OSCE-supported course on security sector governance and reform concludes in Sarajevo
The Peace Support Operations Training Centre of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Defence and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support the Austrian Ministry of Defence, organized a course on security sector governance and reform (SSG/R) processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which concluded on 11 December 2019.
Representatives of the BiH Armed Forces, police agencies, judiciary, government institutions, civil society and academia attended the two-day course in Sarajevo. Participants discussed opportunities and challenges of security sector reform through an inclusive and whole-of-government approach.
Susan Penksa, Head of the Department for Security Co-operation of the OSCE Mission to BiH emphasized that SSG/R should be responsive to people’s actual security needs. “A responsive security system that is able to effectively deal with contemporary and emerging threats and challenges will improve security and living standards for all the citizens of BiH.”
Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the SSG/R, Defence Attaché of the Republic of Austria in BiH, Erich Simbürger said: “SSG/R is a prerequisite for the development of good governance and for increasing the accountability of authorities towards its citizens. It refers not only to security institutions, but to all institutions including the judiciary, and it leads to the building of integrity of the entire public administration.”
“The reforms represent a continuous process and require long-term engagement and commitment,” said Muhamed Smajić, Secretary of the BiH Ministry of Defence. He added that the security sector governance and reform also imply co-operation across ministerial, institutional, and governmental lines.
The OSCE Mission to BiH will remain a committed partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina and support the further enhancement of the effectiveness of the wider security system in the country, in line with OSCE commitments.