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. Armed conflict is usually devastating for the economy of a nation, which weakens the capacity of the security sector further.

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. Peace treaties often include an agreement on the implementation of security sector reforms. An external, international actor such as the UN or EU is often tasked with supporting or overseeing the execution of reforms.

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

What does the FBA do?

• Training and advice
  FBA offers training and advice on security sector reform.
  
  
• Research
  FBA conducts and supports international research on security sector reform.
  
  
• Secondments
  FBA seconds personnel working within the field of security sector reform 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 security sector reform. 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 security sector reform.