Supporting security sector governance focus of OSCE and ODIHR discussions with Armenian authorities and civil society

Strengthening security sector governance was the focus of an event jointly organized by the OSCE’s Conflict Prevention Centre and Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in co-operation with the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 13 February 2019 in Yerevan.

A wide range of stakeholders, executive bodies, legislative oversight bodies, law enforcement agencies, as well as representatives of civil society took part in the event to discuss reform priorities and opportunities in the security sector.

The discussions marked the conclusion of a comprehensive OSCE needs assessment focusing on democratic control and oversight of the security sector, conducted with the support of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) in 2018. Findings of the assessment were presented at the event in order to identify future areas of OSCE assistance in strengthening the oversight of the security sector in Armenia.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Artak Apitonian, stressed that security sector governance and reform is one of the priorities of Armenia's co-operation with the OSCE. “Professional, efficient and accountable security institutions promote human rights and democracy, rule of law and good governance. Therefore, democratic oversight of the security sector constitutes one of the pillars of the OSCE comprehensive security," said Minister Apitonian.

Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, confirmed that Slovakia is a long-term supporter of SSG/R in multilateral organisations and will continue in these efforts during the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship this year. “This workshop is an important contribution to building a common understanding of the concept in the OSCE based on national and regional experience and needs,” stressed Ambassador Michalka and thanked Armenia for hosting this event.

Graziella Pavone, Human Rights Officer at ODIHR, said: "Security sector governance promotes an idea of security centred on individuals and their different needs, in the framework of the protection of human rights, compliance with the rule of law, strong accountability measures and gender equality.”

Support to ongoing reforms in the security sector is one of the priority areas that were agreed with the authorities of Armenia in the framework of the Armenia Co-operation Programme.