman, E., Dennis, S. and Greenberg, M. 2007. 'The Gender Dimensions of Post-Conflict Reconstruction: The World Bank Track Record', Gender Action, Washington, D.C. Size: 68 pages (843 KB)
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What role should Nepal's police play in broader efforts towards peacebuilding and national reconciliation? As the primary civil agency for law enforcement and the maintenance of public order, police are key actors in post-conflict environments. In this collection of essays, commissioned by Saferworld, Nepali authors consider police reform and development in post-conflict Nepal. Nepal's security institutions have not traditionally been subject to effective public scrutiny or democratic oversight. Debate, awareness raising and the development of indigenous capacities to address justice and security are critical.

Author: Simon Rynn (ed.) Source: Rynn, S. (ed.), 2007, 'Policing in Nepal: A collection of essays', Saferworld, London, UK Size: 99 pages (849 KB)
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What are the implications of gender for security and development? This paper from Conflict, Security & Development argues that gender is vital in any discussion of security and development since women are affected by war, conflict and poverty in different ways to men. It also illustrates the ways in which gender systems are bound up with other 'differences' and how these are specific to individual contexts.

Author: Marsha Henry Source: Henry, M. (2007). 'Gender, security and development', Conflict, Security and Development, 7(1), pp. 61-84, Routledge Size: 25 pages ()
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What progress have developing countries and their development partners made towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)? What obstacles and challenges remain to meeting the goals by the target date of 2015? This report from the United Nations presents a comprehensive global assessment of progress towards achieving the MDGs. While some progress is being made, the MDGs will only be achieved if concerted additional action is taken immediately and sustained until 2015. All stakeholders must fulfil the commitments made in the Millennium Declaration and subsequent pronouncements.

Author: UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Source: United Nations, 2007, 'The Millennium Development Goals Report - 2007', United Nations, New York, USA Size: 21 pages (1.18 MB)
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The UN requires all parties to armed conflict to take special measures to protect people from sexual violence. However, this report by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces suggests that there has been little sharing of experiences between states regarding the measures required, or on good practice in addressing crimes of sexual violence. There needs to be a coordinated effort on strategies within the security sector to prevent and respond to sexual violence in armed conflict and in post-conflict security sector reform.

Author: Megan Bastick | Karen Grimm Source: Bastick, M., Grimm, K. and Kunz, R. (2007). 'Sexual violence in armed conflict - global overview and implications for the security sector', Geneva: DCAF. Size: 216 pages ()
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How can human trafficking best be tackled? This paper, by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, looks at ways in which security sector responses can be strengthened. It argues that in achieving the key goals of prevention, protection and prosecution, a holistic approach is needed that includes all security sector actors as well as international organisations. In addition, it is argued that action by the security sector, while necessary, is not sufficient and that steps must also be taken to alleviate poverty, gender inequality and lack of opportunity, which drive people into human trafficking.

Author: Megan Bastick | Karin Grimm Source: Bastick, M. and Grimm, K. (2007). 'Security sector response to trafficking in Human beings', Policy paper no 21, Geneva: DCAF. Size: 44 pages (815KB)
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Girls within armed groups have generally been neglected by scholars, governments and policymakers. This Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) paper traces the experiences of girls in armed conflict in Angola, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and Uganda. It finds that girls in fighting forces are rendered invisible and marginalised during and after conflict, although they are fundamentally important to armed groups. They experience victimisation, perpetration and insecurity, but are also active agents and resisters.

Author: Myriam Denov Source: Denov, M., 2007, 'Girls in Fighting Forces: Moving Beyond Victimhood', Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Size: 41 pages (680 kB)
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What role can gender-sensitive police reform (GSPR) play in post-conflict situations? This policy briefing paper, published by UNIFEM and UNDP, argues that post-conflict contexts present important opportunities for law-enforcement reform. At the same time, the need for GSPR in practice is particularly acute during peacekeeping missions and the process of rebuilding state institutions. Key aspects of gender-sensitive police reform are discussed, drawing on findings from an inter-agency study and from programming in various countries undertaken by UNIFEM and UNDP.

