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

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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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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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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There is an emerging consensus that United States (US) and international policies are wrong-headed and ineffective in delivering peace, stability and democratic governance to Afghanistan. This paper, published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation, is part of a signature research project exploring Afghanistan. The US and partners must adopt a regional approach toAfghanistan's problems and foster the development of an appropriate governance system to replace the current dysfunctional system.

Author: M. Nazif Shahrani Source: Shahrani M.N., 2009, 'Afghanistan's Alternatives for Peace, Governance and Development: Transforming Subjects to Citizens & Rulers to Civil Servants', The Afghanistan Papers, No. 2, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Size: 18 pages (657 kB)
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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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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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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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Security agendas worldwide are experiencing a trend away from traditional conflict between or among states to non-traditional threats such as intrastate conflict and terrorism. This paper, from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces, reports on the proceedings of the 8th International Security Forum held in 2009. Coping with future security challenges requires reinforcement of international governance at both global and regional levels and increased coordination among defence, diplomacy and development actors.

Author: Anja H. Ebnöther | Ernst M. Felberbauer Source: A.H., Felberbauer E.M., 2009, 'Coping with Global Change - Proceedings of the 8th International Security Forum', Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), Geneva, Switzerland Size: 193 pages (515 kB)
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Why is gender important to security sector reform (SSR)? How can gender issues be integrated into SSR? This guide from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) provides an introduction to SSR and gender issues. The integration of gender issues into SSR processes is crucial in enhancing operational effectiveness, establishing local ownership and strengthening oversight of the security sector. The integration of gender issues into SSR will face different challenges and opportunities based on the specific context in which SSR takes place.

Author: Kristin Valasek Source: Valasek, K., 2008, 'Security Sector Reform and Gender', in Gender & Security Sector Reform Toolkit, DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR, UN-INSTRAW. Size: 35 pages (863 kB)
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What 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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To what extent do military duties and requirements justifiably limit armed forces personnel from expressing their human rights? What examples of best practice can be found among Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) member states of integrating human rights into their armed forces? This handbook, by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), looks at successful best practice from member countries.

Author: Professor Ian Leigh | Dr Hans Born Source: Born, H. and Leigh, I., 2008, 'Handbook on Human Rights of Armed Forces Personnel', OSCE/ODIHR, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 256 pages (1.9 MB)
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There is a public security crisis in Jamaica, which has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world. This Amnesty International report examines this crisis and argues that the Jamaican government is failing to effectively provide human security to its population. It calls on the Jamaican government to create a comprehensive public security plan for the protection of human rights and for other governments to support this process.

Author: www.amnesty.org Source: Amnesty International, 2008, '"Let them kill each other": Public security in Jamaica's inner cities', Amnesty International, London Size: 53 pages (443kB)
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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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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 is the current state of local level justice institutions in Sierra Leone's provinces? How good is access to justice there? This study by the World Bank reviews of what is known already and analyses recent events to highlight opportunities for intervention. It argues that justice reform that works primarily with formal justice systems ignores the customary justice systems used by the majority of the population. A comprehensive approach to justice reform requires understanding of an engagement with customary systems.

Author: Pamela Dale Source: Dale, P., 2008, 'Access to Justice in Sierra Leone: A Review of the Literature', Justice for the Poor Programme, World Bank, Washington DC Size: 30 pages (254 kB)
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What progress has Bosnia and Herzegovina made towards establishing a juvenile justice system that meets international standards for children's rights? This article from Youth Justice examines Bosnian efforts to establish a specialised juvenile justice system that complies with international standards. It finds that proposed reforms, including juvenile-specific legislation, courts and actors and diversion from prosecution and/or criminal sanction, represent a step in the right direction. While lack of awareness of children's rights standards and rights-based legal tools have hindered progress, Bosnia's responsiveness to juvenile offending is slowly improving.

