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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What are citizens' perceptions of the security sector in Bangladesh? What are the lessons for security sector reform? This paper reports results of a public perceptions survey on the police, army, the Rapid Action Battalion, defence parties and border guards. While citizens of Bangladesh feel safer today and crime has declined slightly, a large number of challenges remain that all security providers must address. The Bangladesh police and criminal justice system are in most need of reform; greater links between formal and informal security and justice mechanisms would improve security provision.

Author: Saferworld Source: Saferworld, 2010, 'Security Provision in Bangladesh: A Public Perceptions Survey', Saferworld, London Size: 18 pages (210 KB)
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Failure to address the civil war's root causes and to dismantle clandestine security apparatus has weakened Guatemala's institutions and facilitated skyrocketing violent crime. The UN-sanctioned International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has made some progress in addressing high-level corruption, but in June 2010 its director resigned, saying the government had not kept its promise to support CICIG's work and reform the justice system. The President needs to consolidate recent gains with institutional reform, anti-corruption measures, vetting mechanisms and a more inclusive political approach, including to indigenous peoples. Reform of the police and military as well as the corrections and justice systems are among the priorities.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2010, 'Guatemala: Squeezed between Crime and Impunity', Latin America Report No. 33, International Crisis Group, Washington, D.C. Size: 31 pages (2.3 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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How has the political crisis contributed to the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe? How should the African Union (AU) and the international community respond to these crises? This report from Human Rights Watch examines the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. It argues that this crisis is a direct consequence of the Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front's (ZANU-PF) abusive rule. The AU should acknowledge the scale of the crisis, put human rights at the top of the agenda and hold human rights abusers to account.

Author: Human Rights Watch | Tiseke Kasambala Source: Human Rights Watch, 2009, 'Crisis without Limits - Human Rights and Humanitarian Consequences of Political Repression in Zimbabwe', Human Rights Watch Size: 36 pages (181 kB)
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What should be the primary, explicit aim of security sector reform (SSR) efforts - democracy or development? What role should the concept of the 'social contract' play in SSR? This article from the Journal of Security Sector Management examines the evolution of SSR and the roles of development and democratisation in that concept. It argues that there is a tension between traditional development paradigms and democratisation that is unresolved within the present SSR discourse. To resolve this tension, the SSR discourse should explicitly acknowledge democracy as the overarching objective of SSR.

Author: Mark Knight Source: Knight M., 2009, 'Security Sector Reform, Democracy & the Social Contract: from implicit to explicit', Journal of Security Sector Management, Vol.7., No.1. Size: 20 pages (310 kB)
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What are the priorities in terms of security in Nepal? What contribution can the European Union (EU) make towards building and maintaining peace in the country? This briefing from International Alert examines security sector reform (SSR) and public security in Nepal. It argues that there is an urgent need to address security provision and the security sector as part of Nepal's ongoing peace process.

Author: Charlotte Watson | Rebecca Crozier Source: Watson C., Crozier R., 2009, 'Security for Whom? SSR and Public Security in Nepal', International Alert Size: 28 pages (349 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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A consensus among domestic security sector reform (SSR) actors in Haiti that the reform agenda is imposed from outside has led to limited local ownership of the process. This paper, published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation, reviews the current status of reform of Haiti's judiciary, police and penal systems. Until the suspicion of reform measures imposed by outsiders can be reversed and genuine political will for reform nurtured, SSR policy makers will be hard-pressed to succeed.

Author: Mark Sedra Source: Sedra M. (ed.), 2009, 'Security Sector Reform Monitor: Haiti', Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Canada Size: 12 pages (1.55 MB)
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Integrated, comprehensive and inclusive armed violence reduction (AVR) programmes are an emerging and growing area of development practice around the world. This paper, published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, discusses the components of a multi-level AVR approach. Adopting integrated AVR programmes requires understanding of the multi-faceted, multi-level nature of armed violence, application of rigorous diagnostics of local situations and incorporation of local ownership at all levels of programme design and implementation.

Author: OECD-DAC Source: OECD-DAC, 2009, 'Armed Violence Reduction: Enabling Development', Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development - Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC), Paris Size: 140 pages (1.7 MB)
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Wars, particularly civil wars, are increasingly focused on cities. How can they best be tackled? This study from Columbia University reviews the history of city politics in Kabul and the processes of governance that occur at different levels. Multi-layered conflicts in capital cities can concentrate political attention and overload urban development and governance agendas. It should be understood that, in post-war capital cities, conflicts at the fault lines of local, national and international institutions shape political and economic agendas for the city.

Author: Daniel Esser Source: Esser D., 2009, Who Governs Kabul? Explaining Urban Politics in a Post-War Capital City', Crisis States Research Centre, London Size: 30 pages (784)
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Security sector reform (SSR) is most often used as a platform for reform in fragile and post-conflict states and in countries transitioning from communism or authoritarian rule. This paper, published by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, reviews security sector and governance definitions, issues, approaches and actors. There is an emerging consensus that governance is an essential SSR component and that linkages among different actors be considered in order to achieve successful SSR.

Author: Source: 2009, 'Security Sector Governance and Reform', Backgrounder Series, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) Size: 8 pages (1.52 MB)
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Post-conflict environments can attract huge numbers of external actors that create management and coordination problems and often apply short-term approaches that can lead to resumption of conflict. This paper, published by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, provides an overview of security sector reform (SSR) in post-conflict environments. SSR success can be assessed by measuring the reduction of violence, economic growth, improved security professionalism and the degree of local ownership.

Author: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) Source: 2009, 'Security Sector Reform in Post-conflict Peacebuilding', Backgrounder Series, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) Size: 8 pages (1.50 MB)
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What lessons does the experience of transforming the security system in Sierra Leone have for security sector reform (SSR)? This report from the Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform documents Sierra Leone's security system transformation from 1997 to 2007. It chronicles the UK Government's intervention, including its transition from direct implementer to adviser, and analyses key security issues that arose during the period. Sierra Leone's experience shows how dedicated, capable people, given the space to reform their security institutions, can achieve a great deal under challenging circumstances.

Author: Peter Albrecht | Paul Jackson Source: Albrecht P., Jackson P., 2009, 'Security System Transformation in Sierra Leone, 1997-2007', The Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR), University of Birmingham, UK Size: 228 pages (1.68 MB)
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Why does children's security matter? How can civil society, security providers, democratic institutions and the international community effectively engage children and youth on security issues? This publication from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces examines the links between children, youth and security. It argues that the concerns of children and youth are often overlooked on the security agenda. However, children and youth can have a positive contribution to make in addressing security concerns.

Author: David Nosworthy Source: Nosworthy D., 2009, 'Seen, but Not Heard: Placing Children and Youth on the Security Governance Agenda', DCAF Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 336 pages (1.76 MB)
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While Afghanistan has made progress in statebuilding, economic growth and human development, these positive signs have not stemmed the rising tide of insecurity in the country. This paper, published by The Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), reviews and analyses recent development and trends in Afghanistan's security sector reform (SSR). Despite an infusion of resources and an acceleration of international programming, Afghanistan's increasingly adverse security environment highlights continuing problems of corruption, clientelism and lack of coordiantion among the international donor community.

Author: Mark Sedra (ed) Source: Sedra M. (ed), 2009, 'Security Sector Reform Monitor: Afghanistan', Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Size: 12 pages (1.7 MB)
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While a normative framework for security sector reform (SSR) has been well established, it has not been fully applied in practice and translated into effective programming. This report, published by the Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), summarises the main findings of an e-Conference discussion of unresolved SSR challenges. A new SSR research agenda needs to be launched in order to create an implementation framework more attuned to contemporary issues and challenges.

Author: Mark Sedra Source: Sedra M., 2009, 'The Future of Security Sector Reform', Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Size: 12 pages (648 kB)
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The enduring presence of warlords and the influence of their international supporters are inadequately addressed by current post-conflict state building practices. This paper, published by The Round Table, discusses aspects of an east Congo rebel movement to illustrate some of the challenges warlordism poses to statebuilding. The international reluctance to recognise the importance of multiple sovereignties in statebuilding, including warlords and neighbouring states, suggests attempts to create a functioning empirical state after conflict will remain deficient.

Author: Danielle Beswick Source: Beswick D., 2009, 'The Challenge of Warlordism to Post-Conflict State-Building: The Case of Laurent Nkunda in Eastern Congo', The Round Table - The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs: Volume 98, Issue 402, pp.333-346 Size: 15 pages ()
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Afghanistan's forthcoming elections in August 2009 and 2010 present a formidable challenge if they are to produce widely accepted and credible results. This paper, published by the International Crisis Group, reviews the steps necessary to foster public confidence in the presidential and provincial assembly elections. Pre-election focus must include strengthening security provision and electoral staff capacity and building consensus on how the political system can be made more functional and representative.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2009, 'Afghanistan's Election Challenges', Asia Report No.171, International Crisis Group Size: 40 pages (1.4 MB)
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What has been the impact of the current economic and financial crisis on countries such as the Maldives? This article is a transcript of a speech by Dr Ahmed Kahleel, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations, to the UN Conference on Financial and Economic Crisis and its Impact on Development, held on 24 - 26 June 2009. He argues that the Maldives needs urgent assistance from the international community to stabilise the situation and jump-start the country's economy.

Author: Ahmed Khaleel Source: Khaleel A., 2009, 'Statement by His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations at the UN Conference on Financial and Economic Crisis and its impact on development' Size: 4 pages (104 kB)
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The connection between community security and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), is largely omitted in current policy and is unexplored in both academic and policy literature. This report, by the Peace Security and Development Network, reviews the existing literature on this link and identifies a number of weaknesses in DDR processes that stem from a lack of focus on community security. Local actors have limited influence on donors and national governments, which limits the possibilities for DDR programmes to reinforce community security arrangements, and vice versa.

Author: Rens Willems | Willemijn Verkoren Source: Willems R., Verkoren W., Derks M., Kleingeld J., Frerks G., Rouw H., 2009, 'Security Promotion in Fragile States: Can Local Meet National?', Peace, Security & Development (PSD) Network Size: 142 pages (1.1 MB)
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While the Sri Lankan Government won the recent war against the Tamil Tigers, the humanitarian cost was high and both parties stand accused of war crimes. This paper, published by the House of Commons Library, reviews recent Sri Lankan developments, international involvement, and military aid and development issues. Sri Lanka now faces the challenges of reconstruction and political and constitutional reforms that will give autonomy to regions where the minority Tamils are in the majority.

Author: Jon Lunn | Claire Taylor Source: Lunn J., Taylor C., Townsend I., 2009, 'War and Peace in Sri Lanka', House of Commons Library, Research Paper 09/51, UK Government, London, United Kingdom Size: 88 pages (2.15 MB)
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The Sri Lankan Government needs to solve the political conflict between majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils that has plagued the country since its independence in 1948. This Council on Foreign Relations paper reviews the conflict's current status and the role played in the conflict by foreign governments and the Tamil diaspora. Sri Lanka must begin to address the Tamil issues and broader questions of economic justice, gender, caste, labour rights and democratisation.

Author: Jayshree Bajoria Source: Bajoria J., 2009, 'The Sri Lankan Conflict', Council on Foreign Relations, Backgrounder, New York Size: 5 pages (51.5 kB)
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Despite the creation of a Commission of Inquiry of human rights violations in Sri Lanka, why do human rights violations continue to take place and why is justice not achieved? This report by Amnesty International seeks to highlight the issue of impunity in Sri Lanka and the role of the Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The report concludes that in the case of Sri Lanka the Commission of Inquiry did not perform well. The report offers recommendations to the Sri Lankan government as well as to the international civil society in order to bring justice to the victims of human rights violations in Sri Lanka.

Author: Amnesty International Source: Amnesty International, 2009, 'Sri Lanka: Twenty years of make-believe - Sri Lanka's Commissions of Inquiry', Amnesty International Size: 74 pages (690KB)
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Sri Lanka is a source and, to a lesser extent, a destination of trafficking of men and women for the purposes of forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation. This report, published by the United States Department of State, reviews the current Sri Lankan government efforts to comply with standards for the elimination of trafficking. While the country is making efforts to control trafficking, it should commit to vigorous, comprehensive investigation, prosecution and punishment of trafficking offenders.

Author: United States Department of State Source: United States Department of State, 2009, 'Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 - Sri Lanka', United States Department of State Size: 2 pages (36.52kB)
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Where does the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) obtain its forces? What elements contribute to the ongoing powerful existence of the LTTE despite losing many of its senior cadres and strategic hideouts to the Sri Lankan military? This Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict article outlines a brief history of the conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE before outlining important elements of the LTTE which make it an effective and strong militant group. The author concludes with a warning to the Sri Lankan government as to what is necessary if the issue of ethnically-based militant groups such as the LTTE is to be tackled and real peace restored to the island.

Author: Manohari Velamati Source: Velamati M., 2009, 'End(uring) of Militancy in Sri Lanka: The Rudiments of Striking Back', Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC), Article No. 161, New Dehli, India Size: pages ()
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How was Sri Lanka able to secure a military victory that is proving so elusive to the coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq? But will the recent 'Iron-fisted' approach of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces (SLAF) which successfully defeated the insurgencies in Sri Lanka translate to an enduring resolution? This article provides a brief discussion of the use of military action to defeat insurgencies, followed by an outline of the reasons why Sri Lanka was able to dominate the battle-space. The article concludes by raising questions as to the sustainability of the victory of the Sri Lankan government and the renouncement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) of armed struggle in favour of anti-violent activism.

Author: Ong Weichong Source: Weichong O., 2009, 'Military Defeat of the Tamil Tigers: From Velvet Glove to Iron Fist', Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Singapore, RSIS Commentaries Size: 3 pages (48KB)
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During their decade-long civil war, Sri Lankan forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) appeared to be competing in a contest to demonstrate the greatest disregard for civilians. This Human Rights Watch publication recounts human rights abuses of civilians in the Vanni region perpetrated by both Sri Lankan parties and calls for an end to using civilians for political and military purposes. Sri Lankan forces should immediately begin to adhere to the laws of war regarding civilians, and international parties should seek United Nations' ajudication on Sri Lankan human rights violations.

Author: Human Rights Watch Source: Human Rights Watch, 2009, 'War on the Displaced: Sri Lankan Army and LTTE Abuses against Civilians in the Vanni', Human Rights Watch, New York Size: 48 pages (442 kB)
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Why do 'disappearances' and abductions in Sri Lanka remain an unpunished crime? How can these 'disappearances' be stopped and justice be given to the victims? This report from Human Rights Watch examines the situation of disappearances and abductions in Sri Lanka and the lack of justice for the victims and their relatives, and the response of the government. The report concludes that the government has failed to make any effort to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators. Finally, specific recommendations are listed for the government, the LTTE and the donor community as to what they should do to bring justice and end these 'disappearances'.

Author: Human Rights Watch Source: Human Rights Watch, 2009, 'Recurring Nightmare: State Responsibility for "Disappearances" and Abductions in Sri Lanka', Human Rights Watch, New York, Volume 20, No. 2(C) Size: 241 pages (14.3MB)
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Zimbabwe's new inclusive government, formed in 2008, provides an opportunity to consider provision of fundamental reforms of security and justice services to the people of Zimbabwe. This Institute for Security Studies paper examines Zimbabwe's need for security sector reform (SSR) and recommends measures by which to construct an effective security sector. The will to achieve widespread democratic reform does not currently exist in Zimbabwe; long-term, comprehensive SSR will occur only when it becomes politically necessary.

Author: Cheryl Hendricks | Lauren Hutton Source: Hendricks C., Hutton L., 2009, 'Providing security and justice for the people: Security Sector Reform in Zimbabwe', Institute for Security Studies (ISS) (Pretoria): ISS Paper 199 Size: 16 pages (432 kB)
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What role should security sector reform play in Zimbabwe's renaissance? This paper, published by the Royal United Services Institute in September 2009, argues that security sector reform (SSR) must be a fundamental component in Zimbabwe's stabilisation and reconstruction, and suggests ways to achieve this. Zimbabwe's economy has revived since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in February 2009. However, developments in the security sector will dictate whether the nation's recovery is durable or temporary.

Author: Knox Chitiyo Source: Chitiyo K., 2009, 'Making the case for security sector reform in Zimbabwe', Occasional Paper, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London, United Kingdom Size: 61 pages (1.5 MB)
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What is next for the UK having re-committed themselves to the security-justice agenda? What issues must be considered if success is to be achieved? This article suggests what these issues might be and how best they can be approached. The article firstly provides a brief background to the UK's commitment to the security-justice agenda and development, followed by key recommendations: the need for conceptual clarity; revamping the international influence campaign; and professionalising the business.

Author: Andrew Rathmell Source: Rathmell A., 2009, 'Security & Justice Development - What Next?', Journal of Security Sector Management, Shrivenham UK Size: 5 pages (90.63KB)
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Too few conflict resolution negotiations address the natural resource issues that are often among the reasons for the conflict. This paper recommends giving greater attention to economic dimensions of conflicts and suggests how mediators might address this issue. Recommended actions include avoiding vested interests when choosing mediators and carefully mapping warring parties' economic agendas and alliances.

Author: Mike Davis Source: Davis, M., 2009, 'Why Should Mediators Consider the Economic Dimensions of Conflicts?', Background Paper, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva Size: 12 pages (195 KB)
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Despite renewed demands for diplomacy and negotiation, recent developments in many countries call to question the usefulness of dialogue in resolving some of today's conflicts. This Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue paper discusses the 2009 Oslo Mediators' Retreat, which explored how mediation and diplomacy can adapt to the ever-changing environment of conflict resolution. Serious debate is needed to establish basic criteria on when it is appropriate to use which conflict resolution tools, including when it is legitimate to use force.

Author: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Source: Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, 2009, 'Meeting Report: Oslo Forum 2009 Mediators' Retreat - Reasserting Diplomacy and Mediation in a Fragmented World', 16-18 June 2009, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva Size: 40 pages (350 KB)
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What constitutes a fragile state? What has caused Haiti to become one? What analytical framework should be used to end the immiseration of fragile states? This article by Kamil Shah investigates the discourse surrounding fragile states in relation to the security-development nexus. Through an alternative relational interpretation of Haitian social and political formations, the author examines the case of Haiti as a fragile state. The author concludes that the examination of fragile states must be carried out in a context which recognises the impact of world history rather than focusing on a historical research methods.

Author: Kamil Shah Source: Shah K., 2009, 'The Failure of State Building and the Promise of State Failure: Reinterpreting the Security-Development Nexus in Haiti ', Third World Quarterly, vol. 30, no. 1, pp 17-34 Size: 19 pages (186 KB)
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What is the purpose of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)? Is it a technocratic exercise in statebuilding and capacity development by outsiders, or should it be seen as a political project to promote regional stability and dialogue? This Third World Quarterly paper critically examines the nature of RAMSI by focusing on the ways in which political power is (re)produced. Providing a detailed background of the project and why it has been seen as model for statebuilding, the article then critically analyses RAMSI as a political project for state transformation. The conclusion is that state transformation in the Solomon Islands is limited.