Author: Alejandro Alvarez | Anne-Kristin Treiber Source: UNIFEM and UNDP, 2007, 'Gender Sensitive Police Reform in Post Conflict Societies', United Nations Development Fund for Women and United Nations Development Programme, New York Size: 12 pages (1.9 MB)
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Although the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is the most competent, best- trained army in Southeast Asia, it suffers from serious ethnic, gender and training weaknesses. This Armed Forces & Society paper examines institutional issues that reduce SAF effectiveness and professionalism and prevent it from realising its full potential. The SAF should make better use of the minority Malay population, increase opportunities for women and institute major reforms of its promotion and training policies.

Author: Sean P. Walsh Source: Walsh S.P., 2007, 'The Roar of the Lion City: Ethnicity, Gender, and Culture in the Singapore Armed Forces', Armed Forces and Society, Volume 33 (2): 265-285. Size: 22 pages ()
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Why is it so difficult to translate an awareness of gender injustice into workable plans for post-conflict reconstruction? Evidence shows that while women are largely absent from formal peace negotiations, they do make a significant contribution at the grassroots level. Yet this gender awareness has not been incorporated into practice. This paper from the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) draws on African feminism to argue for a balanced position between cultural relativism and a 'one size fits all' solution to this problem.

Author: Heidi Hudson Source: Hudson, H., 2006, 'Human security and peacebuilding through a gender lens', Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS Working Paper no. 2006/ 37 Size: 2 pages ()
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What challenges are faced by the European Union (EU) in terms of its future engagements in Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR)? This concept from the EU is based on lessons learned in the International Community. It aims at ensuring a common understanding with potential partners and includes clear principles for EU support and measures for strengthening the Union's work in this area.

Author: Source: European Union, 2006, 'EU Concept for support to Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR)', European Commission and Council of the European Union, Brussels Size: 27 pages (116 kB)
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How can policy on women's rights and gender equality be turned into practice? This guide from the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) aims to help facilitate the development of realistic action plans on women, peace and security (WPS), through the provision of good practices, recommendations and a six-step model process. It is designed as a resource for governments, the United Nations (UN) and regional organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Author: Kristin Valasek | Kaitlin Nelson Source: Valasek, K. & Nelson, K., 2006, 'Securing equality, engendering peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security', United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) Size: 78 pages (1.18MB)
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How can local communities be better integrated into weapon collection programmes? This report from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) presents findings from a study of weapon collection programmes in Albania. The findings indicate that there is a clear need for participatory approaches in weapon collection and weapons for development (WfD) programmes. Inclusive participatory approaches can increase communities' confidence, leading to better results in retrieving illegally held weapons in post-conflict societies.

Author: Geofrey Mugumya Source: Mugumya, G., 2006, 'From Exchanging Weapons for Development to Security Sector Reform in Albania: Gaps and Grey Areas in Weapon Collection Programmes Assessed by Local People', United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR/2004/19, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 131 pages ()
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How are disarmament and development connected at the field level? What are the challenges facing efforts to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the two fields on the ground? Between 2002 and 2004, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) conducted studies of weapons for development programmes in Albania, Cambodia and Mali. Based on these studies, this paper from UNIDIR examines the interplay between development and disarmament at the community level. It demonstrates a clear link between disarmament and development, as well as the importance of strengthening this link to promote sustainable human development.

Author: Shukuko Koyama Source: Koyama, S. (2006). 'Disarmament, development and the Programme of Action. Experiences and challenges on the ground', Disarmament Forum, 2006(1), pp.75-82, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) Size: 8 pages (95 kB)
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What were the motives of girls who fought in the Liberian civil war and how can the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process address their needs better? This International Labour Office study argues that there are a number of misconceptions surrounding the enlistment of girl combatants. The study examines the motives of Liberian girls for taking up arms and highlights the key issues for improving gender sensitive prevention and reintegration policies.

