Reforms of the security sector, including for example the police, military and corrections, are often necessary in a conflict-affected state to create stability and prevent conflicts from re-emerging. Civilian control and democratic governance of the security sector are important steps to guarantee the safety and rights of the population and build trust between population and security actors.
People in conflict-affected countries often view security actors as a threat, rather than a guarantor of safety. Some security actors may have been involved in the conflict, and human rights abuses as well as corruption can be widespread.
Under such circumstances, reforms of the security sector are required in order to build peace. Security actors often need training and other forms of capacity building to be able to fulfill their tasks and ensure respect for human rights.
Democratic security sector governance means that the security actors are subordinated civilian oversight mechanisms and that security is provided in a transparent and accountable way, and in accordance with the rule of law.