Author: Claire Morris Source: Morris, C., 2008, 'Developing a Juvenile Justice System in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rights, Diversion and Alternatives', Youth Justice, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 197-213 Size: 17 pages ()
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The contributions of South Sudanese women associated with armed forces during the 22-year Sudanese civil war (1983-2005) remain unrecognised and undocumented. This brief, published by the Small Arms Survey, reviews women's involvement in the conflict and the lack of official recognition of women in post-conflict programmes. The Government of South Sudan (GoSS) and United Nations' agencies need to give women priority Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) treatment and full access to employment opportunities.

Author: Small Arms Survey Source: Small Arms Survey, 2008, 'No standing, few prospects: How peace is failing South Sudanese female combatants and WAAFG', Small Arms Survey, The Human Security Baseline Assessment, Sudan Issue Brief, No. 13, Geneva Size: 8 pages (329 kB)
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What hinders Malawian women's full participation in formal, national-level state politics? How can policy makers support the goal of gender equality in Malawi? This article from Gender and Development draws on qualitative research conducted with Malawian female politicians. Constraints on women's political participation include limited income and education, and gender stereotypes. Women in Malawi are socialised to be followers, not leaders. Gendered expectations among both women and men need to be challenged.

Author: Alinane Priscilla Kamlongera Source: Kamlongera A.P., 2008, 'Malawian women's participation in State politics: what are the constraints?', Gender and Development, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp.471 - 480, UK Size: 10 pages ()
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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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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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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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What is the relationship between cultural status and group mobilisation? This working paper from the Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity (CRISE) analyses this relationship within the broader framework of horizontal inequalities - that is inequalities between culturally defined groups. Group grievances and violent conflict can emerge out of the inferior treatment or status afforded to different groups' cultural practices by the state. The most dangerous situations exist where all three dimensions of horizontal inequality - socioeconomic, political and cultural - run in the same direction.

Author: Arnim Langer | Graham K Brown Source: Langer, A. and Brown, G., 2007, 'Cultural Status Inequalities: An Important Dimension of Group Mobilization', CRISE Working Paper no. 41, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, Oxford. Size: 15 pages (140 KB)
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Gender-based violence and discrimination hinder the establishment of peace and human security. Without gender equality, progress in global poverty reduction and development will fail. This study by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) argues that gender-sensitive reform of the security sector can make an important contribution to the reduction of gender-based violence and discrimination. It is an aspect of reform that has been overlooked in development cooperation to date.

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

Author: Clive Baldwin | Chris Chapman Source: Baldwin, C., Chapman, C. and Gray, Z., 2007, 'Minority Rights: The Key to Conflict Prevention'. Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Minority Rights Report, UK Size: 44 pages (435 KB)
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How can the concept of human security be used as a practical device to address armed violence? This paper from the Centre for Policy Studies presents the example of a Brazilian non-governmental organisation (NGO) that uses the human security concept as a tool to formulate policies and execute projects on the ground. The human security concept can be a powerful point of departure to orient governments, international and regional organisations and NGOs towards initiatives that increase personal safety.

Author: Ilona Szabó de Carvalho | Raphael M.C. Corrêa Source: De Carvalho, I. S. and Corrêa, R. M. C., 2007, 'Brazilian Perspectives on Human Security', Policy: Issues and Actors, vol. 20, no. 8, Centre for Policy Studies, Johannesburg Size: 20 pages (250 KB)
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What role has land and resource scarcity played in violent conflict in Rwanda? How should the international transitional justice community integrate economic factors such as land distribution into reconciliation processes? This paper from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation examines the role of land in conflict and reconciliation in Rwanda. It shows that land and resource scarcity are deeply linked to conflict and ethnicity in Rwanda. Unless land issues are integrated into transitional justice processes, reconciliation will remain superficial and the potential for violent conflict will remain.

