Understanding SSG/R in the OSCE context

SSG/R is highly relevant for the OSCE’s engagement with security sector institutions, as it brings multiple benefits to both participating States and OSCE Executive Structures.

SSG/R as an Integral Part of the OSCE’s Comprehensive Approach to Security

The principles underpinning SSG/R are very much in line with the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security, which encompasses the politico-military, economic, environmental and human dimensions. SSG/R promotes the need for a comprehensive approach when working with the security sector that takes into account inter-linkages between various actors and thematic issues. It calls for due consideration of different reform processes that are mutually reinforcing (police reform, justice reform, etc.), instead of dealing with such processes individually. SSG/R also recognizes that successful security sector reform goes beyond the changes made in individual components of the sector, which often only enhance the capacities, effectiveness and professionalism of individual security sector institutions. Activities related to SSG/R therefore usually cut across all OSCE dimensions and involve a holistic understanding of security and the actors involved in security provision, management and oversight. SSG/R can thus be understood as an approach that operationalizes the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security when working with security sector institutions.

A more strategic, coherent and co-ordinated approach to SSG/R can help to strengthen cross-dimensional co-ordination and co-operation. By following such an approach, the OSCE can move beyond fragmentation in its programmatic activities towards more comprehensively integrating commitments and mandates that have previously been addressed in isolation. In this way, more effective support for national reform processes can be facilitated. Given that the security sector is often mainly viewed through a politico-military lens, it is important to underline that many aspects within the human, economic and environmental dimensions are indispensable elements in the overall approach to SSG/R. By taking such a comprehensive approach to SSG/R, a high level of synergy can be created when working with security institutions.