Supporting Governance-Driven Approaches to Building Integrity in the Security Sector

State mechanisms typically consist of anti-corruption agencies, ombuds institutions, parliamentarians and parliamentary committees, audit offices, the judiciary, the prosecutor’s office, and other similar entities. Efforts should be made to develop strong, independent oversight mandates and capacities for these actors to enable the effective oversight of security sector institutions. Appropriate measures should be established to ensure that easily accessible complaints procedures and safe reporting channels are available to victims of misconduct by security personnel, whistleblowers, and other individuals with a legitimate interest in reporting the lack of integrity in the security sector. Efforts should be also made to raise awareness on existing complaint mechanisms among both citizens and security personnel.

Non-state actors include the civil society organizations, academic institutions, independent think tanks and the media. OSCE could strengthen the role and capacities of these actors to oversee security sector institutions, with a particular focus on civil society. Additionally, the OSCE could support the establishment of strong, independent, well-mandated, and respected labour unions for security sector staff. The OSCE could also organize joint workshops for journalists and press officers from the security sector institutions on media reporting on the security sector.

While a diverse set of oversight actors already exist in most OSCE participating States, specialized corruption prevention agencies and other oversight bodies are often scattered throughout all levels of government. To strengthen a governance-driven approach, efforts could focus on promoting co-operation and co-ordination among anti-corruption agencies and oversight bodies, as well as between these and the security sector institutions themselves to support a coherent and effective accountability system.

Stimulating public debate and creating space for dialogue are key entry points for integrity-building programmes. For example, national and regional roundtables can provide a platform for stakeholders to reach a common understanding of the scope and importance of the security sector’s integrity.