RESDAL signs a framework agreement on cooperation with the United Nations Security Sector Reform Unit

The agreement, signed in October 2023, aims to strengthen cooperation between Resdal and the United Nations Security Sector Reform Unit (SSRU). The SSRU serves as the United Nations system’s focal point and technical resource capability on security sector reform and governance.   

The cooperation agreement between Resdal and the SSR Unit will allow for consistent collaboration, fostering significant cross-fertilization between the two organizations while fully utilizing their respective comparative advantages.   

Both organizations have different mandates and governing structures, but share common values for security governance, including a human rights-based approach with gender equality as a central element, good governance and the rule of law, impartiality, local ownership, and the recognition that affected populations’ needs are their top priority. These values provide a solid framework for mutual collaboration, using both organizations’ SSR expertise.   

The agreement establishes three areas of cooperation: knowledge generation and management, guidance and training, and field support.   

Regarding knowledge management, the agreement specifies that when required by SSRU, RESDAL will assist to create evidence-based knowledge products, in conformity with the United Nations’ values, principles, and policies.   

Cooperation will mainly focus on exploring joint development and delivery of training, that leverage RESDAL's unique expertise and experience in SSR in the Latin American region. It will also focus on the creation of guiding documents in different languages to highlight RESDAL's access to experts in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Finally, it will focus on the involvement of new Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) personnel in the RESDAL's training project on Security Sector Reform, wherever possible.     

Regarding the line of cooperation on field support, the agreement states that when required by SSRU, RESDAL will assist in countries with United Nations presence, to generate capacities and institutional strengthening in the area of Security Sector Reform and Governance. These contributions may include access to SSR experts, who can be deployed in a timely manner. Both parties recognize that these potential engagements may need timely preparation and the availability of funds.   

For the implementation of this agreement, dialogue will be the tool used to encourage long-term cooperation across the organizations, establishing an ongoing dialogue at the working level, and setting that efforts will be made to facilitate the exchange of information regarding their respective strategies in matters related to Security Sector Reform (e.g. sharing information on ongoing projects).     

¿What is Security Sector Reform?  Armed forces, police, border guards, and other security officials should be essential to maintaining peace. They stabilize, protect, and provide relief - but when poorly regulated, unaccountable, or used for political gain, the security sector becomes a liability rather than a force for good.   Security sector reform is the work of governments and their citizens to make a country's security institutions more accountable. In other words, it seeks for accountable institutions that respect human rights and the rule of law, and that improve the security and quality of life for all.     

More info: SSRU