Security sector reform Security Sector Reform ( SSR ) is a concept that first emerged in the 1990s in Eastern Europe . Though there is no single globally accepted definition , SSR generally refers to a process to reform or rebuild a state ' s security sector . It responds to a situation in which a dysfunctional security sector is unable to provide security to the state and its people effectively and under democratic principles . In some cases , the security sector can itself be a source of widespread insecurity due to discriminatory and abusive policies or practices . In this respect , an unreformed or misconstructed security sector represents a decisive obstacle to the promotion of sustainable development , democracy and peace . SSR processes therefore seek to enhance the delivery of effective and efficient security and justice services , by security sector institutions that are accountable to the state and its people , and operate within a framework of democratic governance , without discrimination and with full respect for human rights and the rule of law . SSR efforts target all state institutions and other entities with a role in ensuring the security of the state and its people , including : armed forces ; law enforcement and intelligence services ; institutions responsible for border management and customs services ; justice and penal institutions ; and actors that play a role in managing and overseeing the design and implementation of security , such as ministries , parliaments , ombudspersons , human rights commissions and civil society organisations . In some contexts , it also addresses non - state armed groups and / or private security and military companies . SSR is both an operational as well as a normative concept . Featuring norms such as good governance , civilian oversight and the rule of law among its defining characteristics , its inclusion as a necessary component of international policies addressing post - conflict situations is becoming more and more commonplace . As such , SSR can be seen as a branch of an increasing international effort to secure human security . Country contexts . SSR is not limited to a single political situation , but rather can be introduced in various contexts . The circumstances under which reform efforts are undertaken can be classified as three very different reform environments : post - conflict , transitional and developed countries . SSR is most commonly introduced in post - conflict settings . Post - conflict situations . Post - conflict environments are characterized by mostly destroyed , distrusted or dismissed political institutions and widespread insecurity . SSR in such a situation can be understood as Security Sector Reconstruction , as the state ' s monopoly on the use of force and effective and efficient structures needs to be rebuilt . Reform is seen as essential to prevent the recurrence of conflict and to enhance public security , which in turn are necessary to initiate reconstruction and development initiatives . Transitional countries . Transitional countries are on a borderline from one political system to another , but no violent long - term conflict has yet occurred . SSR in this environment has to improve the state ' s performance in the security sector , to rebuild or to reorganize security institutions and sometimes to dissolve non - statutory forces like paramilitary police units . The main aim of SSR in transitional countries is to introduce the principles of democratic governance to the security sector . Reform efforts often focus on creating accountability mechanisms and addressing public mistrust of security sector institutions . Developed countries . The term SSR tends not to be used in relation to developed countries , although reform is often needed and may be occurring at different levels . Reform efforts in developed countries are most often institution - specific and focus on issues such as efficiency , increased oversight , and management and operational procedures . In many developed countries , the security sector has yet to effectively respond to and prevent or to attain gender parity between male and female employees . Approach . SSR is essentially aimed at the efficient , effective and non - discriminatory provision of state and human security within a framework of democratic governance . However , the goals of providing state and human security can be conflictual in the context of conflict - torn societies which lack the framework of democratic governance . The experiences of SSR in Afghanistan triggered a debate on the advantages of providing human rather than state security in the process of state - building . The concept of SSR as an ideal is holistic in its approach to the security sector : all relevant actors and instruments should be included in the process from a dysfunctional security sector to a reformed one . The SSR concept links measures aimed at increasing efficiency and effectiveness of security forces to overriding concerns of democratic governance . Efforts to modernize security forces , e . g . by buying new weapons or reorganizing hierarchical structures , would not be considered SSR without ensuring the sector ' s democratic accountability . SSR - related activities must always be aimed at improving the governance of the security sector ; an approach which is advocated by the right - financing framework . Gender and SSR . The integration of a gender in SSR contributes to different objectives of the reform process : better delivery of security and justice services ; more representative institutions ; respect for human rights ; strengthened oversight and accountability and local ownership of the SSR process itself . The integration of gender perspectives is generally pursued through two complementary strategies : gender mainstreaming , and measures to promote the equal participation of men and women in security sector institutions and SSR processes . Gender perspectives can be included in both the SSR process itself ( e . g . by consulting men and women on SSR , or training personnel responsible for SSR policy on gender issues ) and in the institutions undergoing reform ( e . g . in efforts to recruit more women , pursue gender - sensitive service delivery or provide gender training to new recruits ) . Instruments . Basic instruments of SSR are : It is imperative to link each area of engagement because efforts will not succeed unless complementary work is carried out in other areas . Post - conflict SSR . In post - conflict peacebuilding , SSR is confronted with a unique set of challenges . Typical additional SSR instruments in post - conflict situations are : To apply these instruments in a stand - alone manner would not suit the requirements of SSR . Rather , they should be integrated into an overall SSR concept . For example , combating SALW is ineffective until the rule of law is re - established . Only by integrating all instruments and combine them with democratic oversight can SSR influence the security situation substantially and sustainably and prevent ( the recurrence of ) conflict . Effect . Although SSR is still an evolving and contested concept , it is increasingly accepted as a precondition for good governance , security , human rights , and the achievement of long - lasting peace .