HANDBOOK ON CSDP
5.4. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT SSR by Karin Gatt Rutter and Gianmarco Scuppa
Security Sector Reform (SSR) can be translated as ‘transforming a country’s security system so that it gradually provides individuals and the state with more effective and accountable security in a manner that is consistent with respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the principles of good governance.’ The EU has been supporting Security Sector Reform in numerous countries for many years by using external action instruments and crisis management tools. In 2015, foreign ministers asked the High Representative and the Commission to review the existing policy framework and to maximise the impact, efficiency and consistency of the EU’s support. This led to the development of the new EU-wide strategic framework to support Security Sector Reform, which was issued in the form of a Joint Communication by the High Representative and the Commission in July 2016 and subsequently endorsed by the Foreign Affairs Council in November of the same year. This new SSR policy framework merges and updates previous policies from 2005 and 20061 that have been guiding EU action in the field of Security Sector Reform and includes new elements in line with international trends, such as the recognition of the increasingly strengthen-
ing links between security and development as explained in the Agenda 2030 and more explicitly in sustainable development goal 16.2
OBJECTIVES FOR SECURITY SECTOR REFORM This SSR strategic framework sets clear objectives for EU engagement in the security sector: • support partner states in concretely improving security for individuals and the state; This means, in particular, addressing the security needs of different groups (including women, minors and minorities) as perceived and experienced by them. • improve the legitimacy, good governance, integrity and sustainability of the security sector in partner states. This means encouraging and supporting the security sector in partner states to respect internationally accepted human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles, apply the good governance principles of transparency, openness, participation, inclusivity and accountability, respect public finance management rules and procedures, fight corruption and be fiscally sustainable.
1 A concept for European Community support for Security Sector Reform, Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament (SEC(2006) 658), and EU concept for ESDP support to SSR (12566/4/05), which was produced on the basis of the European Security Strategy – A Secure Europe in a Better World, adopted by the European Council on December 2003. 2 Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015; UNGA A/RES/70/1); Goal 16: ‘promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’.
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