Author: Irma Specht Source: Specht, I., 2006, 'Red Shoes: Experiences of girl-combatants in Liberia', International Labour Office, Geneva Size: 133 pages (1.27MB)
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How can women play a more effective role in peace initiatives? This research from the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development in New Delhi argues that it is important to improve understanding of how women's and men's perspectives on peace and violence vary, and whether there are policy implications for these differences. A full understanding of the role of women as actors during war and conflict and as victims of war is essential to ensure full participation of women at all levels of decision-making and implementation in peace processes.

Author: Satbeer Chhabra Source: Chhabra, S., 2006, 'Gender Perspective in Peace Initiatives: Opportunities and Challenges', Women's Link Journal Size: 13 pages (65KB)
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Recent studies show the increasing extent that women operate as combatants in (ir)regular armies in conflict. How can disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes become more gender-sensitised? This study by the Clingendael Institute examines men and women's active involvement in warfare, their gender-specific roles and gender relations within armies and discusses the challenges for DDR programmes in targeting female ex-combatants.

Author: Tsjeard Bouta Source: Bouta, T., 2005, Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, Netherlands Institute of International Relations, "Clingendael", The Hague Size: 37 pages (128KB)
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The UNICEF-sponsored Child-Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) represents an integrated, multi-sectoral and community-driven approach for the delivery of basic services to poor and vulnerable people in Sudan. What are the main achievements of CFCI? How does it differ from other donor interventions aiming to enhance service delivery? Compiled for the Department for International Development, this case study examines the effectiveness of the CFCI approach in Sudan and attempts to draw lessons for donors on service delivery in other fragile states.

Author: Magüi Moreno-Torres Source: Moreno-Torres, M., 2005, 'Service Delivery in a Difficult Environment: the Child-friendly Community Initiative in Sudan', Department for International Development, UK. Size: 36 pages (278.9 kB)
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Has the Ituri Disarmament and Community Reinsertion (DCR) programme stabilised the North-eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo? What policy considerations should be taken into account to strengthen the programme? This report by the Clingendael Institute of the Netherlands and the Africa Initiative Programme analyses the current situation of the DCR programme and describes the challenges it faces. In particular, it discusses the difficult decision of moving from voluntary to forced disarmament and demobilisation.

Author: Tsjeard Bouta Source: Bouta, T., 2005, 'Assessment of the Ituri Disarmament and Community Reinsertion Programme (DCR)', Clingendael Institute Conflict Research Unit, Netherlands Institute of International Relations, The Hague Size: 33 pages (108 KB)
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Policy analysts have debated the organisational factors that contribute to successful disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes, but little is known about the factors that account for success at the micro level. What are the individual level determinants of successful demobilisation and reintegration? This research from the Centre for Global Development finds that an individuals' prospects of gaining acceptance depends largely on the abusiveness of the unit in which he or she fought. There is no evidence that participation in internationally funded DDR programs improves an individual's chance of acceptance by their families or communities.

Author: Jeremy Weinstein | Macartan Humphreys Source: Weinstein, J., and Humphreys, M., 2005, 'Disentangling the Determinants of Successful Demobilization and Reintegration,' Center for Global Development Working Paper Number 69, United States Size: 30 pages (220kB)
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This paper by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) examines Canberra's approach to development assistance with a focus on the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, The Philippines and Burma. Over three-quarters of Australia's major bilateral aid programmes operate in countries that are experiencing, recovering from or are vulnerable to conflict. Australia's approach to peace, conflict and development emphasises the role of humanitarian aid in addressing the symptoms of conflict.

Author: Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Source: AusAID, 2005, 'Australian Aid: Approaches to Peace, Security and Development', AusAID, Canberra Size: 6 pages (61KB)
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How can local communities be better integrated into weapon collection programmes? This report from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) presents findings from a study of weapon collection programmes in Cambodia. The study confirms that inclusive participatory approaches can increase communities' confidence and allow local people to participate in determining the future of their communities. Weapon reduction measures using incentive schemes for communities in exchange for weapons cannot be successfully implemented without first introducing measures for local community engagement.

