Democratic Security Sector Governance

People in conflict-affected countries often view security actors as a threat, rather than a guarantor of safety. Some security actors may have been involved in the conflict, and human rights abuses as well as corruption can be widespread.

Under such circumstances, reforms of the security sector are required in order to build peace. Security actors often need training and other forms of capacity building to be able to fulfill their tasks and ensure respect for human rights.

Democratic security sector governance means that the security actors are subordinated civilian oversight mechanisms and that security is provided in a transparent and accountable way, and in accordance with the rule of law.

This requires, for example, ministries and other institutions that can give political and strategic guidance, provide oversight, that they can decide and coordinate activities, and guarantee the right of the civil society to debate and investigate security related issues.

Security sector reform aims at creating a transparent, accountable and effective security sector, where actors such as the police and military operate to guarantee the safety of all citizens without discrimination, and where citizens have trust in the security sector.

Click here to watch a short film and learn more about democratic security sector governance.

What does the FBA do?

• Training and advice
  FBA offers training and advice on democratic security sector governance.
  
  
• Research
  FBA conducts and supports international research on democratic security sector governance.
  
  
• Secondments
  FBA seconds personnel working within the field of democratic security sector governance to international peace operations that Sweden contributes to, led by the EU, UN and OSCE. Click here to see a map of where our personnel is currently deployed.
  
  
• Our partner countries
  Within the framework of Sweden’s international development aid, FBA carries out projects concerning democratic security sector governance. Click here to read more about the countries where we work.
  
  

• Support to civil society
  FBA grants yearly funds to Swedish civil society organizations working to promote dialogue and debate and to spread knowledge about peace and security related issues, for example issues concerning democratic security sector governance.