Author: Shahar Hameiri Source: Hameiri S., 2009, 'State Building or Crisis Management? A Critical Analysis of the Social and Political Implications of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 35 - 52 Size: 19 pages ()
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Why has armed conflict come to be viewed as the great tool of social, political and economic development? Could it be wrong to bring about desired developments of democracy by force of arms? This Third World Quarterly article examines the association between theories of violence as a tool of development, and practical efforts to develop policies based on such theoretical arguments. The article firstly offers an analysis of violence and development in theory and practice. Secondly, it outlines and discusses the dark realities of war. The article concludes that the theory of pursuing broad political, social and economic development by violent means is reckless.

Author: John Arquilla Source: Arquilla J., 2009, 'Realities of War: Global Development, Growing Destructiveness and the Coming of a New Dark Age?', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 69 - 80 Size: 13 pages ()
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Where do warlord regimes emerge from, what are their actions and the impact of their existence on politics? What is the general nature of warlord politics? This article offers an initial framework for future theory of warlord politics using a simple game-theoretic approach. Through case-studies and empirical research, clear explanations as to the strategic decision of warlords are offered. These decisions affect their actions and their opportunities to form coalitions.

Author: Gordon Mccormick | Lindsay Fritz Source: Mccormick G., Fritz L., 2009, 'The Logic of Warlord Politics', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 81 - 112 Size: 33 pages ()
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What is an autochthony discourse? Why is this discourse a popular explanation for current global political conflicts? This Third World Quarterly article argues that the use of autochthony discourse is an attractive way to respond to the ontological uncertainty around political identities within the postmodern/postcolonial condition. It examines why these autochthony discourses are commonly associated with violence. The article firstly investigates the reasons why the current postmodern/postcolonial condition is characterised by an increasing degree of ontological uncertainty. It then follows with an analysis as to why autochthony discourses are often linked to violence.

Author: Kevin Dunn Source: Dunn K., 2009, ''Sons of the Soil' and Contemporary State Making: Autochthony, Uncertainty and Political Violence in Africa', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 113 - 127 Size: 16 pages ()
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What is the Rajah Solaiman Movement? How did it emerge, develop and strengthen? Through the use of social movement theory to frame our analytical narrative, the authors examine how the demands and pressures of globalisation have helped to foment 'Balik Islam'. This Third World Quarterly article will reflect the possible extremes of Balik Islam by outlining the rise and fall of the Rajah Solaiman Movement, a Balik-Islam group. The article concludes that today's globalised world has constructed a set of circumstances, opportunities and challenges that creates significant new security problems for the governmental representatives of democratic states.

Author: Douglas Borer | Sean Everton Source: Borer D., Everton S., Jr M.N., 2009, 'Global Development and Human (In)security: Understanding the Rise of the Rajah Solaiman Movement and Balik Islam in the Philippines', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 181 - 204 Size: 25 pages ()
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What kind of citizen is formed under President Alvaro Uribe's democratic security policy? What political space is given to citizens? This Third World Quarterly article investigates the premises of citizenship when implemented under the double logic of democracy and security. The issue is analysed through the ideas of Ardent and Foucault, concluding that tensions between security and democracy in Columbia are resolved with a bias towards the security rather than the democracy side of the equation.

Author: Cristina Rojas Source: 2009, 'Securing the State and Developing Social Insecurities: the Securitisation of Citizenship in Contemporary Colombia', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 227 - 245 Size: 20 pages ()
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What is the Third Worldism project? What was its impact upon world politics? This Third World Quarterly article analyses the political merits and highlights the limitations of the Third Worldism project. The article first provides a brief historical explanation of the origins of the Third Worldism project and its key elements as well as some of its underlying assumptions. This is followed by the development of a string of arguments which illustrate the main contradictions of the Third Worldism project which rendered its practical application problematic and contradictory at times. The article concludes with a word of hope by challenging the need for an alternative method to achieve development by recognising the interconnectivity between the wider social and political relations and national development.

Author: Heloise Weber | Mark Berger Source: Weber H., Berger M., 2009, 'Human (In)Security and Development in the 21st Century', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 263 - 270 Size: 9 pages ()
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Ten years after the end of the second Congo war, violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) persists and armed groups operate with impunity. This Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue paper examines key lessons learned from recent mediation efforts and current challenges to durable peace in DRC. There is an urgent need to address the issue of long-term international and regional engagement and create a comprehensive political framework for building a sustainable peace currently lacking in DRC.

Author: Tatiana Carayannis Source: Carayannis T., 2009, 'The challenge of building sustainable peace in the DRC', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 20 pages ()
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Africa has produced many able mediators in the past fifty years; it is time to refine, improve and assert this homegrown peacemaking capacity. This paper, published by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, reports on the African Mediators' Retreat 2009, held to assess mediation efforts in various African states. Future discussions of the role of African mediators should address whether crisis response mediation undermines longer-term mediation objectives of social transformation and durable peace.

Author: HD Centre Source: Centre H., 2009, 'Meeting Report - African Mediators' Retreat 2009', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 34 pages (564 kB)
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Unexploded and abandoned explosive ordnance presents immediate and long-term personal and economic threats to people and societies and deserves the attention of peace processes. This Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue paper discusses explosive ordnance issues, their treatment in peace agreements to date and how to include them in future peace processes. Negotiators have a range of legal instruments and negotiating approaches at their disposal for use in future peace processes negotiations.

Author: Emile LeBrun | Suzanne Damman Source: LeBrun E., Damman S., 2009, 'Addressing explosive ordnance in peace processes', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 30 pages (796 kB)
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As chief mediator in the violent aftermath of Kenya's 2007 presidential election, Kofi Annan's authority, background and personality contributed greatly to a successful mediation. This paper is a record of an interview conducted with Annan on the Kenyan mediation process.

Author: Kofi Annan | Martin Griffiths Source: Annan, K., and Griffiths, M., 2009, 'The Prisoner of Peace - An Interview with Kofi A. Annan', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 20 pages (320 KB)
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What are the components of the national Afghan forces? What are the US and NATO doing to improve the Afghan national forces and with what aim? This Council on Foreign Relations article discusses this issue and provides some answers to these questions. The article firstly provides a background to the mission of the US military and NATO in Afghanistan. It follows with a breakdown of each security component and its current state of effectiveness. Finally, key issues are highlighted that are affecting the success of US military and NATO missions

Author: Greg Bruno Source: Bruno G., 2009, 'Afghanistan's National Security Forces', Council on Foreign Relations Size: WebPage pages (WebPage)
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What is the current situation of key human rights issues in Afghanistan? This annual report by Amnesty International discusses the failures of the government to maintain the rule of law and to provide basic services to millions of people even in areas under its control. There has been little progress towards improving human rights. The report provides a detailed outline of key issues Afghanistan faces ranging from reforms of the judicial and security systems to the provision of basic human rights and services to Afghan citizens.

Author: Amnesty International Source: Amnesty International, 2009, 'Amnesty International Report 2009: Afghanistan', Amnesty International Size: WebPage pages (WebPage)
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The future of Nepal depends on building a peaceful, democratic state that can overcome the recent conflict and provide a stable environment for economic and social development. Yet there is little consensus about what shape reform should take. This publication from the Nepal Institute for Policy Studies, supported by Saferworld, brings together eight papers by security analysts. It explains the background to the concept of security sector reform (SSR) and looks at what SSR means for Nepal. It considers the key security challenges facing the country and how SSR programmes might address them.

Author: Rajan Bhattarai (ed.) | Rosy Cave (ed.) Source: Bhattara R., Cave R. (eds.), 2009, 'Changing Security Dynamics in Nepal', Saferworld and Nepal Institute for Policy Studies Size: 226 pages (908 kB)
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The impact of violent conflict on a country's society, economy and political governance is devastating and encompassing. The effects can be tangible and visible, including killed and injured civilians, destroyed or derelict bridges and wells, and damaged or inadequate health care and education facilities. They can also be intangible, such as the collapse of state institutions, mistrust in government, the disruption of social cohesion, psychological trauma and pervasive fear. These impacts can be long lasting, hindering the peaceful development of societies. An understanding of the causes and dynamics of violent conflict and the careful design of conflict prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding activities are essential to avoid violence in the first place, or to alleviate its harmful outcomes. This extensive topic guide provides an overview of key topics ranging from the causes, dynamics and impacts of conflict to options for interventions to prevent, manage and respond to conflict.

Author: Huma Haider Source: Haider, H., 2009, 'Topic Guide on Conflict', Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC), Birmingham UK Size: 157 pages (1 MB)
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When states are unable to provide adequate security, provision often comes instead from local non-state bodies, private security companies and criminal groups. This paper examines the current status of state and non-state/local justice and security networks in fragile states. Donors can improve security and justice delivery by strengthening both state and non-state security providers, and fostering legislation that clarifies the state/non-state relationship.

Author: Eric Scheye Source: Scheye, E., 2009, 'State-Provided Service, Contracting Out, and Non-State Networks: Justice and Security as Public and Private Goods and Services', Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Paris Size: 36 pages (635 KB)
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For security sector reform (SSR) to succeed in Afghanistan, a holistic approach is needed that includes good governance, law enforcement and economic development. This paper evaluates and analyses the institutional limitations and weaknesses of the police and judicial sectors in Afghanistan. Unless SSR is instituted at the highest justice levels in Afghanistan, local judicial reform and anti-corruption measures will not succeed.

Author: Sharif Azami Source: Azami, S., 2009, 'The Need for Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan to Curb Corruption', Peace and Conflict Monitor, Costa Rica Size: 8 pages (HTML)
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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 lessons can be learned from the process of democratising Nepal's security sector and what are the challenges ahead? This edited volume examines the Nepali security sector in relation to: the legislature-parliament; the executive; security providers; security-related actors; and civil society and the media. It argues that security sector reform should be based on a holistic approach that incorporates all relevant security structures, institutions and actors. Security sector transformation (SST) is an important element of democratisation, peace-building, institutional reform and political legitimacy.

Author: Bishnu Sapkota Source: Sapkota B., (Ed.), 2009, 'The Nepali Security Sector: An Almanac', Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), Geneva Size: 363 pages (2 MB)
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What security challenges face South Asian states, and how can security sector governance (SSG) be improved to facilitate effective responses? What is the potential for security cooperation in the region? The principal security challenges to all states in South Asia are terrorism and insurgency. In terms of SSG, it is important to increase transparency and accountability. South Asia's governments need to share knowledge of SSG procedures and lessons learnt. Promising areas for regional cooperation are counter-terrorism and security coordination.

Author: Dipankar Banerjee Source: Banerjee, D., 2009, 'Security Sector Governance in South Asia: An Introduction', South Asian Survey, vol. 16, no. 2, pp171-185 Size: 15 pages (200 kB)
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Ten years after its launch in 1999, what are the next steps for European Security and Defence? This chapter concludes 'European Security and Defence Policy: The First Ten Years'. The ESDP has helped generate an original, comprehensive approach to crisis management and has set in place some of the tools to implement it. In some cases, however, the gap between the discourse and practice of ESDP has been significant, and there remain challenges to its sustainable development. A comprehensive approach across different actors and the resilience of political and material commitment are important.

Author: Giovanni Grevi | Damien Helly Source: Grevi G., Helly, D. and Keohane, D., 2009, 'Conclusion: The Next Steps for ESDP', in European Security and Defence Policy: The First Ten Years (1999-2009), eds. G. Grevi, D. Helly and D. Keohane, European Union Institute for Security Studies, Paris, pp403-412 Size: 9 pages (3.31 MB)
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Sri Lanka's security sector is geared towards violence and offers stiff resistance to reform. Bodies set up to implement SSR have been afflicted by political interference, lack of powers and resources, and lack of seriousness about the reform process. Wide-ranging reforms of the Constitution, an active civil society, and continued external support are needed to achieve sustained SSR in Sri Lanka.

Author: Rosy Cave | N Manoharan Source: Cave, R. and Manoharan, N., 2009, 'Resistance to Reform; Submission to Status Quo: Security Sector Reform in Sri Lanka', South Asian Survey, vol.16, no.2, pp.291-314 Size: 24 pages (162 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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The nature of security has changed from state security to human insecurity, which brings with it multiple threats to global stability. This review, from Westminster University, assesses two books - Mary Kaldor's 'Human Security: Reflections on Globalization and Intervention' and Mark Duffield's Development, Security and Unending War: Governing the World of Peoples'. The review argues that Kaldor is too deterministic in treating the breakdown of territorial forms of community and political agency as a welcome fact of globalisation. Duffield provides a strong critique of Kaldor and Western regulatory mechanisms but he has no alternative to offer.

Author: David Chandler Source: Chandler, D. (2008). 'Keeping humanity secure?', Review of Mary Kaldor's Human Security: Reflections on Globalization and Intervention and Mark Duffield's Development, Security and Unending War: Governing the World of Peoples, Issue No. 9, Jan 2008, The Spiked Review of Books, http://www.spiked-online.com/. Size: 9 pages (36 kB)
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Community-based policing (CBP) is an approach to policing that brings together the police, civil society and local communities to develop local solutions to safety and security concerns. This paper, published by Saferworld, assesses outcomes of and lessons learned from two CBP pilot programmes in Kenya. CBP improves public trust in the police, cooperation between police, citizens and community and stakeholder capacity for security sector reform (SSR).

Author: Saferworld | Claire Hickson Source: Finnegan, L., Hickson, C. and Rai, S., (eds.), 2008, 'Implementing Community-Based Policing in Kenya', Saferworld, London. Size: 32 pages (1.02 MB)
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The Tswalu Protocol recognises the ad hoc nature of international responses to armed conflict and state failure. This Brenthurst Foundation and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) publication, instead of simply calling for more coordination, offers a set of principles and guidelines that future peacebuilders can use to help offset the inherent limitations of any multilateral operation.

Author: Greg Mills Source: Mills, G. et al, 2008, 'The Tswalu Protocol: Principles and Guidelines for Peace-Building Missions', The Brenthurst Foundation and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida). Size: 9 pages (63 kB)
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What progress has been made with the African Standby Force (ASF)? What are the challenges for the African Union (AU) and its international partners is achieving full ASF readiness by 2010? This review by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) gives an update on ASF progress. Training, doctrine, Standard Operating Procedures, and command and control concepts have been developed, but logistics remains hugely problematic. A more integrated concept of peace and security between the United Nations (UN) and the AU and more African ownership within the ASF are needed for African peacekeeping to be sustainable.

Author: Dr Jakkie Cilliers Source: Cilliers, J., 2008, 'The African Standby Force - An update on progress', ISS Paper 160, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa Size: 24 pages (452 kB)
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How can civilians be protected after conflict? What challenges does Protection of Civilians (PoC) pose? This report from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs focuses on the roles of different institutions in the security sector. While there is a new awareness of protection issues in the international community, good intentions have not always led to the security and peace desired. There is a critical need for more research on providing effective protection.

Author: Andreas Vogt | Benjamin de Carvalho Source: Vogt, A, de Carvalho, B, Hojem, P, Glad, M, 2008 'The Protection of Civilians and the post-conflict security sector - A conceptual and historical overview', Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, NUPI Report, Security in Practice no. 8 A Publication in the NUPI Series on Security in Practice Size: 2 pages (40.5kB)
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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 role will the EU play in Kosovo's security sector reform (SSR)? What challenges does the EU-led presence face? This paper from the European Security Review takes Kosovo as a test case for the EU in striving for a comprehensive approach to SSR. A complex history and political background, ethnic divides and widespread corruption all pose challenges. In learning from experience and continuing present efforts, the EU must take up its responsibilities as a global actor in crisis management.

Author: Sophie Dagand Source: Dagand, S., 2008, 'The Prospects for a Future Kosovo: The Role of Security Sector Reform', European Security Review no.38, ISIS-Europe, Brussels Size: 2 pages (40kB)
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How can Liberians, following an extended period of civil war, regain effective oversight of their elected representatives and avoid further violent conflict? This Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) report argues that such an outcome can only derive from the rule of law. It is essential that legislators and other stakeholders are aware of the legal framework for security provision and governance in Liberia. This compendium provides a comprehensive list of the existing security legislation.

Author: Thomas Jaye | DCAF Source: Jaye, T., 2008, 'Liberia's Security Sector Legislation', DCAF Size: 188 pages (169KB)
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What lessons can be drawn from US engagement with failed states in Africa? This Refugees International report examines US operations in Africa and argues that military and other security concerns have effectively reshaped US international priorities. US global engagement is often determined by the military's capabilities and requirements. There is clearly an urgent need for elevating development on a par with diplomacy and defence.

Author: Mark Malan Source: Malan, M., 2008, 'U.S. Civil Military Imbalance for Global Engagement: Lessons from the Operational Level in Africa', Refugees International, Washington DC Size: 56 pages (1.2 MB)
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How should disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes be implemented? This School for a Culture of Peace report argues that DDR should be seen less as a technical procedure and more as a process dependent on the context of where it is implemented. The paper therefore aims to draw lessons from a comparative analysis of DDR programmes in 19 countries.

Author: Albert Caramés | Eneko Sanz Source: Caramés, A. & Sanz, E. (2008) 'DDR 2008: Analysis of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programmes in the World during 2007', School for a Culture of Peace, Autonomous University of Barcelona, UAB, Spain. Size: 165 pages (1.3 MB)
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What effect will the United States' Merida Initiative have on security in Mexico and Central America? How effective will the aid package be in tackling drug-trafficking and gang-related violence? This briefing from the Washington Office on Latin America examines the Merida Initiative. It argues that the Initiative alone will not reduce drug flow into the US and should not be judged on that basis. The Initiative should instead be judged by its effects on citizen security and civilian security institutions in Mexico and Central America.

Author: WOLA Source: Washington Office on Latin America, 2008, 'The Merida Initiative and Citizen Security in Mexico and Central America', WOLA, Washington Size: pages ()
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What is meant by democratic control of armed forces and why is it important? This Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) background paper argues that democratic control of armed forces is essential for ensuring democracy and the rule of law in fragile and failed states. The paper provides a concise introduction to the topic and outlines the key debates.

Author: David Law, DCAF Backgrounder Series Editor Source: DCAF, 2008, 'Democratic Control of Armed Forces', DCAF Backgrounder, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 8 pages (1.62MB)
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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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The violent April 2008 protests against the high cost of living underscored the continued fragility of Haiti's security situation and the need for rapid progress in security sector reform (SSR). This International Crisis Group report examines Haiti's security sector and argues that stability lies in expediting and concluding reforms to the police and justice sector, and improving cross-border cooperation with it neighbours. These challenges are all the more urgent, as they come at a time when Haiti is struggling with severe hurricane devastation.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2008, 'Reforming Haiti's Security Sector', Latin America/Caribbean Report N°28, 18 September 2008 , International Crisis Group, Port-au-Prince/Brussels Size: 41 pages (1.12MB)
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Security sector reform (SSR) remains an unmet challenge for the United Nations and the international community, despite the growing demand for it in peacekeeping missions around the world. What is the way forward? This study, by the United States Institute of Peace, argues that if the United States plans to support good governance programmes in states emerging from hostilities, a comprehensive approach to SSR is needed. The United States also needs a formal inter-agency structure for managing SSR programs.