Author: Geofrey Mugumya Source: Mugumya,G., 2005, 'Exchanging Weapons for Development in Cambodia: An Assessment of Different Weapon Collection Strategies by Local People', United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR/2005/6, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 133 pages ()
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Who authorises and delivers policing in Uganda? Participative research reveals a fragmented and overlapping pattern of policing. However, for historical reasons, it is still heavily influenced, if not controlled, by state institutions. This paper, published in Policing & Society, argues that the diversification of policing in Uganda is more one of choice, rather than ownership. Such 'multi-choice' policing demands the construction of a law and order policy that is based on incorporating all acceptable policing groups.

Author: Bruce Baker | www.africanpolicing.org Source: Baker, B., 2005, 'Multi-choice Policing in Uganda', Policing and Society, 15, 1, 19-41. Size: 23 pages (139 kB)
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Violence against women is rooted in discrimination. It occurs across borders, religions and class. This is because it has been condoned through cultural practices. This paper, by Amnesty International, International Action Network on Small Arms, and Oxfam, argues that violence against women in the family and violence through state repression or conflict are similar. The latter is an extreme manifestation of the discrimination and abuse that women face in the family. Furthermore, the presence of guns means more danger for women.

Author: Amnesty International | Oxfam Source: Amnesty International, IANSA, Oxfam, 2005, 'The impact of guns on women's lives', Amnesty International, IANSA, Oxfam, Oxford, UK Size: 76 pages (557KB)
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In Sri Lanka in 2004-2005, a civil society awareness process was initiated to allow civil society to participate in the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA). This document, by Saferworld and the South Asia Small Arms Network - Sri Lanka (SASA-net Sri Lanka), represents a record and analysis of discussions that took place during the consultation process. The civil society consultation process was held in 23 districts covering nine provinces. It concludes that violence within different ethnic groups within the country has increased and democracy has declined due to violence around elections.

Author: Saferworld | South Asia Small Arms Network - Sri Lanka (SASA-net Sri Lanka) Source: South Asia Small Arms Network and Saferworld, 2005, 'Small arms and light weapons challenges in Sri Lanka and options for the way forward: A civil society consultation process to support the establishment of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (NCAPISA)', South Asia Small Arms Network and Saferworld Size: 22 pages (266kB)
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What effect do small arms have on security in rural Pacific Islands communities and how successful have measures to combat these effects been? How can disarmament practitioners assess the impacts of small arms misuse in rural communities, given the difficulties of collecting quantitative data on armed violence? This report from the Small Arms Survey presents the views on small arms of rural communities in Papa New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands. Presenting results from a pilot study, it demonstrates the ability of participatory research to provide high-value, low-cost insights, offering an alternative to traditional quantitative research.

Author: Emile LeBrun | Robert Muggah Source: LeBrun, E & Muggah, R. (eds.), 2005, 'Silencing Guns: Local Perspectives on Small Arms and Armed Violence in Rural Pacific Islands Communities', Occasional Paper 15, Small Arms Survey, Geneva. Size: 72 pages (788 KB)
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What are the best ways to promote security sector governance in Africa? What are the roles of government, the military and civil society in the process? This paper comes from a workshop with the theme Security Sector Governance. It was held in Ghana and organised by Africa Dialogue and Security Research (ASDR) and Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR). The workshop included presentations by practitioners and academics and case studies from African countries and other regions in transition to democracy for example Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Author: Anicia Lala | Riefqi Muna Source: Lalá, A. and Muna, R., 2004, Workshop on Security Sector Governance in Africa', in Elmina, Ghana, 24-26 November 2003, Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform Paper 33 Size: pages ()
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In recent years international organisations and development agencies have become aware that development and peace processes cannot be effective or take place in situations of threat, social disorder or violence. They have thus focussed on Security Sector Reform (SSR) as an integral part of third party intervention. This issue of the Berghof Dialogue Series contains contributions from six authors. It examines the arguments for engagement with the security sector and provides an analysis of the dilemmas that arise and suggestions for how they might be overcome.

