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Contributions from
the Column
Books and Media
The making of Global Finance
HIPC Debt Relief - Myths and Reality
Humankind and sustainable solidarity
Security sector reform
Poverty and human rights abuses
03/2005 |
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Security sector reform
Reforms in the police and the armed forces are considered crucial to overcoming cultures of violence and underpinning the creation of peaceful post-conflict structures. They are usually an integral part of third party intervention in areas of conflict. According to a study by the Berghof Research Centre for Constructive Conflict Management, however, global security experts often ask the wrong questions and look for answers from the wrong people. The institute criticises the fact that many reforms initiated with outside help are primarily aimed at the warring parties. The forces advocating peace are often left out.
According to the Research Centre (it initiates, supports and monitors projects aimed at transforming ethnic conflict), security sector reforms frequently fail to address immediate security needs. All too often the real concerns of the people are lost sight of. Members of the police and armed forces predominantly tend to discuss amongst their peers. Therefore, democratic checks and civil society involvement are rare. When in doubt, the main actors give building police capabilities priority over human rights considerations. (orb)
Clem McCartney/Martina Fischer/Oliver Wils (Eds.):
Security Sector Reform. Potentials and Challenges for Conflict Transformation.
Berlin, Berghof Handbook
Dialogue Series No. 2/2004, ISSN 1616-2544.
On the internet at http://www.berghof-handbook.net/articles/ssr_complete.pdf
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