Author: Sean Mcfate Source: McFate, S., 2008, 'Securing the Future: A Primer on Security Sector Reform in Conflict Countries', United States Institute of Peace, Special Report 209, Washington DC Size: 20 pages (308 kB)
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Studies have suggested that the UN has limited state-building capacity and had, as of 2008, no agreed framework of security sector reform (SSR) in post-conflict environments. This chapter addresses these concerns in the context of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). It argues that, while it could be claimed that the UN has stabilized the territory, in terms of justice and security, it has been less successful in reconstructing and developing Kosovar-led national justice and security services. On this basis, the chapter presents recommendations on approaches the UN should employ to support SSR in post-conflict scenarios, all the while suggesting that the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations may not be the most suitable or effective mechanism by which the international community can support the development of justice and security services in post-conflict environments.

Author: Eric Scheye Source: Scheye, E., 2008, 'UNMIK and the Significance of Effective Programme Management: The Case of Kosovo' in Security Sector Reform and UN Integrated Missions: Experience from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, and Kosovo, eds. H. Hänggi & V. Scherrer DCAF, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 169-228 Size: 58 pages (52 kB)
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Peacekeeping in Lebanon depends on a sound political base, a well-defined mandate and objectives as well as the cooperation of the parties concerned. However, in discussions about the international force for Lebanon in 2006, these issues were overlooked. Finding a quick solution became the overriding consideration. This study, by the Irish Centre for Human Rights, argues that the current UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has to overcome serious obstacles in order to achieve its mandate. These are linked to broader political and security issues that need immediate attention in order to resolve the problems confronting Lebanon as a whole.

Author: Dr Ray Murphy Source: Murphy, R., 2008, 'UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon a Case Study', International Relations and Security Network (ISN), Zurich Size: 16 pages (1MB)
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How can the Sierra Leone government build public confidence in its agenda as donor support to post-war reconstruction is reduced? This paper, by the International Crisis Group, argues that Sierra Leone has made much progress since 2002 but serious social and economic problems must be dealt with if enduring peace is to be built. To improve accountability and combat corruption, the government needs to do more than call for attitudinal change and a renewed social contract. The UN Peacebuilding Commission can make a major contribution.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2008, 'Sierra Leone: A New Era of Reform?', Africa Report N°143 - 31 July 2008, International Crisis Group, Dakar/Brussels Size: 42 pages (1.2 MB)
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What impact have land tenure issues had on violent conflict in Kenya? This conference report, published by the African Centre for Technology Studies, argues that the status quo of land tenure in Kenya inevitably leads to violent outcomes. However, no single meta-narrative can explain the shifting nature of land conflicts in Kenya, or in Africa generally, with greed, grievances and other factors at play. Issues of ownership, access and use all feature in land tenure conflicts in Kenya, causing not only violence but also poverty and economic instability.

Author: Judi Wakhungu | Elvin Nyukuri Source: Wakhungu, J., Nyukuri, E. & Huggins, C., 2008, 'Land Tenure and Violent Conflict in Kenya', African Centre for Technology Studies, Consultative Conference Proceedings, Nairobi Size: 34 pages (2.1 MB)
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What factors cause land-based conflicts to turn violent? This report, published by the Institute for Security Studies, analyses and traces the trajectory of a decade-long conflict in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya. A government land resettlement programme - intended primarily for squatters of the Mosop and Soy clans of the Sabaot ethnic group - fell apart under clan and ethnic tension. This report asserts the presence of a significant political dimension to the conflict. A sustainable and peaceful resolution will only result from a variety of processes undertaken in a spirit that is consultative, inclusive and transparent.

Author: Robert Romborah Simiyu Source: Simiyu, R., 2008, 'Militarisation of resource conflicts: The case of land-based conflict in the Mount Elgon region of Western Kenya', ISS Monograph No. 152, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria Size: 92 pages (1.7 MB)
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Tanzania is a relatively new mining country. What has been the impact of mining on local communities? This study, by Chr. Michelsen Institute, argues that unclear land and mining rights, and conceptual differences in how land and mining rights are perceived, contribute to conflict in the country. There is a feeling among both communities and human rights groups that the government has betrayed ordinary people. The article initially outlines land legislation and mining policy in Tanzania. It then presents examples of recent conflicts, government initiatives to resolve them, and existing consultation and conciliation mechanisms that can be used.

Author: Siri Lange Source: Lange, S.,2008, 'Land Tenure and Mining in Tanzania',CMIReports, No. 2 Size: 44 pages (382 kB)
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The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended Sudan's civil war is at risk in the state of Southern Kordofan. This International Crisis Group paper analyses growing frustrations among Arab and African tribes about CPA implementation and unresolved ethnic and administrative issues. Concrete ethnic integration and reform progress by the National Congress Party (NCP), Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), Southern Kordofan Government, United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and donors is essential in order to avoid another Darfur conflict.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2008, 'Sudan's Southern Kordofan Problem: The Next Darfur?', International Crisis Group, Africa Report No.145, Brussels Size: 27 pages (1.20 MB)
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) needs to address past human rights atrocities in order to establish peace, security and respect for human rights in the future. This study, published by the University of California, Berkeley, reports results of a population survey in areas most affected by recent conflict in eastern DRC. The Congolese government and other national and international actors need to consult the population in order to set priorities for planning the future of the DRC.

Author: Patrick Vinck | Phuong Pham Source: Vinck P., Pham P., Shigekane S.B., 2008, 'Living with Fear: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes about Peace, Justice, and Social Reconstruction in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo', University of California - Berkeley, California, USA Size: 72 pages (713.28 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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How can effective reparations programmes be conducted? What role should the international community play? This publication, by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), offers a practical guide for reparations programmes. It is important to clarify legal obligations and the moral reasons for reparations, to address the political concerns and to be aware of cultural issues. International actors should rethink their reluctance to provide financial support to reparations efforts.

Author: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Source: OHCHR, 2008, 'Rule-of-Law Tools for Post-Conflict States: Reparations Programmes', Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, New York and Geneva Size: 50 pages (720 KB)
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A professional, effective, accountable security sector is essential to consolidate peace and security, prevent conflict, and lay the foundations for development and human rights. This report by the UN Secretary-General examines the UN's role in supporting security sector reform, arguing that a coherent UN approach to reform is vital.

Author: United Nations Secretary-General Source: Secretary-General U.N., 2008, 'Securing peace and development: the role of the United Nations in supporting security sector reform', United Nations General Assembly (A/62/659-S/2008/39) Size: 19 pages (93 kB)
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What role do Zimbabwe's security institutions play in the governance of Zimbabwe and the management of its economy? What part could they play in the transition to a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe? This background briefing from the Council on Foreign Relations outlines the role of Zimbabwe's security institutions. It finds that as Zimbabwe's economic crisis has deepened, President Robert Mugabe has ceded significant power to the country's security forces. However, experts are divided over whether the security sector can help to bring in a new government in Zimbabwe.

Author: Stephanie Hanson Source: Hanson S., 2008, 'Zimbabwe's Security Sector', Council on Foreign Relations Size: pages ()
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What is the most effective way of tackling violence and weapons issues in peace processes? This Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue report consists of four articles which put forward recommendations on how to deal with such issues when negotiating a peace agreement. The importance of understanding the local context, ensuring sustainable reintegration and dealing with arms in civilian hands is stressed in several articles.

Author: Cate Buchanan Source: Buchanan C., 2008, 'Negotiating Disarmament: Strategies for Tackling Weapons and Violence in Peace Process', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Viewpoints, Volume 1, March 2008, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 38 pages (1.3 MB)
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What security challenges does the UK face? What steps is the government taking in response to these challenges? The national security strategy from the UK Cabinet Office sets out how the government will address and manage the security challenges that the UK faces. It emphasises the integrated nature of the responses required to address a range of diverse but interdependent threats, risks and drivers of insecurity.

Author: UK Cabinet Office | www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk Source: UK Cabinet Office, 2008, 'The National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom: Security in an interdependent world', UK Cabinet Office, CM 7291. Size: 64 pages (980 kB)
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The difference in donor approaches to security sector reform (SSR) and its actual practice in Africa is immense. This paper, published by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, reviews SSR projects in Africa with significant input from external donors. The review reveals considerable variations of approach, while a comparative analysis of SSR in Sierra Leone and Liberia contrasts the differing application of core principles of SSR in these two cases. Generally, donor SSR projects do not substantially differ from the previous piecemeal and uncoordinated approach they have traditionally adopted towards defence, policing and justice reform.

Author: Daniel Bendix | Ruth Stanley Source: Bendix D., Stanley R., 2008, 'Security Sector Reform in Africa: The Promise and the Practice of a New Donor Approach', African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Occasional Paper Series, Volume 3(2) Size: 58 pages (512 kB)
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How do civil society organisations (CSOs) impact upon conflict dynamics and conflict resolution efforts? This Institute of Development Studies (IDS) paper provides critical assessments of local CSO contributions in five conflict cases - Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, Western Sahara and Israel/Palestine. It finds civil society facing similar problems across these five intractable conflicts. CSOs could develop this sector further through a number of measures, including actively promoting the values of democracy to be learnt and experienced on the ground.

Author: Nona Mikhelidze | Nicoletta Pirozzi Source: Mikhelidze, N. and Pirozzi, N., 2008, 'Civil Society and Conflict Transformation in Abkhazia, Israel/Palestine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria and Western Sahara', Policy Working Paper, no. 3, MICROCON: A Micro Level Analysis of Violent Conflict, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton Size: 86 pages (721KB)
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Once considered a multi-cultural, harmonious "Shangri-la", Bhutan has become a country divided by political and humanitarian conflict and marked by human rights violations. This paper, published by the Norwegian Refugee Council, reviews the consolidation of power, values and identity of the country's Buddhist elite and its abuse of minorities. Bhutan must eliminate all discrimination against ethnic Nepalis, facilitate the return of refugees and enlist United Nations' assistance in resolving its human rights crisis.

Author: Richard Skretteberg (ed.) Source: Skretteberg R. (ed.), 2008, 'Bhutan: land of the happiness for the selected', Norwegian Refugee Council Size: 11 pages (1 MB)
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Despite eight years of security sector reform (SSR) advocacy in Indonesia, basic democracy policy objectives and professional, accountable military and police services have yet to be achieved. This paper, published by the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, examines civil society organisations' (CSO) efforts to promote SSR in Indonesia from 1998-2006. While CSOs need to re-formulate their SSR advocacy strategies, the government should comprehensively evaluate SSR laws, policies and implementation in order to improve security sector accountability.

Author: Nancy Slamet Source: Slamet N., 2008, 'Civil Society and Security Sector Reform in Indonesia: 1998-2006', International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, and Institute for Defense Security and Peace Studies, Montreal, Canada Size: 34 pages (546 KB)
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While Singapore's security governance is distinct from those of its Southeast Asian counterparts, it shares regional traits of technocratic primary and relative lack of democratic controls. This paper, published by Contemporary Southeast Asia, discusses the evolution of and current challenges facing Singapore's security sector in light of current security sector governance theory. While Singapore governs its security sector better than most Southeast Asian countries, its technocratic manner and illiberal approach justify the need for some level of reform.

Author: See Sen Tang | Alvin Chew Source: Tang S.S., Chew A., 2008, 'Governing Singapore's Security Sector: Problems, Prospects, and Paradox', Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs, Volume 30 (2): 241-263 Size: 24 pages ()
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United States (US) foreign policy focus on democracy in the absence of security conditions is unproductive and detrimental to the US, the world and democracy itself. This American Behavioral Scientist paper examines the "security-first" approach as expressed in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia and assesses current US foreign policy approaches. Security-first, including appropriate alliances with illiberal moderates, leads to better political and social outcomes.

Author: Lynn Kuok Source: Kuok L., 2008, 'Security First: The Lodestar for US Foreign Policy in Southeast Asia?', American Behavioral Scientist, Volume 51 (9): 1405-1450 Size: 47 pages ()
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For countries emerging from conflict, integration of ex-belligerents into society and security forces is a challenging task for the nation, neighbours, civil society and ex-combatants themselves. This paper from the Conflict Study Center discusses Nepal's Maoist integration issue within the context of Disarmament Demobilisation Reintegration (DDR) and Security Sector Reform (SSR) as integration models. Nepal's current integration struggle suggests that if it does not achieve peace and stability soon, it may risk another type of socio-cultural ethnic-regional war.

Author: Bishnu Pathak | Conflict Study Center Source: Pathak B., 2008, 'Modeling the Integration of the Maoist Combatants: DDR or SSR?', Conflict Study Center, Kathmandu, Nepal: Situation Update 80 Size: 18 pages (256 kB)
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Security discourse focused on political-military treats to states may be missing the systemic shift to a security agenda driven more by transnational issues than inter-state conflict. This book of essays, published by the Henry L Stimson Center, presents views of local experts in the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia on security trends in their regions. Threats to state security cannot be understood without reference to general societal and economic trends, and trends in the relationships between human societies and nature.

Author: Amit Pandya | Ellen Laipson Source: Pandya A., Laipson E., (eds.), 2008, 'Transnational Trends: Middle Eastern and Asian Views', The Henry L. Stimson Center, Washington DC Size: 335 pages ()
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Why have Indian courts accumulated arrears? What can judges and lawyers do to improve the system from within the existing framework? This Halsbury's Law Monthly article argues that the mental barriers to reforms are dismantled, and that all doses of external remedies are bound to fail. The article first provides a brief historical perspective of the origin and development of the judicial system in India since British Rule. It continues by discussing the issue of accumulation of arrears, and offers guidelines for lawyers and judges as to how to reform the system from within. It concludes with key recommendations for judges and lawyers in order to liquidate the huge backlog.

Author: A.K. Ganguly | Halsbury's Law Monthly Source: Ganguly A.K., 2008, 'Judicial Reforms', Halsbury's Law Monthly Size: pages ()
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How are distinctions between public and private and between global and local security governance in Africa being redrawn? This article surveys the breadth of private security activity on the continent, and the political and economic factors driving its growth. It argues that analysis of private security in Africa must be situated within the significant power shifts taking place in international political economy. Contemporary security involves complex, fluid structures in which public and private agents interact, cooperate and compete. Issues of public scrutiny and accountability have important implications for democratic control and oversight.

Author: Rita Abrahamsen | Michael C. Williams Source: Abrahamsen, R. and Williams, M. C., 2008, 'Public/Private, Global/Local: The Changing Contours of Africa's Security Governance', Review of African Political Economy, vol. 35, no. 118, pp 539-553 Size: 15 pages ()
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How can democratic policing be developed in Bangladesh? This chapter reviews policing and police reform, highlighting the challenges of corruption, misconduct and politicisation. Despite promising initiatives by the Police Reform Programme, achieving reform implementation and embedding respect for human rights in police culture remain challenging. Reforms will only succeed in practice if politicians demonstrate the political will for change.

Author: Sanjay Patil Source: Patil, S., 2008, 'Bangladesh' in Feudal Forces: Reform Delayed - Moving from Force to Service in South Asian Policing, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Dehli, pp16-31 Size: 15 pages (2.9 MB)
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How successful have attempts at reforming India's police been? What needs to be done to transform India's police from a controlling force to a people-centred service? This chapter examines the current state and pace of police reform in India. The control-oriented, colonial-era 1861 Police Act continues to govern policing in India, and police abuses are rife. The national and state governments have failed to comply with Supreme Court directives to reform the police. New legislation is urgently needed, and the drafting process must be open to civil society and stakeholder input. This will ensure that the new law addresses the concerns of the people most affected by unaccountable and ineffective policing.

Author: Sanjay Patil Source: Patil, S., 2008, 'India' in Feudal Forces: Reform Delayed - Moving from Force to Service in South Asian Policing, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Delhi, pp32-53 Size: 21 pages (2.9 MB)
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The effort to implement better policing in Sri Lanka has stalled, and international pressure on the government has produced only the appearance of respect for human rights. This chapter finds that police reform will not work while the civil war is ongoing or while politicians are unwilling to end their patronage of the police. In order to begin to democratise the police, the government must scale back the military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and pursue a long-term political solution that involves devolution to the provinces. To end the culture of impunity, police human rights abuses must be impartially investigated and prosecuted.

Author: Sanjay Patil Source: Patil, S., 2008, 'Sri Lanka', in Feudal Forces: Reform Delayed - Moving from Force to Service in South Asian Policing, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Dehli, pp. 76-90 Size: 14 pages (2.9 MB)
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This chapter examines the attempts of Mali's security sector to respond to citizens' needs and increase transparency and participation. It suggests that the reforms are costly for such an indebted government. Furthermore, the population and security agents are reluctant to adopt reforms due to administrative inertia and low confidence in administrative changes. However, once this reluctance has been dispelled, it will be easier to set overall performance indicators.

Author: Nouhoum Sangaré Source: Sangaré N., 2008, 'Challenges of Security Sector Governance in West Africa: Mali' in Challenges of Security Sector Governance in West Africa, eds. A. Bryden , B. N'Diaye, and F. Olonisakin, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), Geneva, pp. 185-204 Size: 19 pages (2.97 MB)
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What conditions are climate changes likely to produce around the world that would represent security risks to the United States? What actions should the nation take to address the national security consequences of climate change? This report from the CNA Corporation, with a panel of retired senior military officers and national security experts, considers how climate change can foster instability and affect international security. It addresses specific regional security challenges in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Author: Noel L. Gerson Source: The CNA Corporation, 2007, 'National Security and the Threat of Climate Change', The CNA Corporation, Alexandria, USA Size: 68 pages (1 MB)
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What reforms are necessary to tackle issues regarding the quality and loyalty of Iraqi security forces? This briefing from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) reviews developments within the Iraqi Interior Ministry, Police and Facilities Protection Service (FPS). Based partly on a conference including government officials, military officers, law enforcement executives and academic experts, it suggests several reforms. Its recommendations include applying US effort and resources to support the transformation of the Iraqi Interior Ministry and FPS. Further suggestions include assigning responsibility for police training to the US Justice Department and transferring Iraqi National Police (INP) units to the Ministry of Defence.

Author: Robert Perito Source: Perito, R. M., 2007, 'Reforming the Iraqi Interior Ministry, Police, and Facilities Protection Service', United States Institute of Peace, USI Peace Briefing, Washington, DC, USA Size: pages ()
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There is currently little guidance available for ombudsman institutions on how they should structure their work to improve human and public security. This publication, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), aims to close this gap. It focuses on the role of Ombudsman institutions in monitoring and investigating the security sector. It argues that independent ombudsman institutions can play an important role in strengthening democratic oversight and furthering human and public security.