Author: Zinaida Miller Source: Miller, Z. 2007. 'Constructing Sustainable Reconciliation: Land, Power, and Transitional Justice in Post-Genocide Rwanda', Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, Cape Town Size: 61 pages (318 kB)
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What determines the ability of ex-combatants to reintegrate into society? What impact do international disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) efforts have on reintegration? This article from the Journal of Conflict Resolution uses data on ex-combatants in Sierra Leone to analyse individual-level determinants of demobilisation and reintegration. It finds little evidence at the micro level to suggest that internationally funded DDR programmes facilitate demobilisation and reintegration.

Author: Macartan Humphreys | Jeremy M. Weinstein Source: Humphreys, M. and Weinstein, J. M. 2007. 'Demobilization and Reintegration', Journal of Conflict Resolution, 51(4), pp.531-567, Yale University, New Haven Size: 38 pages (243 kB)
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What are the links between youth, security and development? How can security and development initiatives improve the lives of youths in developing countries? This article from Conflict, Security and Development examines how youths feature in global security and development initiatives. It concludes that meeting youths' needs requires close collaboration among stakeholders, with financial assistance from development agencies helping bring together local, national and regional actors.

Author: Olawale Ismail | Abiodun Alao Source: Ismail, O. and Alao, A. (2007). 'Youths in the interface of development and security', Conflict, Security and Development, 7(1), pp. 3-25, Routledge. Size: 23 pages ()
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What are the implications of gender for security and development? This paper from Conflict, Security & Development argues that gender is vital in any discussion of security and development since women are affected by war, conflict and poverty in different ways to men. It also illustrates the ways in which gender systems are bound up with other 'differences' and how these are specific to individual contexts.

Author: Marsha Henry Source: Henry, M. (2007). 'Gender, security and development', Conflict, Security and Development, 7(1), pp. 61-84, Routledge Size: 25 pages ()
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How do Albanian and Serbian communities in Kosovo perceive plans for decentralisation? What are the threats to stability that arise from decentralisation? This paper from the Kosovo Institute for Policy Research and Development examines plans for decentralisation in Kosovo. It finds that different perceptions, expectations, fears and interests drive the attitudes of Albanians and Serbs to decentralisation. All those involved in decentralisation must be prepared to respond in an appropriate and concerted manner to mitigate potential conflicts arising from decentralisation.

Author: Ilir Dugolli | Bekim Çollaku Source: Dugolli, I., Çollaku, B. and Agimi, I. (2007). 'Ethnic Centralization and the Perils of Confusing Solutions', Discussion Paper, KIPRED: Prishtina Size: 34 pages (351 kB)
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How do poverty and inequality causally interact with conflict? While there is a general view that poverty and inequality can lead to conflict, the nature of the links are less well appreciated. This paper draws out the links based on the recent economics literature and discusses their implications for policy. While inequality is a natural concomitant of economic processes, particularly those driven by the market, its implications for security emerge when unequal outcomes align with socio-political cleavages.

Author: Ravi Kanbur Source: Kanbur, R., 2007, 'Poverty and Conflict: The Inequality Link', International Peace Academy, New York. Size: 2 pages (29kb)
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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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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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To what extent is current Georgian legislation and practice relating to children in conflict with the law consistent with UN standards? This UNICEF Georgia report assesses the juvenile justice system in Georgia and argues that it fails to meet these standards. However, given the small numbers of juvenile offenders, Georgia has a prime opportunity to review and reform the way in which it deals with such offenders.

Author: Carolyn Hamilton Source: Hamilton, C., 2007, 'Analysis of the Juvenile Justice System in Georgia', UNICEF Georgia, Tbilisi Size: 65 pages (243KB)
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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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Although the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is the most competent, best- trained army in Southeast Asia, it suffers from serious ethnic, gender and training weaknesses. This Armed Forces & Society paper examines institutional issues that reduce SAF effectiveness and professionalism and prevent it from realising its full potential. The SAF should make better use of the minority Malay population, increase opportunities for women and institute major reforms of its promotion and training policies.

