Reform and co-operation in the security sector

The nature of conflict has changed over the last decades and the concept of security has broadened beyond that of a narrow state-centric approach. The OSCE participating States have recognized that to keep in step with this process, the security sector needs to be reformed to provide both states and people with more effective security support, as well as stronger rule of law and good governance structures, thereby contributing to greater trust and stability in the OSCE region and beyond.

We have been working with the participating States for many decades on strengthening the governance of their security sectors and undertaking reforms in line with OSCE commitments. Our work is based on several key documents, including the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security and a set of guidelines on security sector governance and reform that allow us to better assist the States in their security sector reform efforts. We provide expertise to them in such areas as police and justice reform, border management and security, and democratic oversight of security forces. Some of the central topics we work on include, for example, the rules of engagement and integrity within defence and security institutions; encouraging civil society to actively participate in security sector reform; assisting discharged personnel to be re-trained for civilian employment; and helping ensure that social rights are preserved when conscription-based armies transition into professional armed forces.

Our institutions and offices

The Forum for Security Co-operation—the OSCE’s main platform for dialogue on politico-military issues—is the central body in the Organization dealing with reform and co-operation in the security sector. Recognizing the importance of democratic civilian control of the armed and security forces, the Forum adopted in 1994 a Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, a landmark document in security sector governance that obliges participating States to provide for democratic oversight of their armed, internal, paramilitary, intelligence and police forces.

The practical implementation of activities in this field is undertaken by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Conflict Prevention Centre and the OSCE field operations.