Author: Katrin Kinzelbach | Eden Cole Source: Kinzelbach, K. and Cole, E. (eds.), 2007, 'Monitoring and Investigating the Security Sector: Recommendations for Ombudsman Institutions to Promote and Protect Human Rights for Public Security', UNDP / DCAF. Size: 92 pages (1076 kB)
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The globalisation of the private security sector (PSS) and its impact on conflict and human security has no better example than Africa. This paper, authored by Sabelo Gumedze, discusses the dynamics of the private security industry, its proliferation and relative lack of regulation, and identifies forces that drive its growth. The issue of the PSS, as it exists in Africa today, must be addressed by effective regulatory mechanisms.

Author: Sabelo Gumedze Source: Gumedze, S., 2007, 'The private security sector in Africa: The 21st century's major cause for concern?', Institute for Security Studies, ISS Paper 133, Pretoria, South Africa Size: 2 pages (22.5 KB)
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Proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) continues to undermine development, the security of citizens and good governance in Africa. Author Nelson Alusala reports on the status of SALWs and disarmament in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad. The monograph includes historical, political and cultural context for each country's struggles to control SALWs, and recommends actions to control SALWs and arms trafficking.

Author: Nelson Alusala Source: Alusala, N., 2007, 'Armed Conflict and Disarmament: Selected Central African Case Studies', Institute for Security Studies, ISS Monograph No 129, Pretoria, South Africa Size: 2 pages (23.0 KB)
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This is the only comprehensive and regularly published account of the global conflict-induced internal displacement situation. In addition to an analysis of developments at the global level, the report also provides overviews of regional and thematic trends. It aims to raise awareness of the still often-overlooked plight of some 25 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and to draw attention to existing gaps in response at both the national and international level.

Author: Jens-Hagen Eschenbächer Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, 2007 ,'Internal Displacement: Global Overview of Trends and Developments in 2006', Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 103 pages (3.63 MB)
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Is building peace through community development a promising approach? This paper from the Chr. Michelsen Institute draws on a recent CMI evaluation of a UNDP-led programme in Ituri district in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Community development can be an effective tool to build peace, even in the midst of violence. The Ituri experience suggests that aid agencies that adopt this strategy will stand a fair chance to succeed in significantly reducing poverty-related violence.

Author: Ingrid Samset Source: Samset, I., 2007, 'A promising experience: building peace through community development', Brief, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), Vol.6 No.3, Norway Size: 4 pages (452KB)
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Up to 400,000 people have died since February 2003 as a result of the war that broke out in the Darfur region of Sudan. This paper, by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), examines the problems of civilian protection created by this war. It argues for the strengthening of the African Union (AU) force in the context of United Nations (UN) support and the fast-tracking of the peace process within Darfur between Khartoum and its neighbours.

Author: Peter Kagwanja | Patrick Mutahi Source: Kagwanja,P. & Mutahi,P., 2007, 'Protection of civilians in African peace missions: The case of the African Union Mission in Sudan, Darfur', ISS Paper 139, Pretoria, South Africa Size: 20 pages (345 kB)
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The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) poses a fundamental challenge to the stability of Kosovo. This briefing paper, authored by Astrit Istrefi, Anna Richards, Simon Rynn, Henry Smith and Juliana Sokolová, reports on the 2006 SALW Survey of Kosovo. It proposes measures that government, civil society and international authorities in Kosovo should take to improve SALW controls. Coordinated planning and strategy development, and links to relevant institutions and processes, are crucial to the development of effective SALW control in Kosovo.

Author: Mia Marzouk Source: Saferworld and the Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ), 2007, 'Small arms and human security in Kosovo: An agenda for action', commissioned by The Safe Place Project, Saferworld, London. Size: 2 pages (32.0 kB)
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Why do some peace processes create conditions for effective protection of civilians while others don't? This paper, authored by Jeremy Brickhill, uses lessons learned from the Darfur Peace Agreement to argue that inadequate attention to security aspects of peace processes leads to failure of peace agreements and civilians left at risk. Security arrangement negotiations and transitional strategies which link short-term stabilisation with long-term security sector transformation are essential requirements for peacebuilding in Africa.

Author: Jeremy Brickhill Source: Brickhill,J., 2007, 'Protecting Civilians Through Peace Agreements: Challenges and Lessons of the Darfur Peace Agreement', ISS Paper 138, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa. Size: 2 pages (31.5 kB)
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Ethnically representative armed forces in post-conflict countries can encourage a sense of commonality across ethnic boundaries and help secure a fragile peace. This paper, authored by Sven Gunnar Simonsen, cites recent efforts to establish ethnically representative armies and security forces in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, Bosnia and East Timor. While serious limitations to ethnic integration of the military exist, ethnically integrated national armies can help reduce ethnic violence and contribute to peacebuilding.

Author: Sven Gunnar Simonsen Source: Simonsen,SG., 2007, 'Building "National" Armies - Building Nations? Determinants of Success for Post-intervention Integration Efforts', International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO), Norway Size: 20 pages ()
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Liberia's national security sector operates under old structures that are unworkable, wasteful and do not engender the support of the people. This paper, authored by Gompert, Oliker, Stearns, Crane and Riley, recommends the organisation of a new sector architecture of both force structure and security institutions. Liberia must create a new security structure capable of meeting the country's internal and external challenges.

Author: David C. Gompert | Olga Oliker Source: Crane,K., Gompert,D., Oliker,O., Riley,K. & Stearns,B., 2007, 'Making Liberia Safe - Transformation of the National Security Sector', Monograph, RAND, Santa Monica, CA, USA Size: 118 pages (561kb)
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Security sector reform (SSR) is key to ensuring sustainable democratisation and peacebuilding processes in the Horn of Africa. This monograph, edited by Len Le Roux and Yemane Kidane, compares SSR experiences in the region and highlights security reform challenges facing the Horn of Africa. SSR in the Horn should include both restructuring of security institutions and strengthening of political, judicial and civil society oversight capacities. It should also be based on a comprehensive, accurate analysis of overall regional and national contexts.

Author: Len Le Roux (Editor) | Yemane Kidane (Editor) Source: Le Roux,L. and Kidane,Y. (eds.), 2007, 'Challenges to Security Sector Reform in the Horn of Africa', Monograph No 135, ISS, South Africa Size: 96 pages (471 kB)
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Since its inception in 2002, the African Union (AU) has promoted peace and security, human rights, the rule of law, consolidation of democracy and sustainable development. This ISS Africa paper, edited by Festus B Aboagye, traces the development of AU policy objectives and highlights security issues of the "New Africa". The AU needs to address the impact of peacebuilding interventions that divert attention from issues of human safety and develop realistic action plans that will help achieve continental and regional security.

Author: Festus B Aboagye (Editor) Source: Aboagye,F., 2007, 'Complex Emergencies in the 21st Century: Challenges of New Africa's Strategic Peace and Security Policy Issues', ISS Africa, Monograph No 134, South Africa Size: 73 pages (734 kB)
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Who governs Africa's police? This article published in the Journal of Modern African Studies uses the role of Africa's chief police officers to explore the relationship between presidents and their police, and the location of influence within the police. It identifies the significant variables shaping police governance in four countries with comparable institutional structures - Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe - and confirms the negligible role played by public accountability.

Author: Alice Hills Source: Hills, A., 2007, 'Police Commissioners, Presidents and the Governance of Security', Journal of Modern African Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 403-423 Size: 21 pages (110 KB)
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Experts agree that police reform involving the community is critical for peace and development. Yet to date there has not been a study on what international practitioners are doing in community-based policing (CBP) initiatives across Southeastern Europe. This document, by the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Support to Security Sector Reform (SSSR) Programme, looks at project activities that address the issue of community involvement in police reform in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia. It argues that the SSSR Programme is contributing to increased security in Albania and is a model worthy of replication.

Author: Sean DeBlieck Source: DeBlieck,S., 2007, 'The Critical Link: Community Policing Practices in Southeastern Europe', UNDP Albania/SSSR Programme, Albania Size: 36 pages (339 kB)
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Casualties from antipersonnel landmines in Colombia have increased dramatically in recent years. The use of antipersonnel landmines by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) kills and injures hundreds of civilians every year. This report from Human Rights Watch documents the impact on civilian victims of antipersonnel landmines and the assistance the government provides to survivors.

Author: Daniel Wilkinson | HRW Americas Division Source: Human Rights Watch, 2007, 'Maiming the People: Guerrilla Use of Antipersonnel Landmines and Other Indiscriminate Weapons in Colombia', Human Rights Watch, Volume 19, No. 1(B), New York, USA Size: 38 pages (1.03 MB)
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Dealing with a legacy of human rights violations is one of the most difficult challenges facing any society in the aftermath of violent conflict. The Swisspeace Annual Conference 2006 considered the cases of Guatamala and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the peace agreements that ended the conflicts in these countries a decade after they were signed and a number of related issues. The introductory article from the conference outlines the factors that lead to establishing truth commissions in one context and judicial tribunals in another, considering how a society can learn to live with the memory of human rights violations, and how external actors can contribute to the process of reconciliation.

Author: Jonathan Sisson Source: Sisson,J.(ed.), 2007, 'Dealing with the Past in Post-Conflict Societies: Ten Years after the Peace Accords in Guatemala and Bosnia-Herzegovina', Introduction at the Swisspeace Annual Conference 2006, Bern Size: 80 pages (871 kB)
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How successful has security sector reform (SSR) been in Indonesia since 1998 and what challenges remain to be overcome? This Almanac, by the Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), maps out the institutional and societal actors in the Indonesian security sector. It then assesses the level of effective democratic parliamentary and civil society oversight of the security sector and identifies SSR needs in the short and long term.

Author: Beni Sukadis Source: Sukadis,B.(ed.), 2007, 'Almanac on Indonesian Security Sector Reform 2007', DCAF-Lesperssi, Bern. Size: 221 pages (4.43 MB)
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How successful have post-war reforms to the Afghan National Police (ANP) been? What strategies should be adopted to improve the structure and performance of the ANP? This paper from the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) provides an overview of the police sector and identifies five key issues that need to be addressed. The reforms so far have been disappointing. Piecemeal initiatives undertaken by donors and the national government have resulted in corruption within the police and mistrust among the Afghan population. Future programmes should focus on developing an over-arching strategy for the ANP, improving trainee recruitment and making donor assistance conditional on reform to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).

Author: Andrew Wilder Source: Wilder, A., 2007, 'Cops or Robbers? The Struggle to Reform the Afghan National Police', Issues Paper Series, Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, Kabul Size: 94 pages (3.7 MB)
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What are the key security issues facing post-conflict Nepal? How can ongoing local tensions be addressed? This donor briefing paper from International Alert and Friends for Peace reports on the security concerns of vulnerable and marginalised groups in the country. Donors and communities should work together to promote locally owned security structures, collaboration between political parties and an approach to reconciliation which incorporates development strategies.

Author: Natalie Hicks (not author) Source: International Alert and Friends for Peace, 2007, 'Nepal at a Crossroads: Strengthening Community Security in the Post-Settlement Context', Donor Briefing Paper, International Alert, London Size: 14 pages (660 KB)
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Was the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) an appalling failure? This paper from the Institute Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) analyses the 2003-2005 period of the mission and assesses whether EUPM merited the harsh criticism it received. It finds that while EUPM failed to achieve its goal of 'Europeanising' Bosnian police services, it achieved a number of tangible results. EUPM's lack of success was not entirely its own fault.

Author: Gemma Collantes Celador Source: Collantes Celador, G., 2007, 'The European Union Police Mission: The Beginning of a New Future for Bosnia and Herzegovina?', IBEI Working Papers, Institute Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals, Barcelona, Spain Size: 24 pages (220 kB)
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Because governments are weak or a new state must be constituted after hostilities, post-conflict countries often need assistance in restoring governance and carrying out reconstruction. International assistance organisations are crucial to helping governments increase their capacity to perform essential functions during post-conflict recovery. This book, from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), examines the challenges of restoring effective governance in crisis and post-conflict countries. Because the challenges facing these countries are complex and varied, governments and international organisations cannot rely on universally applicable approaches to restoring governance.

Author: Dennis A. Rondinelli | UNDP Source: United Nations, 2007, 'The Challenges of Restoring Governance in Crisis and Post-Conflict Countries', UN Publication, ST/ESA/PAD/SER.E/101, New York, USA Size: 168 pages (923 KB)
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The conflict in Darfur has killed an estimated 200,000 people and displaced 2.5 million. Although Sudan has accepted a hybrid African Union-United Nations Mission, caveats and resistance from the Sudanese government and other actors make it difficult to restore stability. How should the European Union (EU) engage in fragile situations such as that of Sudan? This article from European Security Review summarises a European Security Contact Group meeting on international and EU engagement in Sudan. It finds that achieving 'good international engagement' in fragile situations like Sudan is greatly complex for the EU.

Author: Giji Gya Source: Gya,G., 2007, 'Engaging Fragile Situations: Sudan', in European Security Review 35, ISIS Europe, Brussels, Belgium Size: 5 pages (97 kB)
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The peacekeeping operation in Darfur needs substantive involvement from the UN and a robust mandate that addresses the humanitarian emergency and protection of civilians. The proposed African Union-United Nations (AU-UN) hybrid mission raises fundamental questions regarding authority. This paper from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) examines the challenges of hybrid command and control arrangements in regard to the peacekeeping operation in Darfur. It argues that difficulties confronting the AU-UN operation result in part from the attempt to portray a conventional joint multinational operation as a hybrid mission.

Author: Festus Aboagye Source: Aboagye,F., 2007, 'The Hybrid Operation for Darfur: A Critical Review of the Concept of the Mechanism', ISS Africa, Occasional Paper 149, South Africa Size: 24 pages (1.31 MB)
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Who has the responsibility to protect people in collapsed states like Somalia? This paper, by the Institute of Security Studies, demonstrates that there still is a need for the United Nations (UN), developed countries and African countries to define clear and equitable standards by which the international community should intervene in such failed states.

Author: Sadiki Koko Source: Koko,S., 2007, 'Whose Responsibility to Protect? Reflection on the Dynamics of an 'Abandoned Disorder' in Somalia', in Conflict Prevention and the 'Responsibility to Protect' in Africa?, ISS Africa, African Security Review Vol 16 No 3, South Africa Size: 12 pages (168.4KB)
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In light of the United Nations' (UN) failure to act in the 1990s, are Africa's experiments in cooperative security the future of peacekeeping? How do new approaches to peacekeeping affect the legitimacy of global multilateral security architecture? This article from African Security Review analyses hybrid missions and security collaboration in Africa. These approaches are responses to Africa's political, financial and operational constraints and should not be regarded as alternatives for UN-led peacekeeping.

Author: Timothy Othieno | Nhamo Samasuwo Source: Othieno,T. and Samasuwo,N., 2007, 'A Critical Analysis of Africa's Experiments with Hybrid Missions and Security Collaboration', in Conflict Prevention and the 'Responsibility to Protect' in Africa?, ISS Africa, African Security Review Vol 16 No 3, South Africa Size: 15 pages (153 kB)
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Is the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) an effective instrument for promoting peace and stability in Africa? How successfully does it address the links between peace, governance and development? This article from The African Security Review critically examines how the APRM self-assessment questionnaire covers conflict detection and prevention. Reviewing the first three APRM country reports, from Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda, it questions whether the APRM is an effective instrument for promoting peace. While the APRM could be useful in describing sources of conflict and tension, Africa should not rely on the APRM alone to prevent conflict.

Author: Steve Gruzd Source: Gruzd,S., 2007, 'Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism: Are the Tools up to the Task?', in Conflict Prevention and the 'Responsibility to Protect' in Africa?, ISS Africa, African Security Review Vol 16 No 3, South Africa Size: 13 pages (152 kB)
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How successful has the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) been in protecting civilians? This study, by the Institute of Security Studies, assesses MONUC's strategy during its more passive phase from 2000 to 2004 and during the period from 2005, which included more forceful peace operations. The study concludes that, in its passive role, MONUC failed to protect civilians altogether. However, its more aggressive operations occasionally led to greater civilian abuse.

Author: Joshua Marks Source: Marks,J., 2007, 'The Pitfalls of Action and Inaction: Civilian Protection in MONUC's Peacekeeping Operations', in Conflict Prevention and the 'Responsibility to Protect' in Africa?, ISS Africa, African Security Review Vol 16 No 3, South Africa Size: 14 pages (142.31KB)
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What challenges confront the peacebuilding agenda in Africa? To what extent have peacebuilding measures been undertaken in conflict-ridden African states? This article from African Security Review examines the challenges, extent and achievement of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone and assesses the prospects for sustainable peace. The experience of Sierra Leone demonstrates growing international recognition that peacebuilding should be an essential part of any multinational peacekeeping operation in Africa. While many positive developments have strengthened the prospects for long-term peace in Sierra Leone, several problems still need to be urgently addressed.

Author: Theo Neethling Source: Neethling,T., 2007, 'Pursuing Sustainable Peace Through Post-conflict Peacebuilding: The Case of Sierra Leone', in Conflict Prevention and the 'Responsibility to Protect' in Africa?, ISS Africa, African Security Review Vol 16 No 3, South Africa Size: 15 pages (148 kB)
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What do ordinary people in Sierra Leone think of the country's transitional justice processes? This article from the Online Journal of Peace and Conflict Resolution reports on popular opinions on the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) and the truth and reconciliation commission. Contrary to the findings of previous ethnographic studies, there appears to be widespread support for transitional justice mechanisms and a genuine desire for some form of accountability process.

Author: Tim Kelsall | Edward Sawyer Source: Sawyer, E. and Kelsall, T., 2007, 'Truth vs. Justice? Popular Views on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court for Sierra Leone', The Online Journal of Peace and Conflict Resolution, volume 7, issue 1 Size: 500 KB pages (33)
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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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What is the impact of democratic governance on national security in Southern Africa? How does it affect collaboration in regional security? This study, by the Southern African Defence and Security Management Network (SADSEM), looks at the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) - South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland and Tanzania. Taking both an historical and comparative perspective, it suggests that the relationship between democratisation, national security and security cooperation in the region is still not clear. The relationship depends on the stability of a country, the nature of its democratic transition and the degree of institutionalisation of its democratic governance.

Author: Gavin Cawthra (ed.) | Abillah Omari (ed.) Source: Cawthra,G., du Pisani,A. and Omari,A. (eds.), 2007, 'Security and Democracy in Southern Africa', The Wits P&DM Governance Series, Wits University Press, Johannesburg, South Africa Size: 340 pages ()
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What role does community-based policing have in post-conflict states? In his article, Bruce Baker demonstrates that community-based (non-state) policing in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda has survived conflict, but that its variable form and function is in part the product of conflict. In a context of limited state police resources, community-based policing is not to be dismissed lightly as a significant security provider for post-war democracies.

