Security Sector Reform

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Security Sector Reform

A joint effort of UNSOM and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Integrated Security Sector Reform (I-SSR) Section provides strategic advice and technical support to the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States-led security sector reforms in-line with the Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS), the National Security Architecture Agreement, the Transition Plan, and the National Development Plan 9/Mutual Accountability Framework.  The integrated approach allows UNSOM to meet its mandated tasks, as reflected below, with UNDP and UNSOM working to deliver the Security Sector Governance component.

In this context, the work of the I-SSR Section is based on the agreed CAS principles of ensuring that Somalia’s security institutions are affordable, acceptable and accountable and able, and is focused on the following specific areas:

  • Security Sector Governance: Through the Joint Security Sector Governance Programme (JSSGP), delivered by UNDP and UNSOM, the capacity building delivers increased civilian oversight of the security sector reforms by Federal and Federal Member States’ security sector governance institutions within a framework of rule of law and respect for human rights. The JSSGP also supports the engagement of civil society, with a focus on women and youth-based organisations, in the SSR process.
  • Rightsizing and Integration: Providing advice on rightsizing of the Somali security forces, including legislative support to the Federal Parliament and support to a politically committed integration process, in-line with the National Security Architecture Agreement.
  • Maritime Security:  Contributing to Somalia’s maritime domain to empower the maritime components of the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States through the development of strategic policy frameworks, capacity building and capability enhancement initiatives, as an important step towards establishing Somalia’s ‘blue economy.’  This work is undertaken with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as well as other UN entities and International Partners, most notably EUCAP Somalia.
  • Financing of Security:  Working with the World Bank to ensure both organisations’ comparative advantages are maximized and that engagement focuses on the financing of security and analysis linked to Somalia’s Security and Justice Public Finance Management.
  • Constitutional Review:  The UN provides technical assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia in the review of the 2012 Provisional Constitution, in particular by reviewing its Chapter 14 pertaining to ‘Peace and Security’.
  • Sanctions Engagement:  Acting as a focal point for the FGS and International Partners, including the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee, relating to Sanctions issues.
  • Joint and Cross-Cutting Engagement: To advance SSR efforts in Somalia, the I-SSR Section and AMISOM SSR Team work closely together to ensure their comparative SSR advantages are used to support the Somali Government-led security sector reforms and enhance effective governance and oversight of the security sector.