Author: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management Source: McCartney, C., Fischer, M. & Wils, O. (eds.) 2004, 'Security Sector Reform - Potentials and Challenges for Conflict Transformation', Berghof Handbook Dialogue Series No. 2, Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, Berlin Size: 77 pages (898 kB)
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International assistance operations still neglect the needs of women and girls in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes. This handbook by Sarah Douglas, Vanessa Farr, Felicity Hill and Wenny Kasuma presents lessons learned and case studies to improve the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace and security, particularly its call to make DDR processes more inclusive of women. The handbook includes some suggestions for how to develop standard operating procedures on gender and DDR. Intended for DDR practitioners, it recommends integrating women's needs and perspectives into all phases of DDR.

Author: Sarah Douglas | Vanessa Farr Source: Douglas,S., Farr,V., Hill,F. and Kasuma,W., 2004, 'Getting it Right, Doing it Right: Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration', UNIFEM, New York, USA Size: 2 pages (29.5kB)
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Efforts to build sustainable peace require the participation of women in peace building at all levels of society. This toolkit, authored by International Alert and Women Waging Peace, is a comprehensive resource of conceptual, policy and practical information, and guidance for women peace builders and practitioners. Placing women at the centre of local, national and international peace building efforts will improve progress towards enduring peace.

Author: International Alert | The Initiative for Inclusive Security (formerly Women Waging Peace) Source: International Alert & Women Waging Peace, 2004, 'Inclusive Security, Sustainable Peace: A Toolkit for Advocacy and Action', International Alert, London Size: 2 pages (32.0 kB)
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The participation of South African women was a key component in the country's transition from conflict to democracy and security sector reform. This paper by Sanam Naraghi Anderlini documents the strategies women used to gain full participation in the transition, their influence in shaping security sector policies and institutions, and the impact it had particularly in terms of building legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of the public. South Africa's inclusion of women in its transition process is a model for countries seeking fundamental changes in society's views of and approaches to conflict, peace and security.

Author: Sanam Naraghi Anderlini Source: Naranghi Anderlini, S. 2004, 'Negotiating the Transition to Democracy and Reforming the Security Sector: The Vital Contributions of South African Women', Hunt Alternatives Fund, Washington DC. USA Size: 2 pages (32.5 kB)
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How can local communities be better integrated into weapon collection and weapons for development (WfD) programmes? This report from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) presents the lessons learned from participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) of weapon collection programmes in Mali. It finds that use of participatory procedures, processes and policies give confidence to communities and can lead to greater ease in retrieving illegally held weapons.

Author: Geofrey Mugumya Source: Mugumya,G., 2004, 'Exchanging Weapons for Development in Mali: Weapon Collection Programmes Assessed by Local People', United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, UNIDIR/2004/16, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 175 pages ()
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Will the mainstreaming of gender in the UN Security Council lead to widespread political transformation? This paper by the Boston Consortium on Gender Security and Human Rights charts the genesis and diffusion of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (1325). It argues that although 1325 has let women into decision-making positions, the global war system has been left intact. Nevertheless, 1325 has the potential to ameliorate the lives of women who are already suffering the effects of war.

Author: Carol Cohn Source: Cohn, C. (2004). 'Mainstreaming Gender in UN Security Policy: A Path to Political Transformation?', Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights, Working Paper No. 204 Size: 21 pages (80KB)
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What is the structural and productive power of sex and sex difference in the laws of war? This paper by The Boston Consortium for Gender, Security and Human Rights examines the productive power of discourses of gender by analysing international humanitarian law. The study traces the origin of the injunction to distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians in times of armed conflict. It finds that discourses of gender do not simply denote the difference of combatant and civilian, but produce that difference.

Author: Helen M. Kinsella Source: Kinsella, H.M. (2004). 'Securing the Civilian: Sex and Gender in the Laws of War', Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights, Working Paper No. 201 Size: 18 pages (75KB)
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Why is violence against women so universal and pervasive? What are its roots and causes and why is the struggle against it such a long and winding road? This paper attempts to point to some possible answers to these questions and to show the methods and measures that are taken, and could be taken in the future, to end the violence. It is not easy to answer the question of the extent to which gender-based violence is truly important both for international and national policy.