Author: Bruce Baker | www.africanpolicing.org Source: Baker, B., 2007, 'Post-War Policing by Communities in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda', Democracy and Security, 3, 2, 215-36. Size: 40 pages (157 kB)
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There was widespread relief and satisfaction following the successful October 2006 presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Will the elections, however, improve the DRC's situation? This article from African Security Review examines the challenges facing the DRC beyond the elections. The problems facing the DRC will not be solved by the elections alone and will cripple the government if they are not immediately addressed. The elections should not serve as an exit strategy for the international community.

Author: David Kampf Source: Kampf, D. 2007. 'The Democratic Republic of Congo: Beyond the Elections', African Security Review, 16 (1), Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria Size: 5 pages (71 KB)
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General Laurent Nkunda has recently re-emerged as a threat to prospects for peace and stability in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). How can the situation best be defused? This report, by the Institute for Security Studies, suggests that the Congolese government should prioritise a political solution to the impasse rather than pursuing a military option, which can lead only to further suffering among the civilian population and further aggravate ethnic tensions.

Author: Stephanie Wolters Source: Wolters, S. 2007. 'Trouble in Eastern DRC: The Nkunda Factor', Situation Report, September 2007, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria Size: 11 pages (161KB)
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How should donor countries cooperate with partner countries in conditions of poor government performance and fragile statehood? How should they engage with multilateral organisations in regard to development policy? This strategy paper from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) outlines a framework for development cooperation in countries with fragile governance conditions. If development cooperation is to be more effective in difficult settings it must be adapted to the political and social conditions in partner countries.

Author: Dr Eduard Westreicher | Dr Ludgera Klemp Source: BMZ 2007. 'Development-Oriented Transformation in Conditions of Fragile Statehood and Poor Government Performance', Strategies 153, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Bonn Size: 44 pages (354 kB)
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The emergence in the last decade of the human security concept has allowed security debate to refocus on the security of the individual, and to acknowledge the wider role that a range of actors play in security, including non-state actors. Children, however, remain largely invisible in the discussion. This paper from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) links child protection imperatives to post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery. Greater recognition of specific security issues affecting children can best be achieved through strengthening existing security governance frameworks and the human rights perspective of security.

Author: David Nosworthy Source: Nosworthy, D. 2007. 'Children's security in post-conflict peace building', Discussion Paper, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), Geneva Size: 20 pages (107 kB)
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How has Uganda attempted to reintegrate abductees and former combatants from the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) back into civilian life? This article from Conflict, Security and Development analyses disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) in northern Uganda and the challenges facing attempts to reintegrate former LRA combatants. It finds that the impact of Uganda's informal DDR process is limited by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. DDR will only succeed if it is part of a wider peacebuilding process.

Author: Anna Borzello Source: Borzello, A. 2007. 'The challenge of DDR in Northern Uganda: The Lord's Resistance Army', Conflict, Security & Development, 7(3), pp.387 - 415, Routledge, Oxford Size: 29 pages ()
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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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How can Europe defend itself against infectious disease? How does the insecurity generated by infectious disease affect collective understandings of personal health and security? This paper from European Security argues that confronting this non-conventional threat in Europe requires the recognition of the global circulation of disease. Furthermore, Europe needs to be understood less as a territorially bounded space and more as a dynamic and fluid one, constituting a node within broader interdependent systems of circulation.

Author: Sonja Kittlesen Source: Kittlesen, S. (2007). 'Beyond Bounded Space: Europe, Security, and the Global Circulation of Infectious Disease', European Security, 16(2), pp. 121-142, Routledge Size: 23 pages ()
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What are the implications for human security (conflict and poverty) of low state capacity and resilience? This paper from Conflict, Security & Development suggests a model of state fragility that is based on the state's capacity to protect itself, deliver services and manage economic risks and on the state's resilience in negotiating social relations and political risks. By isolating initial conditions in a country, the model gives a truer picture of performance. It suggests a more appropriate aid distribution that takes into account fragility.

Author: Eka Ikpe Source: Ikpe, E. (2007). 'Challenging the discourse on fragile states', Conflict, Security and Development, 7(1), pp. 85-124, Routledge Size: 41 pages ()
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What is wrong with a state-centric approach to Security Sector Reform? This paper examines the value of an alternative approach to SSR policy, namely a multi-layered one in post-conflict and fragile state environments. It argues that there is a state-centric bias in current SSR policy and practice. This contradicts development principles of a 'people-centred, locally owned' approach in post-conflict and fragile state contexts. A more realistic and operationally sound method of attaining state-building and strengthening state capacities is imperative.

Author: Bruce Baker | Eric Scheye Source: Baker, B. and Scheye, E., 2007, 'Multi-Layered Justice and Security Delivery in Post-Conflict and Fragile States' Conflict, Security and Development, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 503-528 Size: 2 pages (30kb)
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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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How is Latin America and the Caribbean coping with the non-traditional security challenges it faces? This paper examines the two key axes of security dynamics: weak governance and citizen insecurity, and trans-national organised crime. It explores their interlinkages and evaluates coping mechanisms. It identifies the most likely future security scenarios in the region and suggests a number of ways in which regional insecurity might be addressed more effectively. However, the development of a common security agenda remains an elusive goal.

Author: Arlene B. Tickner Source: Tickner, A.B. (2007). 'Latin America and the Caribbean: Domestic and Transnational Insecurity', Coping with Crisis Working Paper Series, International Peace Academy. Size: 20 pages (211 kb)
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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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In Africa, the private security industry has permeated all spheres of life and, in many countries, it has already taken over the state's primary responsibilities. This paper, from the Institute of Security Studies, introduces 'Private security in Africa, manifestation, challenges and regulation'. This collection of essays explores the private security industry, documenting its rapid growth and the approach needed for its containment and regulation. The paper argues that all attempts to analyse issues in Africa must be rooted in the individual country context

Author: Sabelo Gumedze Source: Gumedze, S. (2007). 'To embrace or not to embrace: Addressing the private security industry phenomenon in Africa', in Gumedze, S. (Ed.) (2007) 'Private Security in Africa: Manifestation, Challenges and Regulation', ISS Monograph Series No 139, November 2007, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, pp. 3-13. Size: 13 pages (968KB)
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Do private security companies (PSCs) help or hinder development in Africa? This research by the British Association of Private Security Companies (BAPSC) suggests that PSCs can contribute to improving the security situation in African societies and promote economic development. However, there must be enforceable regulation and private security shouldn't further damage social cohesion by becoming a commodity that only the wealthy can afford. Without access to security for all members of society development will be illusory.

Author: Andy Bearpark | Sabrina Schulz Source: Bearpark, A. and Schulz, S. (2007). 'The private security challenge in Africa: Problems and options for regulation', in Gumedze, S. (Ed.) (2007) 'Private Security in Africa: Manifestation, Challenges and Regulation', ISS Monograph Series No 139, November 2007, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, pp. 73-88. Size: 16 pages (968KB)
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Many people believe that private security companies (PSCs) and private military contractors (PMCs) operate in a legal vacuum in conflict zones. This is not true, according to research from the Institute for Security Studies. In all armed conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL) applies. It provides a legal framework to protect civilians from the effects of the hostilities. As many PSCs and PMCs come into contact with people protected by IHL, it is essential for them to know and respect this body of law.

Author: Jamie Williamson | Sabelo Gumedze (ed.) Source: Williamson, J. (2007). 'Private security companies and private military companies under international humanitarian law', in Gumedze, S. (Ed.) (2007) 'Private Security in Africa: Manifestation, Challenges and Regulation', ISS Monograph Series No 139, November 2007, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, pp. 89-96. Size: 7 pages (968KB)
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South Africa's private security industry has grown enormously. However, only state police conduct is formally monitored. This study by the University of South Africa calls for greater monitoring and oversight of the activities of private security operatives. There must be more professional training and greater cooperation with the state police. A formal framework of accountability would allow private police officers to understand their responsibilities and the limitations on their actions.

Author: Anthony Minnaar Source: Minnaar, A. (2007). 'Oversight and monitoring of non-state/private policing: The private security practitioners in South Africa', in Gumedze, S. (Ed.) (2007) 'Private Security in Africa: Manifestation, Challenges and Regulation', ISS Monograph Series No 139, November 2007, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, pp. 127-150. Size: 24 pages (968KB)
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How can the international community control the services of private security companies (PSCs) and private military contractors (PMCs)? This paper reports on an intergovernmental dialogue initiated by the Swiss government, in collaboration with the International Committee for the Red Cross. It discussed ways to promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) in the operation of trans-national PMCs/PSCs in conflict areas. It concluded that international legal obligations must not be circumvented by states through the use of PMCs/ PSCs. Violations of international law by PMCs/PSCs could become the contracting state's responsibility.

Author: Markus Dutly Source: Dutly, M. (2007). 'The Swiss Initiative on private military and security companies', in Gumedze, S. (Ed.) (2007) 'Private Security in Africa: Manifestation, Challenges and Regulation', ISS Monograph Series No 139, November 2007, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, pp. 171-184. Size: 5 pages (986KB)
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While public trust and confidence in the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) has improved, there is a marked disparity between Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb perceptions of police, crime and personal security. This paper, published by the Forum for Civic Initiatives and Saferworld, reports the results of a citizen survey on personal and community safety and security issues. Kosovars want the KPS to improve its professionalism and effectiveness and work with communities to solve safety and security problems.

Author: SafePlace Project Team, Forum for Civic Initiatives | Saferworld Source: Forum for Civic Initiatives, 2007, 'Policing in Kosovo', Forum for Civic Initiatives and Saferwold Size: 26 pages (246 kB)
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Underlying drivers of conflict, including the decision on future status, must be addressed in order to move Kosovo towards a more prosperous and stable future. This paper, published by the Forum for Civic Initiatives and Saferworld, reports the results of a conflict analysis conducted throughout Kosovo. International and local administrations need to clarify the division of security sector competencies and engage the public in discussions of nation building and security issues.

Author: SafePlace Project Team, Forum for Civic Initiatives and Saferworld Source: Forum for Civic Initiatives & Saferworld, 2007, 'Kosovo at the crossroads: Perceptions of conflict, access to justice and opportunities for peace in Kosovo', Forum for Civic Initiatives & Saferworld, Size: 32 pages (506 kB)
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What do Palestinians think about the Security Sector Reform (SSR) process in the Palestinian Territories? How would they like to see their security sector evolve? This book, by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, offers Palestinian perspectives on security sector governance and highlights ways to begin reform. It argues that if international assistance is to promote stability it needs a better understanding of Palestinian security needs as well as Palestinian views of the achievements and challenges of SSR, and a supportive environment.

Author: Roland Friedrich (ed.) | Arnold Luethold (ed.) Source: Friedrich, R. & Luethold, A. (Eds.), 2007, 'Entry-Points to Palestinian Security Sector Reform', DCAF, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 180 pages ()
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How has the nature of violence changed in the post-Cold War era? What can be done to stop, or at least reduce, the potential for increased violence? This policy paper for the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) presents a variety of different perspectives on recent trends in conflict and security. Non-traditional warfare is on the increase, and in the form of terrorism and international crime poses an increasingly complex challenge. Violence has diversified and the potential for it increased. A holistic perspective is needed for both analysis and response.

Author: Alyson Bailes | Keith Krause Source: Bailes, A., Krause, K., and Winkler, T., 2007, 'The Shifting Face of Violence', Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, Geneva Size: 50 pages (380 KB)
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What is the experience of security sector reform in Latin America and the Caribbean since the return to democracy? What are the security reform issues specific to the region? This report by the Facultad Latinoamerica de Ciencias Sociales, Chile (FLACSO-Chile) analyses security policy and reform in defence, public security, and intelligence in 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It finds that security sector institutions have struggled to adapt to newly installed democratic regimes and operate in parallel to governments. Limiting their autonomy and using an integrated framework in considering reform is necessary to develop security institutions that support democracy.

Author: Lucia Dammert Source: FLACSO, 2007, 'Report on the Security Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean', FLACSO, Chile Size: 202 pages (1.6 MB)
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Is the holistic, person-centred model of Security Sector Reform unworkable in post-conflict situations in the wake of the 'war on terror' agenda? Whose security is international SSR assistance addressing? This Journal of Peacebuilding and Development article analyses experience in Afghanistan and Iraq and questions the feasibility of translating current SSR policy into effective post-conflict programmes. A new understanding of SSR and a new donor approach is needed.

Author: Mark Sedra Source: Sedra, M., 2007, 'Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan and Iraq: exposing a concept in crisis', Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 3., No. 2., pp.7-23. Size: 16 pages ()
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This article from the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development questions the disproportionate focus in Security Sector Reform on the role of the commercial security sector in West Africa. It argues that the contributions (negative and positive) of other non-state actors need to be considered to facilitate sustainable peacebuilding. The author calls for a comprehensive security agenda to integrate the wide variety of actors operating from different perspectives, and to bridge the gap between the democratic principles of security governance and the practicalities of diverse interests.

Author: Adedeji Ebo Source: Ebo, A., 2007, 'Non-state Actors, Peacebuilding and Security Governance in West Africa: Beyond Commercialisation', Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 3., No. 2., pp.53-69. Size: 16 pages ()
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How do people protect themselves when the state does not? What can SSR learn from informal security mechanisms? This article from the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development examines informal community-based security systems in two fragile states, Colombia and Liberia. It finds that security services, whether state-sanctioned or not, must be viewed as legitimate by the communities they serve. Legitimacy is developed by involving community representatives in managing security oversight structures to ensure relevance to local needs.

Author: Richard Hill | Jon Temin Source: Hill, R., Temin, J., Pacholek, L., 2007, 'Building Security where there is no Security', Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 3., No. 2., pp.38-52. Size: 14 pages ()
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How can Security Sector Reform in Africa be improved? How can the security problems posed by informal actors such as militias and vigilante groups best be addressed? This article from the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development argues that the creation of stronger states is key to these efforts. Case studies of Nigeria and South Africa illustrate that SSR in Africa could be enhanced by taking account of structural conditions that undermine the process of state-making. SSR therefore needs to help to enhance state capacity in order to improve the governance of non-state security actors.

Author: Jeffrey Isima Source: Isima, J., 2007, 'The Privatisation of Violence and Security Sector Reform in Africa: Nigeria and South Africa examined', Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 3., No. 2., pp.24-37. Size: 13 pages ()
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How have political dynamics influenced Security Sector Reform and peacebuilding in Nepal? How can the longstanding association of the security forces with the monarchy and with oppression and opposition to democracy be overcome? This article from the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development illustrates that a key challenge following the decade of conflict is to separate the army from palace control and bring it under civilian oversight as part of the broader national process of building democratic governance. It also highlights efforts by India, China and the United States to secure a role for the monarchy in Nepal's emerging political system, and the threat this poses to internal security.

Author: Shiva K. Dhungana Source: Dhungana, S., 2007, 'Security Sector Reform and Peacebuilding in Nepal: a critical reflection', Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 3., No. 2., pp.70-78. Size: 9 pages ()
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High levels of violence in Brazil's urban centres, exacerbated by a lack of long-term security policy making, continues to put both citizens and security forces at risk. This report, published by Amnesty International (AI), updates its campaign to focus attention on and generate action to improve Brazil's response to widespread corruption, organised crime and street violence. Brazil's federal and state authorities must put forward detailed, long-term plans to stop urban bloodshed and reverse the country's slide into further lawlessness.

Author: www.amnesty.org Source: Amnesty International, 2007, 'Brazil: From Burning Buses to Caveirões': the Search for Human Security', Amnesty International, London Size: 30 pages (1.2 MB)
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What strategies is the Government of Jamaica planning to implement in order to establish a safe and secure environment? The Jamaican Government's National Security Policy sets out an agenda for a prosperous, democratic, peaceful and dynamic society, which upholds the fulfilment of human rights and builds social progress based on shared values and principles of partnership. It argues that for all Jamaicans to enjoy a better quality of life and realise their full potential, everyone must get involved.

Author: Ministry of National Security, Government of Jamaica Source: Government of Jamaica, 2007, 'National Security Policy for Jamaica: Towards a Secure and Prosperous Nation', Government of Jamaica, Kingston Size: 122 pages (399KB)
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How can Iraq learn from Mexico's attempts to mount new policing operations and restore order after the 1910 Revolution? This study by the Crisis States Research Centre describes how the challenges of policing regime change in post-dictatorship Mexico laid the foundation for descent into chaos. When new regimes have been born out of violent conflict it is unwise to rush into constitutional reforms that give police power. In Iraq, building state institutions and making them accountable is likely to work better than constitutionally enhancing police powers.

Author: Diane E. Davis Source: Davis, D., 2007, 'Policing, Regime Change, and Democracy: Reflections from the Case of Mexico', Crisis States Working Paper No : 22 (series 2),London School of Economics, London Size: 27 pages (196KB)
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Why are the efforts of donors to promote reform for democratic policing often unsuccessful? This article, published by the journal Policing and Society, examines the efforts undertaken in Brazil from 1997 to 2003 to encourage institutional changes within the police force. Given the many political and administrative challenges in carrying out such reforms, external donor agencies must promote broader forms of intervention to ensure both enhanced public safety and respect for human rights.

Author: Elizabeth Leeds Source: Leeds, E., 2007, 'Serving States and Serving Citizens: Halting Steps toward Police Reform in Brazil and Implications for Donor Intervention', Policing and Society, vol. 17, no.1 March 2007 pp. 21-37 Size: 18 pages (123kB)
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How effective has the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) been in leading Afghanistan towards security sector reform (SSR)? This paper by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces looks at efforts to build transparent, effective and democratically controlled Afghan national defence and security institutions. NATO was late in making a serious contribution to SSR in Afghanistan and there are problems of transparency and sensitivities among other international actors. However, these need not preclude a more robust cooperation agenda among international organisations and a coordinated diplomatic approach vis-à-vis the Afghan Government.

Author: Candace Karp | Richard Ponzio Source: Karp, C. and Ponzio, R., 2007, 'NATO, SSR and Afghanistan' in Intergovernmental Organisations and Security Sector Reform, ed. D. Law, DCAF, Geneva, pp. 219-238 Size: 19 pages (1.06MB)
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The international community has succeeded in putting an end to the civil war in Sierra Leone. But why has there been so little progress in tackling corruption and the exclusion of many people from public services and resources? This report, from Chatham House, describes the building and reforming of state institutions. It argues that further progress will depend on appropriate coalitions taking opportunities for reform as they arise. The international community needs to make a long-term commitment and develop a thorough understanding of local needs.

Author: Brian Thomson Source: Thomson, B., 2007, 'Sierra Leone: Reform or Relapse? Conflict and Governance Reform', Chatham House, London Size: 48 pages (597 kB)
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How can Nigeria stop the violence and proliferation of small arms in the Niger Delta? This paper, by the Small Arms Survey, looks at the causes of armed violence in Nigeria, surveying the different armed groups and types of weapons involved. It argues that a key element of addressing insecurity and armed violence is comprehensive security sector reform. A political solution is the only way to resolve the rising armed violence.