Author: Sean P. Walsh Source: Walsh S.P., 2007, 'The Roar of the Lion City: Ethnicity, Gender, and Culture in the Singapore Armed Forces', Armed Forces and Society, Volume 33 (2): 265-285. Size: 22 pages ()
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Is the Muslim population of Kenya becoming more radicalised? What is the potential for the development of Islamic terrorism and increased religious conflict in the country? This paper by the Danish Institute for International Studies examines the historical and current situation of the significant Muslim minority in Kenya. It argues that although there is a potential for Islamic revivalism, there is little evidence for growing radicalisation or pro-terrorist attitudes among the Muslim population of Kenya. The key issue in addressing Muslim grievances, and preventing any possible radicalisation, is the problem of the political, social and economic underdevelopment of the Muslim-populated provinces.

Author: Bjørn Møller Source: Møller, B., 2006, 'Political Islam in Kenya', DIIS Working Paper no. 22, August Size: 30 pages ()
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What lessons can we learn from the conflict in Darfur? This paper from Minority Rights International analyses events in the terms of structural and operational conflict prevention. It argues that the catalogue of political and institutional failures before and during the civil war indicates a need to address minority rights issues at every stage of conflict prevention. Institutional improvements in conflict prevention and early warning mechanisms will help avoid repeating the mistakes of Darfur in the future.

Author: Sharath Srinivasan Source: Srinivasan, S., 2006, 'Minority Rights, Early Warning and Conflict Prevention: Lessons from Darfur', Minority Rights Group International, London Size: 2 pages (23.0 KB)
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How can policy on women's rights and gender equality be turned into practice? This guide from the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) aims to help facilitate the development of realistic action plans on women, peace and security (WPS), through the provision of good practices, recommendations and a six-step model process. It is designed as a resource for governments, the United Nations (UN) and regional organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Author: Kristin Valasek | Kaitlin Nelson Source: Valasek, K. & Nelson, K., 2006, 'Securing equality, engendering peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security', United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) Size: 78 pages (1.18MB)
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In every successful case of peaceful and democratic conflict avoidance in the world, minority communities have been included and protected by the legislative process. This report by Minority Rights Group International focuses on the electoral system and makes a number of recommendations for best practice in minority representation and electoral system design. The participation of minorities in the legislative process at the stage of electoral reform is a key tool, both in peace building and in future conflict prevention.

Author: Andrew Reynolds Source: Reynolds, A., 2006, 'Electoral Systems and the Protection and Participation of Minorities', Report, Minority Rights Group International, London Size: 36 pages (364 KB)
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What effect have measures to tackle youth gangs in Central America had on human rights and police reform? How can Central American governments more effectively prevent youth violence? This report from the Washington Office on Latin America examines the impact of repressive responses to youth gangs on human rights and democratic governance. It argues that Central American governments should adopt alternative approaches to tackling youth gangs that address the underlying causes of gang membership and violence.

Author: Geoff Thale | Elsa Falkenburger Source: Washington Office on Latin America, 2006, 'Youth Gangs in Central America: Issues in Human Rights, Effective Policing, and Prevention' WOLA, Washington Size: 32 pages (1 MB)
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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 prospects for decentralisation in post-war Sierra Leone? This paper from the University of Birmingham's International Development Department analyses the interaction between the different elements of local government in Sierra Leone, finance and the diamond trade and offers guidance for post-conflict reconstruction at a local level. It argues that the reconstitution of the politico-economic networks surrounding diamond extraction outside of local government may lead to the alienation of the same groups that led the rebellion over the last few years.

Author: Paul Jackson Source: Jackson, P., 2005, 'Chiefs, money and politicians: rebuilding local government in post-war Sierra Leone', Public Administration and Development, vol. 25, no.1, pp. 49-58 Size: 10 pages (95.3 kB)
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Policy analysts have debated the organisational factors that contribute to successful disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) programmes, but little is known about the factors that account for success at the micro level. What are the individual level determinants of successful demobilisation and reintegration? This research from the Centre for Global Development finds that an individuals' prospects of gaining acceptance depends largely on the abusiveness of the unit in which he or she fought. There is no evidence that participation in internationally funded DDR programs improves an individual's chance of acceptance by their families or communities.

