CIC’s extensive work on security sector reform (SSR) assesses and strengthens international capacity by supporting SSR policy development by the UN and other actors; undertaking research to assess the operational capacity of UN SSR programs in peace operations; and, examining the role of non-state actors in providing security in fragile states.
The project’s current work focuses on defense sector reform (DSR), which is a part of broader SSR efforts. While effective, accountable, efficient, and professional national security forces and oversight institutions are recognized as a vital part of securing sustainable peace and stability, and are an essential benchmark for the withdrawal of peacekeepers, DSR has traditionally not been a core competency for the UN. Where it has done so, DSR engagement has been ad hoc. Nonetheless, a growing number of UN political and peacekeeping missions are being mandated to support national governments with professionalization or development of armed forces and oversight institutions.
It is in this context that CIC, as a part of an joint initiative by the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the UN and the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN, is assisting UN Member States examine the merits of more explicit engagement by the UN in defense sector reform, the possible forms that such engagement might take, and the resources and capacitates that this might require.
The project will hold two meetings with UN Member States and key stakeholders from the UN Secretariat, produce a discussion paper, and issue a final policy paper drawing on input from the meetings. Rethinking the UN’s Role in Defense Sector Reform: Examining Options for an Increased UN Role, written by CIC, was released to Member States in November 2010 and served as the basis for discussion for the 2 December, 2010 meeting.
Lead Researcher: Jake Sherman
Project Staff: Andrew Sinclair
Funder: Government of the Netherlands |