Author: Jennifer M. Hazen | Jonas Horner Source: Hazen, J., 2007, 'Small Arms, Armed Violence, and Insecurity in Nigeria: The Niger Delta in Perspective', Occasional Paper No. 20, Small Arms Survey, Geneva Size: 88 pages (1.1 MB)
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What are the challenges facing the development of a security sector reform (SSR) policy agenda for West Africa? This Workshop Report from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre argues that while Africa happens to be the largest recipient of SSR programmes, it lacks its own SSR concept. The paper explores options and strategies for the design of a comprehensive SSR concept for West Africa. West African security sector reform must address security issues pertinent to the sub-region.

Author: John Mark Pokoo | Eunice Dadson Source: Opoku, J. et al., 2007, 'The Challenges of Developing a Policy Agenda for Security Sector Reform and Governance in West Africa', Workshop Report 5-6 June 2007, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Accra Size: 12 pages (929 kB)
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While assumptions based on ethnic ties and availability of small arms suggest otherwise, arms trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan is modest. This Small Arms Survey report explores the influence of history, geography and recent conflict on the small arms trade on the border between the DRC and Sudan. Despite the current low demand for weapons, experience has shown that border communities remain vulnerable to the spillover effects of conflict and armed groups.

Author: Joshua Marks | Small Arms Survey Source: Marks, J., 2007, Border in Name Only: Arms Trafficking and Armed Groups at the DRC-Sudan Border, The Human Security Baseline Assessment, Small Arms Survey, Geneva Size: 23 pages (1.33 KB)
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The totalitarian dictatorship that prevails in Eritrea does not permit a direct entry point for the implementation of security sector reform (SSR). This paper, published by the Institute for Security Studies, discusses current country conditions that impede SSR, regional security issues and examines Eritrean opposition as a possible SSR entry point. The best method for laying the groundwork for SSR in Eritrea is to advance democratic change internally, accompanied by international pressure for democratic elections.

Author: Herui T Bairu | Institute for Security Studies Source: Bairu, H., 2007, 'The security situation in Eritrea: Its implications for the region and its challenges to security sector reform', in L. Le Roux and Y. Kidane (eds), Challenges to Security Sector Reform in the Horn of Africa, Institute for Security Studies, Monograph Series, No. 135, Pretoria, pp. 53-74 Size: 96 pages (470.6 kB)
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Despite legal provisions requiring respect for human rights and police reforms to entrench such respect, human rights violations by the police continue with impunity in Angola. This paper, published by Amnesty International, documents human rights violations by Angolan police between 2005 and 2007 and the failure to bring perpetrators to justice. Angolan authorities and international agencies should strengthen police accountability mechanisms and create an independent oversight agency in order to end Angola's culture of impunity.

Author: www.amnesty.org Source: 2007, 'Above the law - Police Accountability in Angola', Amnesty International, AI Index: AFR12/005/2007 Size: 32 pages (178.25kB)
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How can statebuilding be improved? This paper from the University of California argues that successful statebuilding may be possible if the international community adopts a new framework. It presents a relational concept, using Somalia and Somaliland as case studies, and identifies alternative ways to rebuild state legitimacy.

Author: David Lake Source: Lake D., 2007, 'Building Legitimate States After Civil Wars: Order, Authority, and Institutions', University of California, San Diego Size: 95 pages (902KB)
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Terrorism is an urban phenomenon, with states undergoing rapid urbanisation under an increased risk. Historically youth bulges, in conjunction with rapid urbanisation, has been an important contributor to political violence; especially where unemployment and poverty exist. The existence of youth bulges significantly increases the risk of conflict. However, no thorough review exists over government targeted programmes aimed at mitigating the security risk posed by youth bulges. More research is therefore required over youth bulges, political violence and remedial policies; particularly in regards to urban settings.

Author: Henrik Urdal Source: Urdal, H., 2007, 'The Demographics of Political Violence: Youth Bulges, Insecurity and Conflict' in Too Poor for Peace? Global Poverty, Conflict and Security in the 21st Century, eds. L. Brainard and D. Chollet, Brookings Institution Press, Washington, DC, pp. 90-100 Size: 11 pages (79.5)
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Bhutan's draft constitution indicates that the King continues to structure his country for his own gain and neglects the welfare of citizens. This paper, published by the Druk National Congress (DNC), argues that current democratisation efforts in Bhutan are designed to continue absolute royal and elite control. All citizens need to assert their rights and appeal to the King to incorporate every level of society in legal provisions to build a constitutional monarchy.

Author: Druk National Congress | Rongthong Kunley Dorji Source: Druk National Congress, 2007, 'Bhutan: on a democratic path?', Druk National Congress, New Dehli Size: 7 pages (101kB)
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How has the Sri Lanka legal system become dysfunctional? How and why has Sri Lanka become ranked for the second year 25th in the failed state index? This book focuses on Sri Lanka's dysfunctional legal system. The authors argue that the failure of the rule of law has diminished the Sri Lankan legal system to a dysfunctional state. The book's conclusion emphasise on a need to recreate in a context where there is nothing left to recover.

Author: Jasmine Joseph (ed.) Source: Joseph J. (ed.), 2007, 'Sri Lanka's Dysfunctional Criminal Justice System', Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong Kong, China Size: 78 pages (650KB)
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What is hindering Bangladesh's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)? What can the UK Department for International Development (DfID) do to assist Bangladesh? This Saferworld document is a Country Assistance Plan which emphasises the need to associate security, armed violence and development. This briefing highlights the security and development concerns of Bangladeshi communities and emphasises how a failure to tackle physical insecurity and armed violence will affect the Government's attempts to address poverty. The paper suggests key points that need to be reflected in DfID's new Bangladesh Country Assistance Plan (CAP) to support efforts by the Government of Bangladesh to achieve the MDGs.

Author: Rosey Cave Source: Cave R., 2007, 'Bangladesh Country Assistance Plan: linking security, armed violence and development', Saferworld, UK Size: 5 pages (68.62KB)
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How has our understanding of and approach to human security evolved in relation to the war on terrorism? This paper published by the German Development Institute explores human security as a technology of international governance, examining how the concept facilitates our understanding of populations living in ineffective states. It argues that the war on terrorism has deepened the interconnection between development and security, refocusing aid towards populations, regions and issues seen to present a risk to security.

Author: M. Duffield Source: Duffield, M., 2006, 'Human Security: Linking Development and Security in an Age of Terror', New Interfaces between Security and Development: Changing Concepts and Approaches, Klingebiel, S., Bonn, DIE Studies / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik, 13. Size: 28 pages (833 KB)
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How have National Human Development Reports (NHDRs) incorporated issues of human security into their socio-economic analyses of countries emerging from conflict or facing insecurity? What possibilities exist for a people-centred security framework to contribute to policy formulation in the future? This paper from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reviews the history of the human security approach and surveys 13 NHDRs to evaluate the challenges and opportunities presented by this perspective. It argues that studies of human security needs to have significant constructive policy implications, and that NHDRs' methodologies should be developed to increase their impact.

Author: Richard Jolly | , Deepayan Basu Ray Source: Jolly, R. and Ray, D. B., 2006, 'The Human Security Framework and National Human Development Reports: A Review of Experiences and Current Debates', Human Development Report Office, National Human Development Report Series, NHDR Occasional Paper, May, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Size: 48 pages (590 kB)
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How should international actors contribute to the support of justice and security in fragile states? This paper from the OECD/DAC Network on Conflict, Peace and Development Co-operation analyses the providers, processes and objectives of fragile states' justice and security services, and reviews lessons learnt by donors in this area. It argues that international actors should take a multi-layered, context-specific approach to fragile states, developing the capacity of the state, but also enabling it to engage with non-state justice and security providers.

Author: OECD-DAC | Eric Scheye Source: Scheye, E., and McLean, A., 2006, 'Enhancing the delivery of justice and security in fragile states', OECD/DAC Network on Conflict, Peace and Development Co-operation (CPDC) Size: 54 pages (358 kB)
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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 impact do small arms and light weapons (SALW) have on society in Croatia? What measures has the Croatian government taken to address these problems? This survey from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) examines the small arms situation in Croatia. It presents findings on the distribution, impact and perceptions of small arms and government capacity for conducting SALW intervention.

Author: Tobias Pietz | Rebekka Edelman Source: SEESAC, 2006, 'SALW Survey of Croatia', South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade Size: 84 pages (2.72 MB)
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This survey from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) examines the small arms situation in the UN administered territory of Kosovo. It presents findings on the distribution, impact and perceptions of small arms and on institutional capacity for conducting small arms and light weapons (SALW) intervention. The report is based on key informant interviews, a Kosovo-wide SALW survey, focus group discussions and a review of media, research papers and official data.

Author: Saferworld | Juliana Sokolova, Anna Richards, Simon Rynn Source: SEESAC, 2006, 'SALW Survey of Kosovo', South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade Size: 101 pages (3.42 MB)
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How have internal conflicts affected the distribution and impact of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Moldova? What effect does Moldova's constitutional arrangement have on its capacity to address SALW issues? This survey from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) examines the small arms situation in Moldova.

Author: David Wood Source: SEESAC, 2006, 'SALW Survey of Moldova', South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade Size: 169 pages (5.79 MB)
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Regional Micro-Disarmament Standards/Guidelines (RMDS/G) provide a framework for small arms and light weapons (SALW) control activities in south-eastern Europe. This guide from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) defines the role of RMDS/G and establishes principles for their use in SALW control activities.

Author: SEESAC Source: SEESAC, 2006, 'Guide to Regional Micro-Disarmament Standards / Guidelines (RMDS/G) and SALW control measures (4th edition)', South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade Size: 28 pages (563 kB)
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It is essential that governments include civil society as a full partner in the democratisation of security sector governance. This paper, authored by Nicole Ball, discusses the roles civil society can play in the democratisation of security. Despite the improved capacity of civil society to influence governments in general, there are significant challenges to the development of an integrated, effective civil-military relationship.

Author: Nicole Ball Source: Ball, N., 2006, 'Civil Society Actors in Defence and Security Affairs', in Civil Society and the Security Sector: Concepts and Practices in New Democracies, eds. Caparini, M., Fluri, P. & Molnar, F., DCAF, Geneva, Ch.4. Size: 2 pages (23.0 KB)
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Does environmental scarcity cause civil conflict? This paper by Helga Malmin Binningsbø, Indra de Saysa and Nils Petter Gleditsch reports the findings of a study exploring the correlation between the scarcity of natural resources and the presence of conflict or peace. Contrary to the argument that scarcer natural resources propel societies to compete with each other, the study finds that the ecological footprint - the consumption of natural resources - is positively correlated with peace.

Author: Helga Malmin Binningsbo | Indra de Soysa Source: Binningsbø,H., Soysa,I. & Gleditsch,N., 2006, 'Green Giant or Straw Man? Environmental Pressure and Civil Conflict, 1961-99', Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway & Centre for the Study of Civil War (CSCW) at the International Peace Research Institute, Oslo (PRIO) Size: 2 pages (23.5 KB)
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Various theories have been proposed for how security sector reform (SSR) leads to development, yet little attention has been given to how to measure SSR on the ground. This study, by the Cranfield Security Sector Management Team, tests indicators at two project sites of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Community-based Policing (CBP) project in Albania. The results indicate that the best indicators for a police project's success on the road to democracy and economic development in a transitional state can be seen in public perceptions of police legitimacy.

Author: Sean DeBlieck Source: DeBlieck,S., 2006, 'Social Capital, Fear and Police Legitimacy: Measuring Community Based Policing in Albania', Journal of Security Sector Reform Management, Vol.4, No.3 Size: 23 pages (370 kB)
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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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No issue is more important than security sector reform (SSR) in determining the prospects for peace and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This paper, published by the International Crisis Group, examines the status of SSR in the DRC at time of publication and pays particular attention to the role of the international community. Achieving SSR will require commitment by both the DRC and donors to create solid strategic planning to address fragmentation, corruption, political obstructionism and the dilapidated state of the armed services.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: Crisis Group, 2006, 'Security Sector Reform in the Congo', International Crisis Group, Africa Report N°104, Brussels, Belgium Size: 41 pages (959.61 kB)
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What impact do small arms and light weapons (SALW) have on the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka? What capacity does the state have to control illegal weapons more effectively? This report from the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA) and Saferworld outlines the findings and recommendations of a pilot SALW survey carried out in Hambantota. It examines the distribution of SALW and their impact on safety, security, development and governance, and the capacity of the state to control them.

Author: Saferworld | NCAPISA Source: NCAPISA. 2006. 'Hambantota: Illegal small arms and light weapons pilot survey', National Commission Against the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms (NCAPISA), Sri Lanka Size: 62 pages (933 KB)
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Effectively addressing security issues requires partnership between those affected by insecurity and those responsible for maintaining the welfare and safety of the public. This publication outlines the approach to community safety developed in south eastern Europe by Saferworld, the Balkan Youth Union (BYU), the Centre for Security Studies - Bosnia-Herzegovina (CSS), CIVIL and the Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ). This approach has delivered real change to the situations of those it sought to support. Approaches such as this can bridge the gap between the policies of institutions and the concerns of the communities they serve.

Author: Juliana Sokolová | Henry Smith Source: Saferworld et al. 2006. 'Creating safer communities: Lessons from South Eastern Europe', Balkan Youth Union, Centre for Security Studies, CIVIL, Forum for Civic Initiatives, Saferworld Size: 45 pages (1.36 MB)
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What impact do small arms and light weapons (SALW) have on human and national security in Bangladesh? This report from the National Forum Against Small Arms (NFASA), South Asia Partnership-Bangladesh (SAP-Bangladesh) and Saferworld documents the findings and recommendations of community consultations on peace and security in Bangladesh. The consultations found that abuses of power, political rivalry, extremist elements and the availability of illegal firearms are all causes of human insecurity in Bangladesh. Unless action is taken to address the power of armed criminals and terrorists, SALW will continue to undermine national and local security.

Author: Nadira Mallik | Peter Cross Source: NFASA, SAP-Bangladesh and Saferworld, 2006, 'Challenges to peace and security: Consulting communities on small arms in Bangladesh', REPORT: Small arms and security in South Asia, National Forum Against Small Arms, South Asia Partnership - Bangladesh, Saferworld Size: 33 pages (454 kB)
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What is the security role of the European Union (EU)? This report from the Swedish National Defence College (SNDC) examines the security role of the EU in light of its crisis management capacity. The EU is taking on a security role focused on human and functional security and based on crisis management capacities. Transformation of the EU indicates a new type of security based, regional community. Emphasising its role in developing an 'extra-national community for security' could enable the EU to take the lead in promoting post-national security systems and communities.

Author: Magnus Ekengren | Nina Matzén Source: Ekengren, M., Matzén, N. and Svantesson, M., 2006, 'The New Security Role of the European Union: Transnational Crisis Management and the Protection of Union Citizens', Center for European Security Research (EUROSEC) at the Swedish National Defence College (SNDC) and the Leiden University Crisis Research Center (CRC). Size: 143 pages (917 KB)
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What role do parliaments play in oversight of the security sector in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)? What challenges face parliamentarians and civil society groups attempting to promote greater security sector transparency in the CIS? In October 2005 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) hosted a roundtable for CIS parliamentarians on security sector oversight. This publication presents findings, recommendations and resources from the roundtable.

Author: Katrin Kinzelbach | Eden Cole Source: Kinzelbach, K. and Cole, E., 2006, 'Democratising Security in Transition States', Findings, Recommendations and Resources from the UNDP/ DCAF Roundtable for CIS Parliamentarians Prague, October 2005, DCAF / UNDP. Size: 153 pages (1.15 MB)
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What implications do social forces such as globalisation, localisation, fragmentation and integration have with regard to the monopoly of legitimate force in post-conflict states? This paper from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces examines how nation- and state-building programmes have been implemented in post-conflict reconstruction. It argues that given the operation of ever more social forces across, below and above the nation-state, focusing on establishing state-centric structures is inadequate. Global governance and the enforcement of international norms require a multi-level public monopoly of legitimate force at local, national, regional and global levels.

Author: Herbert Wulf Source: Wulf, H. (2006). 'Good Governance Beyond Borders: Creating a Multi-level Public Monopoly of Legitimate Force', Occasional Paper No.10, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) Size: 83 pages (589 kB)
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What impact have irresponsible arms sales had on people's lives in Haiti? How have groups that commit human rights violations been able to obtain weapons? This report from the Control Arms campaign examines the supply of arms to Haiti and its effect on individuals and communities. It argues that irresponsible arms transfers are fuelling atrocities in Haiti. Governments must take responsibility for the supply of arms, by agreeing a new international arms trade treaty.

Author: Amnesty International | International Action Network on Small Arms Source: Control Arms (2006). 'The call for tough arms controls: Voices from Haiti', Control Arms Campaign, Amnesty International, the International Action Network on Small Arms, and Oxfam International. Size: 24 pages (394 kB)
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This War on Want report examines the rapid expansion of private military and security companies (PMSCs). It argues that increased PMSC involvement in conflict zones raises numerous concerns, ranging from inherent problems of transparency and accountability to concerns about war profiteering. There is now an urgent need for the UK government to bring PMSC activities within the compass of both legal and democratic control.

Author: Fabien Mathieu | Nick Dearden Source: Mathieu, F. and Dearden, N. (2006). 'Corporate Mercenaries: The threat of private military and security companies', War on Want, London. Size: 1.65MB pages (28)
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Peacebuilding and security are not parallel concepts; security is essential to peacebuilding. This document, published by the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva (UNOG) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), discusses the crucial role of security in post-conflict external interventions. While security in peacebuilding is paramount, it must be combined with humanitarian assistance, development and human rights protection.

Author: UNOG | DCAF Source: UNOG and DCAF (2006). 'Security and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: The Role of the United Nations', Compilation of presentations made at the third joint seminar of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) held on 27 October 2005. Size: 73 pages (1.24 MB)
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Sierra Leone exemplifies the important role that an elected, legitimate national government can play in successful peacebuilding and reform efforts. This paper, published by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, reports the results of a seminar on the country's post-conflict and peacebuilding activities. While the national government's legitimacy and reform strategies are significant post-conflict achievements, it must now implement significant general and security sector reforms.

Author: Peter Albrecht | Mark Malan Source: Albrecht, P. & Malan, M., 2006, 'Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and National Ownership: Meeting the Challenges of Sierra Leone', Report of the Second Annual ZIF/KAIPTC Seminar, Accra, Ghana, 1-3 December 2005, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre Size: 162 pages (849 kB)
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What are the fundamental elements of Palestinian national security? This study from the Royal Institute of International Affairs opens the debate by outlining a proposed framework for Palestinian national security. The development of a national security doctrine is important in articulating security needs, fears and goals, in reassuring all parties and promoting stability. Palestinian national security must be based on equality with other nations, including the right to self-defence.