Author: Jeremy Weinstein | Macartan Humphreys Source: Weinstein, J., and Humphreys, M., 2005, 'Disentangling the Determinants of Successful Demobilization and Reintegration,' Center for Global Development Working Paper Number 69, United States Size: 30 pages (220kB)
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Why do young people participate in conflict? What can be done to steer young people away from violence? This toolkit from USAID examines youth participation in violent conflict and draws out lessons for development programming. It asserts that although a large proportion of young people is not necessarily destabilising, those (particularly young men) who are uprooted, intolerant, jobless and have few opportunities could represent a ready pool of recruits for ethnic, religious and political extremists. Avoiding future conflict means drawing positively on the energy and capacity of youth as the leaders of tomorrow's societies.

Author: USAID Source: USAID, 2005, 'Youth and Conflict: A Toolkit for Intervention', USAID, Washington, DC Size: 35 pages (2.24MB)
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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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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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In recent years international organisations and development agencies have become aware that development and peace processes cannot be effective or take place in situations of threat, social disorder or violence. They have thus focussed on Security Sector Reform (SSR) as an integral part of third party intervention. This issue of the Berghof Dialogue Series contains contributions from six authors. It examines the arguments for engagement with the security sector and provides an analysis of the dilemmas that arise and suggestions for how they might be overcome.

Author: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management Source: McCartney, C., Fischer, M. & Wils, O. (eds.) 2004, 'Security Sector Reform - Potentials and Challenges for Conflict Transformation', Berghof Handbook Dialogue Series No. 2, Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management, Berlin Size: 77 pages (898 kB)
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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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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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Can the security sector be governed in polities where citizens feel excluded from politics and armed conflict is endemic? Security sector reform in situations of national insecurity is a quixotic enterprise. This research from Sussex University and partner institutions in developing and former communist countries argues that while such situations are traumatic they may also open spaces in which certain kinds of change are more feasible.

Author: Robin Luckham Source: Luckham, R., 2003, Democratic Strategies for Security in Transition and Conflict, in Governing Insecurity, Democratic Control of Military and Security Establishments in Transitional Democracies, Cawthra, G. and Luckham, R. (eds), Zed Books, London. Size: pages ()
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How successful has the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) been in prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence crimes in Rwanda? This paper by the Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights offers an examination of international justice from the perspective of rape survivors of the Rwandan genocide. The ICTR has a poor record of sexual violence prosecutions over the past decade. The study concludes that the court not only denies Rwandan women justice, it exacerbates the suffering they continue to experience.

Author: Binaifer Nowrojee Source: Nowrojee, B. (2003). '"Your justice is Too Slow": Will the ICTR Fail Rwanda's Rape Victims?', Boston Consortium on Gender, Security and Human Rights, Working Paper No. 105 Size: 28 pages (101KB)
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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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This article studies the background of and options for the Rwandan genocide of 1994. It looks at the roots of the hostilities between the Bahutu and Batutsi and how relations shifted from one of Batutsi domination to their massacre at the hands of the Bahutu.

Author: Source: Mamdani, M. 1996, 'From Conquest to Consent as the Basis of State Formation: Reflections on Rwanda,' New Left Review no. 216, pp 3-36 Size: 34 pages ()
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What causes ethnic conflict, and why does it escalate? An article in International Security argues that intense ethnic conflict is usually caused by collective fears for the future. It presents a framework for understanding the origins and management of ethnic conflict, and recommends how the international community can intervene more effectively.

Author: David A. Lake | Donald Rothchild Source: Lake, D. A. and Rothchild, D., 1996, 'Containing Fear: The Origins and Management of Ethnic Conflict', International Security, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 41-75 Size: 34 pages (3,810kB)
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