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Celebrations during the technical committee for regional peace and security in the DRC. Photo – Sylvain Leichti/MONUSCO\

Happy elderly woman warmly welcoming UN staff to the community with open arms and a smile.

Mugunga internally displaced persons camp near Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti

Security Sector Reform (SSR) at the United Nations

What is SSR

Armed forces, police, border guards, and other security officials should be elemental for sustaining peace. They stabilize, protect, and provide relief - but when poorly regulated, unaccountable, or sourced for political gain, the security sector becomes a liability instead of a force for good.

Security sector reform is the work undertaken by the government and its people to make the country's security institutions function in a more accountable way. Accountable institutions that respect human rights and the rule of law, enhance security and improve livelihoods for all.

What We Do

Providing genuine security to any population is a meaningful assignment, central to the United Nations Charter. The United Nations supports nationally-led security sector reform. Our goal is to help states and societies develop effective, inclusive, and accountable security institutions that contribute to national and international security and sustainable development.

Security Sector Reform and Women, Peace and Security

Promoting gender equality and women’s participation in the security sector is critical for building more accountable, inclusive and responsive institutions. To realize this, the United Nations supports gender equality-oriented reforms in national security sectors. From March to October 2024, we’ll be showcasing some powerful stories of women’s contributions to security services and Member States’ good practices on strengthening equal opportunities for women in the security sector.