Author: Hussein Agha | Ahmad S. Khalidi Source: Agha, H. and Khalidi, A., 2006, 'A Framework for a Palestinian National Security Doctrine', Royal Institute of International Affairs, London Size: 137 pages ()
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In contrast to other security sectors in Latin America and the Caribbean, the defence and public security sectors of Barbados are remarkably stable. This report, published by the Latin American School of Social Sciences-Chile (FLACSO), discusses the organisational and institutional settings and civilian oversight of both security sectors. Both sectors acknowledge the need for reforms; the police have begun to address concerns about excessive use of force by creating public complaints' procedure and outreach.

Author: Source: FLACSO-Chile, 2006, 'Latin America and the Caribbean Security Sector Report 2006 - Country Case Studies: Barbados', FLACSO-Chile, Santiago Size: 20 pages (200 kB)
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The overriding security issues in Jamaica are its extremely violent environment dominated by organised crime and widespread public complaints of police abuse. This report, published by the Latin American School of Social Sciences-Chile, discusses the organisational, institutional setting and civilian oversight of Jamaica's military and public security sectors. Recent security reviews suggest that an independent body be appointed to oversee reforms of police leadership, management capacity and corruption.

Author: Source: FLACSO-Chile, 2006, 'Latin America and the Caribbean Security Sector Report 2006 - Country Case Studies: Jamaica', FLACSO-Chile, Santiago Size: 28 pages (264 kB)
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How can policymakers in Latin America reduce people's fear of crime? This study, by FLACSO, compares "zero tolerance" with community-based policing strategies in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile and it asks which is more successful. It assesses the links between fear of crime, the media and community participation. It finds that citizens' economic, political and social insecurities are the main determinants of how vulnerable they feel. Cities that employ community-based strategies to fight crime have lower levels of public fear of crime.

Author: | Lucia Dammert Source: Dammert, L. and Malone, M., 2006, 'Does It Take a Village? Policing Strategies and Fear of Crime in Latin America', Latin American Politics & Society, vol. 48, no. 4, Winter 2006, pp. 27-51 Size: 21 pages (104 kB)
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How can security structures in fragile states be rebuilt? This paper by the Danish Institute of International Studies explores policy concepts in the donor community on how to deal with security challenges in states with weak governments. The paper argues that donor policies may not produce the desired improvements in security because the approach is too state-centric. The paper suggests looking beyond the formal state institutions and applying a more contextual approach that allows for building on informal and non-state security structures.

Author: Louise Andersen Source: Andersen, L., 2006, 'Security Sector Reform In Fragile States', DIIS Working Paper no 2006/15, Danish Institute for International Studies,Copenhagen Size: 26 pages (1.2MB)
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How can the Haitian government and international community reduce violence and promote sustainable reform in Haiti? This paper, by Action Aid, analyses the current situation in Haiti and makes recommendations for changes to the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), based on what is feasible and can be realistically implemented in the existing circumstances. Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) and rule of law are critical to ensure sustainable peace; therefore MINUSTAH and the new Haitian government must renew their focus on these priorities.

Author: ActionAid Source: Action Aid, 2006, 'MINUSTAH: DDR and Police, Judicial and Correctional Reform in Haiti', Action Aid, Port-au-Prince Size: 26 pages (3.5 MB)
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What are the critical issues for security sector reform (SSR) in Liberia? The Governance Reform Commission (GRC) set up by the president of Liberia to provide professional and intellectual leadership of Liberia's security sector reform (SSR) has assessed the country's security sector and reviewed existing legislation. It concludes that the SSR process in Liberia is taking place within very volatile, uncertain and fragile internal and external security environments. The precarious position makes the task of SSR challenging, necessary and relevant.

Author: Thomas Jaye Source: Jaye, T., 2006, 'An Assessment Report on Security Sector Reform in Liberia', Governance Reform Commission of Liberia, Monrovia Size: 20 pages (240.2KB)
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What are the chances of Liberia achieving stability after 14 years of war? What would be the consequences of new stability? This paper, by the International Crisis Group, argues that if Liberia becomes stable it will shore up the fragile peace in Sierra Leone and diminish the probability of armed conflict in Guinea. However, if a sensitive partnership between government and donors fails to materialise, Liberia will be in a difficult position and one that might open the door for a future, disastrous insurgency.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2006, 'Liberia: Staying Focused', Africa Briefing N°36, 13 January 2006, International Crisis Group, Dakar/Brussels Size: 16 pages (323KB)
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Rebuilding a post-conflict country is more than restoring buildings and institutions; it involves restoring trust and confidence, fostering relationships and giving people hope. This report, published by Interpeace, reviews its Somali Dialogue for Peace programme, a consultative process that brought officials, ex-combatants and citizens together to plan a collective, peaceful future. Dialogue with civil society and citizens is critical to the establishment of a stable and long-term security structure in Somalia.

Author: Interpeace | Centre for Research and Dialogue Source: Interpeace and Center for Research and Dialogue Somalia, 2006, 'Dialogue not Guns: Promoting Security and Stabilisation among the Communities of South-Central Somalia', Interpeace and Center for Research and Dialogue Somalia Size: 43 pages (1.43 MB)
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What is the relationship between the security sector and civil society in Tanzania? What progress have Tanzania's security institutions made in terms of the transition to multi-party democracy? This monograph from the Institute for Security Studies examines the relationship between the state, the security sector and civil society in Tanzania. It argues that the unique relationship between Tanzania's ruling party and the security sector was beneficial in consolidating the Tanzanian state. However, Tanzania must now gradually distance its security institutions from the ruling party and create appropriate, adequate, accountable and affordable security services.

Author: Martin Rupiya (ed.) | Jonathan Lwehabura (ed.) Source: Rupiya M., Lwehabura J., Roux L.l., (eds.), 2006, 'Civil Security Relations in Tanzania - Investigating the Relationship Between the State, Security Services and Civil Society', Monograph 128, Instutute for Security Studies Size: 45 pages (224 kB)
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How are security problems being addressed in the Americas? What lessons can be learned from these experiences? This book from the University of Pittsburgh Press examines public security and police reform in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico and the United States. Public perception of increased crime and violence has led to public security policies that emphasise punishment and symbolism, such as highly publicised national plans and the importation of unadapted ideas from abroad. Procedural safeguards are needed to monitor human and civil rights in the region as security forces are strengthened.

Author: John Bailey (ed.) | Lucia Dammert (ed.) Source: Bailey J. & Dammert L., (eds.), 2006, 'Public Security and Police Reform in the Americas', University of Pittsburgh Size: 322 pages ()
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While response to small arms proliferation has focused on supply issues, demand factors that drive the flow of small arms need to be addressed. This conference report, published by the International Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, reviews small arms demand in Southeast Asia and explores methodologies for demand-side research and programming. Development of key policy proposals for action at national, regional and global levels on demand-side issues and their interactions with supply-side initiatives is essential.

Author: Cate Buchanan | David Atwood Source: Buchanan C., Atwood D., 2006, 'Curbing the Demand for Small Arms, Focus on Southeast Asia', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Quaker United Nations Office, Quaker International Affairs, Working Group for Weapons Reduction in Cambodia, Summary Report from the Workshop held 26 - 31 May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Geneva: CHD Size: 50 pages (1.66 MB)
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What is the link between security and development? What is the best way to achieve both? This strategy paper by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) outlines how DFID, through its commitment to fighting poverty, can help tackle insecurity among the poor. It explains the complex connections between security and development and sets out how DFID can build security by working with poor people, their governments and international partners.

Author: DFID Source: DFID, 2005, 'Fighting Poverty to Build a Safer World: a Strategy for Security and Development', Strategy paper, Department for International Development, UK. Size: 48 pages (264KB)
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United Nations peacekeeping operations are frequently deployed in institutional 'law and order' vacuums, where police, corrections and judiciary authorities have either ceased to exist or are unwilling or unable to carry out their duties. This paper, from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) of the UN, reviews the issues raised by the law and order vacuums for those planning and conducting operations. The paper recommends that DPKO and the international community develop policies for the deployment of effective operations in cases where the UN is not the executive authority.

Author: Bruce 'Ossie' Oswald Source: Oswald, B., 2005, 'Addressing the Institutional Law and Order Vacuum: Key Issues and Dilemmas for Peacekeeping Operations,' Report prepared for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations, New York Size: 21 pages (248 KB)
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What lessons can be learned for future peace and stability operations from the upheaval that occurred in Iraq following international intervention? This special report for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) examines the Coalition Provisional Authority's (CPA's) experience in Iraq. It argues that intervening countries should anticipate and plan for large-scale breakdowns in public order, particularly in societies emerging from brutal oppression. Creating a safe and secure environment for law enforcement and police operations are paramount.

Author: Robert M Perito Source: Perito, R., 2005, 'The Coalition Provisional Authority's Experience with Public Security in Iraq', United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC Size: 16 pages (171KB)
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Why and how should security sector reform (SSR) be promoted in fragile states? This paper from USAID looks at why the US Government should be concerned about SSR, who should be involved, the central elements of a SSR agenda and its feasibility in fragile states. It explores lessons from ongoing projects and factors shaping USAID's approach.

Author: Nicole Ball Source: Ball, N., 2005, 'Promoting Security Sector Reform in Fragile States', PPC Issue Paper No. 11, USAID, Washington DC. Size: 2 pages (437 kB)
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Development cooperation has an increasingly important role to play in the areas of peace and security. This paper from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) defines its approach to peace and security in development cooperation. It clarifies Sida's policy to create conflict-sensitive development programmes that integrate peace and security issues into implementation. Application of peace and security issues to development cooperation programmes not only promotes human security and empowerment of the poor, it also increases the likelihood of sustainable development.

Author: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Source: Sida, 2005, 'Promoting Peace and Security through Development Cooperation', Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Stockholm Size: 2 pages (23.5 kb)
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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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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 current capabilities of the Guatemalan National Civilian Police (PNC) and the Ministry of Governance with regard to community-based policing? How effective has international policing assistance to Guatemala been? This report from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) examines community-based policing programming in Guatemala. It finds that eight years of international police assistance has failed to strengthen appreciably the sustainable policing capacities of the Ministry or the PNC.

Author: Eric Scheye Source: Scheye, E. (2005). 'Reflections on Community Based Policing Operations in Guatemala', United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Size: 27 pages (120 kB)
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What support has the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided to countries attempting to address small arms issues? How has UNDP's support evolved as a result of experience gained and lessons learned from its projects? This report from UNDP provides an overview of UNDP's support for addressing small arms issues. UNDP has provided support to small arms control, armed violence reduction and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) initiatives in over 40 countries. Lessons learned have enabled UNDP to refine its support to address more effectively the needs of countries affected by small arms issues.

Author: Peter Batchelor | Spyros Demetriou Source: Batchelor, P. and Demetriou, S. (2005). 'Securing Development: UNDP's support for addressing small arms issues', United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Size: 41 pages (699 kB)
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What impact have small arms and light weapons (SALW) had on public health and human security in Albania? What steps has the Albanian government taken to control SALW and combat SALW proliferation? This report from the Center for Peace and Disarmament Education and Saferworld examines the impact and distribution of SALW and SALW control measures in Albania.

Author: Paul Holtom | Henry Smith Source: Holtom, P., Smith, H., Mariani, B., Rynn, S., Attree, L. and Sokolová, J. (2005). 'Turning the Page: Small Arms and Light Weapons in Albania', Report on Small arms and security in South Eastern Europe, Center for Peace and Disarmament Education and Saferworld. Size: 149 pages (2.2 MB)
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How do countries in Central Asia approach security sector reform? To what extent is this in cooperation with regional and international actors? Almost every Central Asian state is engaged in a discourse on security sector reform, democratic oversight of the security sector and civil-military relations. However, it would be wrong to assume that the joint efforts of European, transatlantic, regional and national actors (including the media, civil society and academia) have led to homogenous or at least sustainable progress.

Author: Anja H. Ebnöther | Ernst M. Felberbauer Source: Ebnöther, A.H., Felberbauer, E.M. and Malek, M. (Eds.) (2005). 'Facing the Terrorist Challenge: Central Asia's Role in Regional and International Co-operation', Bureau for Security Policy at the Austrian Ministry of Defence / Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) / PfP-Consortium. Size: 2 pages (32kb)
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In 2001, Peru began to reform its police force. How successful has it been? This study, by the Open Society Justice Initiative and the Instituto de Defensa Legal, focuses on internal and external impediments to police reform in Peru. It argues that there has been considerable innovation in the process of reform, but also serious setbacks. There are many different ways to evaluate success in policing reform. However, it is clear that important advances have been achieved even though the short-term impacts are limited.

Author: Gino Costa | Rachel Neild Source: Costa, G & Neild, R, 2005, 'Police Reform in Peru', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, vol. 38, no. 2, August 2005 , pp. 216-229 Size: 14 pages (88 kB)
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How can the trafficking of small arms be stopped in Sierra Leone and Liberia? This research from the Institute for Security Studies looks at the factors behind the demand for weapons in these countries. It argues that policy makers should focus on the buyer side of the market to determine creative ways of stopping proliferation. Only through political empowerment, infrastructure development, and economic alternatives will the flow of illegal small arms and light weapons be stemmed in these countries.

Author: Taya Weiss Source: Weiss, T., 2005, 'Perpetrating Power: Small Arms in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone and Liberia', Institute for Strategic Studies, Pretoria Size: 126 pages (1.44MB)
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While Kenya has instituted widespread defence, police, judicial and constitutional reforms, the probability of successful security sector reform (SSR) remains highly questionable. This paper, published by the Bonn International Center for Conversion, reviews recent attempts by Kenya to make its security sector more effective and accountable and less corrupt. Notwithstanding reform efforts, Kenya's SSR is largely ineffective; the country lacks a constitutional reference point grounded in democratic values.

Author: Bonn International Center for Conversion Source: Bonn International Center for Conversion, 2005, 'Security Sector Reform in Kenya', Inventory of security sector reform (SSR) efforts in partner countries of German development assistance, Bonn International Center for Conversion, Bonn Size: 16 pages (72.7 KB)
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How do we understand the nature of armed groups? What is the importance of perceptions in regards to motivation and goals? This Conciliation Resource paper reflects on the questions of ideology, power and representation; examining the implications for conflict resolution strategies. It is found that the conflict resolution community tends to ignore certain issues that do not fit into current conceptualisations, while a deeper understanding of how to build relationships is required.

Author: Clem McCartney Source: McCartney, C., 2005, 'Engaging Armed Groups in Peace Processes: Reflections for Practice and Policy from Colombia and the Philippines', Accord, no. 16, Conciliation Resources, London Size: 20 pages (258kB)
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This article, published in the Third World Quarterly, examines the 'Self-Reliance Strategy' implemented by the Government of Uganda and UNHCR for long-term Sudanese refugees in Uganda, which seeks to move from a relief to a development approach. However, the prospects for success are limited by ongoing conflict in northern Uganda and the lack of rights of long-term exiles - in particular, freedom of movement. Developmental approaches must go beyond a narrow focus on material needs and incorporate an explicit focus on refugee protection.

Author: T. Kaiser Source: Kaiser, T., 2005, 'Participating in Development? Refugee Protection, Politics and Developmental Approaches to Refugee Management in Uganda', Third World Quarterly, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 351-367 Size: 17 pages ()
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Without strong and self-sustaining Afghan army and police forces, and concurrent progress in other security sector reform areas, Afghanistan could again become a haven for terrorists. This report, published by the United States (US) Government Accountability Office, reviews efforts to strengthen Afghanistan's army and police and the challenges of establishing long-term sustainability. In addition to current funding and training, the US should develop detailed plans, including clearly defined objectives, for completing and sustaining the Afghan army and police forces.

Author: United States Government Accountability Office Source: United States Government Accountability Office, 2005, 'Afghanistan Security: Efforts to Establish Army and Police Have Made Progress, but Future Plans Need to Be Better Defined', GAO-05-575, United States Government Accountability Office Size: 53 pages (2.96)
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What are the reasons behind the problem of policing in Sri Lanka? How was the current policing situation made this possible? This Asian Human Rights Commission report offers an analysis of the nature and extent of the police's flaws and weaknesses. It sets the context of the current policing system and how it has reached its current condition. The report concludes with key solutions to an illness which is deemed curable - the inefficiency and corruption of the police system.

Author: Basil Fernando (ed.) | Shyamali Puvimanasinghe (ed.) Source: Fernando B. (ed.), Puvimanasinghe S. (ed.), 2005, 'An X-ray of the Sri Lankan policing system & torture of the poor', Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong Kong, China Size: 325 pages (952KB)
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The current proliferation of political gangsters, paramilitary groups and vigilantes in Indonesia reflects the inability of the state to ensure security and maintain public order. This paper, published by the Asia Research Centre, analyses the recent democratisation of violence in Indonesia that is driven by paramilitary groups attached to political parties. Response to such organised violence requires that Indonesia undertake a re-configuration of the state that includes efforts to address deep-rooted social and economic causes of violence.

Author: Ian Wilson Source: Wilson I., 2005, 'The Changing Contours of Organized Violence in Post-New Order Indonesia', Asia Research Centre, Murdoch, Australia: Working Paper No. 118 Size: 33 pages (531 KB)
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In the wake of the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, two key questions have confronted the Americans and Iraqis who now hold power. How can Iraq be stabilised? How can it be liberalised economically, politically and socially? This report by United States Institute of Peace suggests that although the requirements of stabilisation have so far overshadowed progress toward liberalisation, significant steps have been taken in transitioning from totalitarianism to free market democracy. Much more, however, remains to be accomplished.

Author: Faleh A. Jabar Source: Jabar, F., 2004, 'Postconflict Iraq : A Race for Stability, Reconstruction and Legitimacy', United States Institute for Peace Special Report No. 120 Size: 20 pages (210kB)
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What are the problems of state-reconstruction in war-torn societies? This paper from the Journal of Conflict, Security and Development, examines the role of international actors in the hugely ambitious project of rebuilding states after war. The study argues that the traditional linear model of conflict progression as pre-, during, and post-conflict, with attendant progression from relief to reconstruction and development, is too simplistic. Effective interventions must take account of individual contexts, have national "buy-in", and must be founded on good political and moral principles to gain legitimacy.

Author: Robert Luckham Source: Luckham, R., 2004, 'The International Community and State Reconstruction in War-torn Societies', Journal of Conflict, Security and Development Size: 28 pages (133.8 kB)
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What is the role of regional organisations in promoting security in Africa? Does the state remain the dominant actor or is there a role for non-state actors? In This book advances a conceptual framework for human security in Africa and examines the potential of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) to promote good governance standards. Despite the increasing participation of civil society, a viable alternative to the state has not yet emerged on the international security scene.

Author: Jakkie Cilliers Source: Cilliers, J., 2004, 'Human Security in Africa: A Conceptual Framework for Review', African Human Security Initiative Size: 51 pages (227 KB)
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What is the future for states and markets? Will they be developed to protect individuals or in spite of them? This study by the Centre for Ethnic Studies argues that human rights and human security are linked because they challenge the two structures that dominate our lives: states and markets. Using the case of Sri Lanka, the study suggests that we need to think of people, not the state, as the central security concern. We also need to use the human rights discourse to mitigate the threat of uncontrolled markets to human security.

