Advanced OSCE security sector reform course in Bosnia and Herzegovina focuses on fighting terrorism, corruption

An advanced course on security sector reform, co-organized by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the BiH Joint Staff and the Centre for Security Studies, concluded in Sarajevo on 31 October 2013.

Some 20 participants representing relevant ministries and agencies, the armed forces, and civil society took part in the discussion focused on the challenges in security sector governance, such as effectively addressing security threats such as terrorism and corruption. Particular emphasis was on the importance of developing a security sector reform strategy and action plan for implementation in BiH, with the aim to ensure effective and inclusive democratic security sector governance.

Nina Suomalainen, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, said: “Through its inclusive and democratic nature, the security sector reform process will enable society to understand the role, importance and advantages of an effective and efficient security sector that meets the needs of the people.” She said OSCE-facilitated dialogue between all stakeholders aims to contribute to this.

Brigadier Mersida Mešetović gave a presentation on the importance of establishing an environment where women can take up leadership roles in defence and security organizations.

Brigadier Hamza Višća of the Armed Forces BiH Joint Staff said that an important aspect of the course was its focus on strengthening the human resources capacities to implement the reform. “It involves staff from various security and defence institutions who work to make the armed forces, police, judiciary and penitentiary system more capable of responding to security risks,” he said.

The course is an integral part of the OSCE Mission’s Security Sector Reform efforts aimed at fostering a responsive security system in BiH.