Author: Marie Vlachova | Lea Biason Source: Vlachova, M. and Biason, L. (2004). 'Making the World a More Secure Place: Combating Violence against Women', Policy Paper 03, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Size: 33 pages (109kb)
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Women play essential roles in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) processes, yet are rarely included in their planning or implementation. This article, by UNIFEM, provides a checklist to assist in designing and realising gender-sensitive short-term DDR goals and envisioning long-term peace support measures. It focuses on how women can be included, recognised and supported in the their roles in DDR processes.

Author: Stephanie Ziebell | Anne Marie Goetz Source: UNIFEM, 2003, 'Gender-aware Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR): A Checklist', UNIFEM, New York Size: 13 pages (147 kB)
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Can democracy survive without the rule of law? What does it mean for democracy when police act outside the law, or apply the law partially? This Policing and Society paper examines these issues in Mozambique, a country trying to establish the rule of law after it has introduced democracy. Research reveals police conduct is not consistently subject to the rule of law. Backwards democratisation in this area will be difficult without the political will to change and channel resources into strengthening police capacity.

Author: Bruce Baker | www.africanpolicing.org Source: Baker, B., 2003, 'Policing and the Rule of Law in Mozambique', Policing and Society, 13, 2, 139-158. Size: 46 pages (140 kB)
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How successful has the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) been in prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence crimes in Rwanda? This paper by the Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights offers an examination of international justice from the perspective of rape survivors of the Rwandan genocide. The ICTR has a poor record of sexual violence prosecutions over the past decade. The study concludes that the court not only denies Rwandan women justice, it exacerbates the suffering they continue to experience.

Author: Binaifer Nowrojee Source: Nowrojee, B. (2003). '"Your justice is Too Slow": Will the ICTR Fail Rwanda's Rape Victims?', Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights, Working Paper No. 105 Size: 28 pages (101KB)
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Despite increasing awareness about the role women play in fighting forces, there are still few gender-based analyses of the differences between the needs of men and women ex-combatants. This Institute for Security Studies paper presents study findings on Ethiopian women ex-fighters' demobilisation and reintegration experiences and the impact of militarisation and politicisation on their lives. The empowerment of these women challenges commonly-held assumptions about child soldiers as victims who are unable to participate fully in their post-conflict societies.

Author: Angela Veale | ISS Source: Veale, A., 2003, From Child Soldier to Ex-Fighter: Female Fighters, Demobilisation and Reintegration in Ethiopia, Institute for Security Studies. Monograph No. 85, Pretoria Size: pages ()
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The public perception of human security in Bangladesh is one of widespread violations, especially against the poor and disadvantaged, and of an inefficient, complex and corrupt criminal justice system. This report reviews human security and provides recommendations for change. It finds that 'anti-poor' elements of Bangladesh's criminal justice system include the bail system, costly and cumbersome court procedures, and wide misuse of discretionary powers by the police. There is also a significant 'implementation gap' in the enforcement of existing laws due to police and court inefficiencies. Political leaders and the elite should ensure the implementation and monitoring of the whole criminal justice system, taking a multidisciplinary approach to address the multifaceted nature of human security.

Author: UNDP Source: UNDP, 2002, 'Human Security in Bangladesh', United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dhaka, Bangladesh Size: 125 pages (3.8 MB)
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What is the role of children in the process of reintegration and reconciliation in Sierra Leone, after the decade-long armed conflict? What procedures must be used in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in order to safeguard the rights of children and make sure that their account of the events is properly recorded? This report contains recommendations for the TRC in dealing with children.

Author: Bert Theuermann and Natalee Mann Source: Mann, N. & Theuermann, B., 2001, 'Children and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Sierra Leone: Recommendations for Policies and Procedures for Addressing and Involving Children in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission', UNICEF National Forum for Human Rights and UNAMSIL/Human Rights Size: pages ()
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