Author: Sunil Bastian Source: Bastian, S., 2004, 'Human Rights and Human Security: an Emancipatory Political Project', Conflict, Security & Development, vol.4, issue 3. Size: 7 pages ()
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Security has historically been considered the responsibility of the state, but the evolution of threats has altered this understanding. How should the world now respond? This paper by the Commission on Human Security argues that as threats challenge our collective capacity to respond, there is a case for rebuilding the foundation of our multilateral system and adapting it to the realities of an interdependent world.

Author: Francois Fouinat Source: Fouinat, F., 2004, 'A Comprehensive Framework for Human Security', Conflict, Security & Development, vol. 4, issue 3. Size: 8 pages ()
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What are the linkages between security sector reform (SSR) and the reform of various rule of law institutions, such as the police, justice and intelligence services? This edited volume, published by Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform, argues that the SSR activities that have been initiated in Africa, either by donor influence or by local decision, have been undertaken in a piecemeal fashion. Security sector reform can be enhanced through a coherent and inclusive framework that incorporates police, justice and intelligence reform as an essential aspect of the reform process.

Author: Jeffrey O Isima Source: Ferguson, C. and Isima, J., 2004, 'Providing Security for People: Enhancing Security through Police, Justice and Intelligence Reform in Africa', Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform, Shrivenham, UK Size: 86 pages (739kB)
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Since the beginning of the colonial period, African security organisations have often created greater insecurity for both states and their populations than guaranteeing individual and collective security. This handbook, by the Centre for Democracy and Development, provides guidance on undertaking security sector reform in Africa consistent with democratic governance principles and a human security agenda. It argues that all actors should be engaged in reform processes and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability for democratic security sector governance. It also emphasises the need for democratic governance values to be accepted not simply in individual countries, but across regions.

Author: Nicole Ball | Kayode Fayemi Source: Ball, N. and Fayemi, K. (eds.), 2004, 'Security Sector Governance in Africa: A Handbook', Published by Centre for Democracy and Development, London Size: 127 pages (1.09 MB)
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"A house isn't a home without a gun" is a common sentiment in the Republic of Montenegro. This survey from the South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) examines the small arms situation in Montenegro. It presents findings on the distribution, impact and perceptions of small arms, and on government capacity for conducting SALW intervention. It finds that there is an abundance of small arms in Montenegro and that Montenegrins believe there are too many guns in society. However, traditions of gun ownership, perceptions that guns offer security from crime and mistrust of the police make Montenegrins reluctant to surrender their weapons.

Author: Nicolas Florquin | , Shelly O'Neill Stoneman Source: SEESAC, 2004, 'SALW Survey of Montenegro', South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Belgrade Size: 59 pages (2.44 MB)
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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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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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Conflicts that appear to be self-reinforcing in the short-term can in the long-term produce conditions out of which new political orders emerge. This paper, published by Conflict, Security & Development, uses Somalia to illustrate the dramatic changes that can occur in patterns of armed conflict, criminality and governance in a collapsed state. Among other factors, shifting interests in the business community have helped Somali communities adapt to state collapse, manage risk and provide a more predictable economic environment.

Author: Ken Menkhaus Source: Menkhaus, K., 2004, 'Vicious circles and the security development nexus in Somalia', Conflict, Security & Development, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp.149-165 Size: 19 pages ()
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Proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a critical humanitarian, development and governance challenge; governments need to address the issue in a united and holistic approach. This paper, published by SaferAfrica and Saferworld, focused on Eritrea and is one of a series of reports auditing SALW control legislation in different countries accross the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region. It summarises their audit of SALW control legislation in Eritrea vis-à-vis its conformity to regional and international SALW agreements. While some Great Lakes region and Horn of Africa states have enacted SALW legislation, there are serious regulatory gaps that need to be addressed. This report is intended to assist lawmakers and other actors in developing new legislation which will address these gaps.

Author: Catherine Flew | Angus Urquhart Source: Flew, C. and Urquhart, A., 2004, Strengthening small arms controls: An audit of small arms legislation in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa: Eritrea, Saferworld Size: 35 pages (263 KB)
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Communal conflict in Indonesia can be seen as a symptom of poor performance of the security sector that has handicapped progress towards security sector reform (SSR). This paper, published by the Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, examines conflict in the city of Ambon to illustrate the linkage between security sector reform and communal violence. Future violence could be used as a military justification to return to its old function as an internal security force, rather than a national defence institution.

Author: Muhammad Najib Azca | Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management Source: Azca M.N., 2004, 'Security Sector Reform, Democratic Transition, and Social Violence: The Case of Ambon, Indonesia', Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, Berlin Size: 11 pages (268.25 kB)
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Realism as a theoretical explanation of southeast Asian security management has come under serious assault from the Constructivist school of thought. This paper, published by International Studies, discusses Realist and Constructivist positions on the regional security management role of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Appropriate understanding of southeast Asian security dynamics requires fusion of diverse theoretical approaches, especially Realism and Constructivism.

Author: Anindya Batabyal Source: Batabyal A., 2004, 'ASEAN's Quest for Security: A Theoretical Explanation', International Studies, Volume 41 (4), pp. 349-369 Size: 22 pages ()
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India needs to reformulate its regional cooperation policies in order to strengthen its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the general region. This International Studies paper examines political and security issues in Southeast Asia and possible policy approaches India might adopt to improve its regional ties. With enhanced interaction at both security and economic levels, India and ASEAN can provide a strong anchor for a region witnessing rapid and fundamental change.

Author: Shankari Sundararaman Source: Sundararaman S., 2004, 'Politics and Security in Southeast Asia: Prospects for India-ASEAN Cooperation', International Studies, Volume 41 (4): 371-385 Size: 16 pages ()
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The availability of weapons for use by rebels, militias, warlords and insurgents threatens the national security of states and the security of millions of people. This paper, published by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, discusses armed groups' participation in the arms trade and the consequences of small arms misuse. While international measures address controlling arms supply, strategies are needed that deal directly with armed groups in order to reduce violations of humanitarian law and human rights norms.

Author: David Capie Source: Capie D., 2004, 'Armed Groups, Weapons Availability and Misuse: An Overview of these and Options for Action', Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Briefing Paper Size: 14 pages (206 kB)
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What effect does small arms violence have on development? How have development agencies and governments sought to tackle small arms use? This chapter from a work published by the Small Arms Survey analyses the social, economic and human cost of small arms use around the world. It argues that such violence causes widespread damage to developing societies, and outlines developmental responses aimed at cutting demand for small arms, regulating their use and destroying surplus stocks.

Author: Small Arms Survey Source: Small Arms Survey, 2003, 'Obstructing Development: The Effects of Small Arms on Human Development', Chapter Four in 'Small Arms Survey Yearbook 2003: Development Denied', Oxford University Press, UK Size: 43 pages (573 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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What effects do small arms availability and misuse have on human security in south-east Asia? How have communities in the region responded to armed violence? The Small Arms Survey and Nonviolence International commissioned qualitative participatory research on the effects of small arms in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Aceh-Indonesia and the Philippines. This report presents the key findings of this research, highlighting the views of the affected populations. It reveals surprisingly common patterns of small arms misuse that undermine human security in communities in all five of the countries studied.

Author: Robert Muggah | Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan Source: Muggah, R. and Moser-Puangsuwan, Y. (eds.), 2003, 'Whose Security Counts: Participatory Research on Armed Violence and Human Insecurity in South-East Asia', Small Arms Survey, Geneva. Size: 60 pages (1.99 MB)
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Violent conflict has increased in Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999. Despite commitment to military reform, militarism remains a major problem. This chapter from 'Governing Insecurity' (Zed Books) argues that security sector reform (SSR) in Nigeria must be part of a broader national restructuring. A consensus-based security sector review is needed. This can contribute to the political process of recapturing the culture of compromise and dialogue that was lost during three decades of authoritarian military rule and social exclusion.

Author: Kayode Fayemi Source: Fayemi, J K, 2003, 'Governing the Security Sector in a Democratising Polity: Nigeria', in Governing Insecurity, Democratic Control of Military and Security Establishments in Transitional Democracies, Cawthra, G. and Luckham, R. (eds), Zed Books, London. Size: 20 pages ()
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How can security sector governance be strengthened? This paper constitutes part of the process of formulating a UNDP policy in security sector reform (SSR). Key terms are defined, external actors classified and principles of good governance in the security sector highlighted. UNDP's role in enhancing security sector governance is explored and next steps identified.

Author: Nicole Ball Source: Ball, N., 2002, 'Enhancing Security Sector Governance: A Conceptual Framework for UNDP', UNDP, New York Size: 2 pages (219 kB)
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Why is security important in human development? How can the security sector be held accountable? This paper from the Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) discusses the need to keep the security sector accountable and under democratic, civil control. It argues for civil oversight, transparency, respect between civil authorities and security forces, and commitment from country leadership.

Author: Nicole Ball | Michael Brzoska Source: Ball, N. and Brzoska, M. with Kingma, K. and Wulf, H., 2002, 'Voice and Accountability in the Security Sector', Paper 21, BICC, Bonn, http://www.bicc.de/publications/papers/paper21/paper21.pdf Size: 2 pages (564 KB)
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Since the end of the Cold War, the attitude of development organisations towards the security sector has changed and personal security is now recognised as a key concern of the poor in weak states. In addition, repressive or corrupt security structures can undermine the stability crucial to maximising the benefits of aid programmes. Consequently, a number of agencies have engaged with the issue of security sector reform and the idea is now largely accepted as something broader than solely the military.

Author: N Cooper | M Pugh Source: Cooper, N. and Pugh, M. 2002, 'Security-sector Transformation in Post-conflict Societies', Working Paper no. 5, Centre for Defence Studies, London. Size: 68 pages (530 kB)
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Does participatory research provide added value in identifying qualitative aspects of small arms-related insecurity? What impacts have communities in South Asia experienced as a result of the availability and use of small arms? This report from the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) and the Small Arms Survey (SAS) presents findings from a project using participatory approaches to measure small arms' impacts in South Asia. Participatory approaches reveal that prolonged exposure to armed violence has affected livelihoods in South Asia in several short- and long-term ways.

Author: Dipankar Banerjee | Robert Muggah Source: Banerjee, D & Muggah, R. (eds.), 2002, 'Small Arms and Human Insecurity: Reviewing Participatory Research in South Asia', Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo. Size: 85 pages (2.2 MB)
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A badly-managed, irresponsible security sector contributes to unstable governments, excessive military expenditures, human rights abuses and intractable poverty. This document, published by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), is a set of guidelines for DFID governance advisors and managers considering security sector reform (SSR). It may also assist those working on economic reform, social development and post-conflict reconstruction. SSR programmes should only be considered if they contribute to DFID's primary mission: the reduction of poverty.

Author: DFID Source: DFID, 2002, 'Understanding and supporting security sector reform', DFID, UK Size: 42 pages (232 kB)
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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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Small arms and light weapons are an enormous problem. They kill over 300,000 people every year, cause injury to over 900,000 people and affect millions indirectly through the dislocation of communities and destruction of livelihoods. This official UK policy briefing summarises the damage caused by small arms and light weapons and outlines current UK initiatives to combat the problem. There are an estimated 550 million small arms and light weapons: One for every 10 people on the planet. Small arms and light weapons are also cheap, durable, robust, easy to manufacture and copy and have a long lifespan. It is difficult to achieve effective controls: The manufacture and trade of small arms and light weapons is decentralised, and illicit transfers are believed to account for a significant proportion of the global trade - a market which is thought to be worth over one billion dollars annually. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons also has serious development costs: Post-conflict reconstruction and political, social and economic development are undermined, as are the security and stability of the country or region.

Author: Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, DFID Source: DFID 2001, 'Small Arms and Light Weapons: A UK Policy Briefing', Department for International Development, FCO, and Ministry of Defence, London Size: 10 pages (195 kB)
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Identifying conditions under which states avoid recurrence of war and establish peace is one of the most difficult challenges for practitioners and theorists of international relations. This book, published by Routledge, discusses the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its impact on managing regional security. ASEAN's approach has differed not only from the conventional process of alliance building; it has differed from integrationist models such as the European Union, as an example of a successful regional security community.

Author: Amitav Acharya Source: Acharya A., 2001, 'Constructing a Security Community in Southeast Asia: ASEAN and the Problem of Regional Order', Routledge, London Size: 236 pages ()
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Civil-military relations (CMR) refers to the structural position of military institutions within government, as well as the informal influence of military groups within politics and society at large. What is the impact of different leadership approaches to the military? How significant is harmonious CMR for effective democratic government? This article from the Kasarinlan - Philippine Journal of Third World Studies assesses the different relationships between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and political leadership from President Marcos through to the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Author: Raymund Jose Quilop Source: Quilop R.J., 2001, 'Waltzing with the Army: from Marcos to Arroyo', Kasarinlan - Philippine Journal of Third World Studies, Volume 16 (2): 91-104. Size: 14 pages (984 kB)
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The issue of security sector management since Nigeria's independence has been tied to the politics of governance and to the activities of civil society. It encompasses both military and human security and involves questions of development and conflict management. What constitutes security sector reform and how should it be approached?

Author: A Abiodun Source: Abiodun, A. 2000, 'Security Reform in Democratic Nigeria', Conflict, Security and Development Group Working Paper, Centre for Defence Studies, Kings College, University of London Size: 52 pages (55 kB)
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The security sector reform debate is still in its embryonic stage. Considerable political, practical, conceptual and strategic work still needs to be done on security sector reform before a flexible approach can be developed to most situations. There has been a shift in thinking from donor countries, international financial institutions and development agencies towards security sector reform.

Author: Williams, R. Source: Williams, R. 2000, 'Africa and the Challenges of Security-sector Reform', in Cilliers, J. and Hilding-Norberg, A. (eds), Building Stability in Africa: Challenges for the New Millenium, ISS Monograph Series, No 46, Pretoria. Size: 10 pages (50 KB)
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What do poor people living in urban areas in Colombia see as the most important problems affecting them and their communities? How do Colombia's poor urban communities perceive violence and exclusion? This study from the World Bank documents how people living in poor urban communities in Colombia perceive violence. It uses a participatory urban appraisal methodology to identify the main problems and types of violence affecting poor urban communities.

Author: Caroline Moser | Cathy McIlwaine Source: Moser, C. and McIlwaine, C., 2000, 'Summary Findings: Perceptions of General Problems and Violence', in Moser, C. and McIlwaine C., 'Urban Poor Perceptions of Violence and Exclusion in Colombia', World Bank, Washington DC, pp 15-30. Size: pages ()
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Why are security issues important for generating sustainable development? What are the current World Bank activities in this area? How can donors contribute to improving security? This report explores the relationship between security and development. The state of a country's security has a major impact on the Bank's ability to respond to a country's needs. Addressing these concerns has been difficult because understanding the nexus of poverty, insecurity and development, and a strategic approach to dealing with it are still evolving.

Author: World Bank Source: World Bank 1999, 'Security, Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development: Challenges for the New Millennium', Washington D.C. Size: 40 pages (223 kB)
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Western governments view the promotion of democracy as desirable both as an end in itself and because of the widespread belief that democracies do not wage war on one another, that they are less likely to repress their own citizens and that democracy promotes development and growth. Six of the ten worst performers in both the Human Development Index and by GNP per capita are countries which were recently, or are still, at war with themselves.

Author: Source: Stewart, F. and O'Sullivan, M. 1999, 'Democracy, Conflict and Development - Three Cases,' in Ranis, G. et al (eds.), The Political Economy of Comparative Development into the 21st Century, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham Size: 38 pages (103 KB)
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The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), one of the most formidable military machines among small nations, is one of the pillars underpinning Singapore's success as a nation-state. This Armed Forces & Society paper examines sociological factors of the SAF and their impact on both the military and Singapore society in general. The SAF's commitment to building a high-tech sophisticated military is matched equally by its determination to attract - and nurture - the country's most talented young people.

Author: Derek Da Cunha Source: Da Cunha D., 1999, 'Sociological Aspects of the Singapore Armed Forces', Armed Forces and Society, Volume 25 (3): 459-475. Size: 18 pages ()
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It is increasingly recognised that security sector reform (SSR) can improve the circumstances of poor people by creating stable and predictable environments. But in what ways can the Department for International Development (DFID) be involved?

Author: Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, DFID Source: Department for International Development, 1998 'Poverty and the Security Sector', DFID, London. Size: 12 pages (233 kB)
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Is national security defined solely by domestic issues? With a policy emphasis on social welfare and national unity, can the stability of the State be retained at the cost of limited freedom and regulation for its citizens? This Stanford University article tracks the changing approach of the Indonesian government and resultant impact on its people, the region, and the wider international community.

Author: Dewi Fortuna Anwar Source: Anwar D.F., 1998, 'Indonesia: Domestic Priorities Define National Security', in Alagappa, M. (ed.), 'Asian Security Practice: Material and Ideational Influences', Stanford University, California, USA, pp. 477- 512 Size: 19 pages ()
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The Vietnam People's Army (VPA) was founded in 1944, comprising thirty-four people and rudimentary weapons; over the next four decades it grew and modernised to become world's fifth largest military force. The withdrawal of massive Soviet funding in the early nineties meant that the VPA could no longer keep pace with its regional rivals, and defence capability was drastically reduced. What happened to force modernisation in the face of this change? This article from Contemporary Southeast Asia, Volume 19, focuses on development between 1992-1997, and details Vietnam's commitment to industrialisation and modernisation.

Author: Carlye A. Thayer Source: Thayer C.A., 1997, 'Force Modernization: The Case of the Vietnam People's Army', in 'Contemporary Southeast Asia: A Journal of International and Strategic Affairs', Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, Volume 19 (1), pp. 1-28 Size: 15 pages ()
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This harrowing account from UNICEF documents the reality of 69 children interviewed in six countries in the region, with an average recruitment age of 13. While individual experiences are varied, the conflicts have some common features. They are often geographically localised, of low intensity, rooted in ethnic or religious identities and directly affect only a small proportion of the population. A common strategy of deliberate terror against civilians is employed and the use of child soldiers is widespread.

Author: UNICEF | Karen Emmons Source: Emmons, K., 2002, 'Adult Wars, Child Soldiers: Voices of Children Involved in Armed Conflict in the East Asia and Pacific Region', UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Region Office (EAPRO) report Size: pages ()
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How do Iraqis see the way forward in dealing with their legacy of human rights violations and political violence? What are their attitudes toward transitional justice? This survey by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the University of California suggests that a comprehensive and coordinated approach to social repair and transitional justice is required. Implementing piecemeal processes in transitional societies runs the enormous risk of failing to adequately address the past, arrive at the truth, achieve justice and rebuild trust.

Author: ICTJ Source: International Center for Transitional Justice, 2004, ICTJ and the Human Rights Center, University of California, Berkeley, ICTJ Occasional Paper Series Size: pages ()
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