Security sector reform a tool for conflict prevention, says OSCE Secretary General at high-level side event during UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

A well-governed security sector, grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law, strengthens society’s resilience to threats to security and stability, said OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger at a high-level side event on the margins of the 27th Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna on 16 May 2018.

The side event, organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and co-sponsored by the Government of Slovakia and the OSCE, focused on the role of security sector reform and governance as a tool for conflict prevention, particularly in the context of transnational organized crime.

“To meaningfully improve our approaches to peace, security and sustainable development, we need to invest in preventive measures, and commit ourselves to long-term, impact-oriented approaches that address the underlying causes of conflict,” said Greminger. “Preventive efforts – such as supporting improved, democratically controlled security and justice institutions – will reduce the risk of multiple forms of conflict.”

He added that the OSCE has a rich toolbox, including the OSCE Guidelines on Security Sector Governance and Reform, to assist participating States in reforming and strengthening the governance of their security sectors.

The OSCE Secretary General also commended Slovakia and UNODC for their leadership and work in this area.

“I welcome the recent integration of security sector reform and governance as a new topic in the OSCE-UNODC Joint Action Plan for 2018-2019, and I would welcome even closer co-operation in the future,” he said.

Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director, said: “Supporting conflict prevention through security sector reform is a highly relevant priority, which is fully in line with the UN Secretary-General’s vision. This event is an opportunity to discuss current efforts, challenges, linkages and future prospects for security sector reform.” 

Michal Mlynár, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN in New York, and Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform, said: “A well-governed and accountable security sector is a pre-condition for addressing transnational organized crime effectively. Slovakia remains committed to supporting both the OSCE and the UN in their efforts to improve their partnership on security sector reform and in particular, to prevent violent conflict.”

Also addressing the side event were Ján Kubiš, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq; Jabir Hemaidawi, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the UN in Vienna; and Masood Ahmad Azizi, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.