COMMUNITY SECURITY

OVERVIEW

In 2023, many regions in the world grappled with crises and insecurity that undermined development efforts. Open conflicts and weapon proliferation perpetuated poverty, marginalization and social unrest, particularly in fragile states. Gender-based and sexual violence, as well as human trafficking, were widespread in conflict zones, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The economic toll of violence hit a record $17.5 trillion in 2023, about 13 percent of global GDP 1 , with developing nations bearing the brunt. In many places, but particularly in Sahel, environmental degradation and resource scarcity fueled conflicts over land and water, left people without access to food and forced them out of homes. Cybersecurity also emerged as a critical concern calling for collective action. To improve community security, UNDP engaged in policy development to ensure deep understanding of people-centred approach to security, and supported justice and security initiatives in 37 countries.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT: PROMOTING PEOPLE-CENTRED SECURITY

Determined to transform its programmatic support to security sector in line with a people-centered approach, UNDP continued its partnership with Folke-Bernadotte Academy (FBA) to build on the joint research of the key concepts of people-centred security (PCS). UNDP and FBA delved deeper into the analysis to explore a major challenge in PCS implementation: effectively engaging non-state and hybrid governance structures in security programming

A paper was developed to examine lessons for UNDP and international partners in navigating hybrid security governance settings from a people-centred perspective. This research is based on literature review, as well as on the insights from the interviews with UNDP staff in Colombia, Pakistan and Yemen. The paper will be presented in 2024.

UNDP is also developing a new vision for its people-centred approach to justice and security programming. A policy paper is being finalized, exploring UNDP’s experience in over 150 countries. It argues that people-centred approach to justice and security has transformative potential by recognizing the interlinkages among justice and security, human rights protection, promotion of the rule of law and social contract.

As a thought leader in the area of community security, UNDP participated in key events and discussions on policy development, focusing on implementing recommendations from the report of the Secretary-General on strengthening Security Sector Reform (2022) and the decisions of the Executive Committee on strengthening UN support to Security Sector Reform & Governance as of 28 April 2023. Alongside the UN Department of Peace Operations, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and the Center on International Cooperation at New York University, UNDP took part in technical discussions during the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on leveraging partnerships on security sector reform and accelerating the implementation of the SDG16 for sustainable peace and development. In addition, UNDP contributed to finalizing a briefing paper for the UN leadership to improve the UN-World Bank collaboration on the security sector reform and governance. The briefing paper will be finalized in 2024.

Lessons learned

Supporting the security sector is crucial to enhance the rule of law and strengthen social contract between the state and the people. It is essential to look at the full spectrum of the security system, considering the complexity and possible overlap between the state/non-state and formal/informal actors, structures and mechanisms.

Looking forward

UNDP will enhance its people-centred approach to policy and programming and strengthen partnerships with UN entities and security actors, while advocating for the Security-Development Nexus, including through research, policy guidance and participation in the key forums, such the World Bank Group Fragility Forum, the Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development, as well as the HLPF 2024. UNDP will also explore embedding security aspects while addressing climate change and digitalization challenges.

SUPPORT TO THE POLICING SERVICES AND THE SECURITY SECTOR REFORM/GOVERNANCE (SSR/G)

UNDP supported the security sector reform and strengthened the capacity of security sector to promote good governance, inclusivity and respect for human rights, and to build trust between institutions and communities.

Country examples

To enhance accountability and human rights compliance in the security sector, UNDP supported national human rights institutions, facilitated the inspection of detention facilities and provided training on human rights and gender-responsive policing. In Malawi, UNDP enabled the Human Rights Commission to oversee prisons, police cells and government detention facilities in line with human rights standards and the Nelson Mandela Rules. In Lebanon, UNDP played a crucial role in strengthening legal protection for individuals during the preliminary investigation phase, offering free legal aid and piloting the audio/video recording of interrogations while raising public awareness on the rights of people deprived of liberty.

Notably, gender transformation in security institutions has been a priority for UNDP, especially in contexts with patriarchal social and cultural norms. In Nigeria, where only eight percent of the police staff are women, UNDP is working with the National Police Force to grant equal opportunities for women to hold leadership roles. UNDP enhanced the leadership capacity of 60 mid-ranked women police officers. Five women were promoted to senior ranks, representing a significant shift from previous practices. In Burkina Faso, over 260 police and gendarmerie officers, including 72 women, enhanced their knowledge on how to prevent and address gender-based violence through four training sessions organized by UNDP.

UNDP has also supported the implementation of programmes under the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. For example, in Somalia, under the Gender Justice Platform[IY10] , UNDP and UN Women supported 13 partner organizations in implementing a Women, Peace and Protection Programme at national and local levels. In Yemen, UNDP facilitated the operationalization of the 1325 National Action Plan on WPS Agenda in Aden through capacity-building support to women in the rule of law sector.

To build trust between communities and security institutions, UNDP supported community-based dialogues, established model police stations and provided training on people-centred policing. For example, UNDP helped the Fiji Police Force in organizing community-based dialogues to redefine the policing approach, shifting towards a service-oriented rather than a force-centric model. In Iraq, UNDP established six model police stations and trained 3,360 Iraqi police officers on people-centred policing. In Lebanon, UNDP facilitated the rehabilitation and transformation of the Gendarmerie stations of the Internal Security Forces in line with community policing standards, benefiting over 200,000 people in 32 villages. The transformation involved inclusive consultations with community members to better understand their concerns and expectations.

UNDP supported the digitalization of security systems, including in Pakistan, where the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police developed a communications and public outreach plan and established a media centre. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNDP worked with MONUSCO and the Korean National Police Agency to combat impunity through digital criminal data analysis. In Venezuela, UNDP supported the development of SIETPOL, an information platform to monitor and oversee police operations. In addition, UNDP and the Ministry of Interior advanced in the implementation of a unified system for reporting crimes, misdemeanors and police actions which was 90 percent ready in 2023.[IY13] [SB14] In Eastern Europe, UNDP continued building the knowledge base through data collection and research supporting evidence-based policymaking.

Regarding the security sector and climate change, UNDP partnered with Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) to support Iraqi counterparts on climate security and prevent environmental damage within the context of security sector reform. UNDP's involvement in the climate-environment-SSR nexus in Iraq is crucial for the country's security sector reform strategy.

Lessons learned

Despite a general decrease in internal conflicts, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asia regions, conflicts are becoming increasingly internationalized, with high death tolls among civilians and detrimental impacts on the economy.  Geopolitical competition has hindered security sector support programmes in many countries, especially those affected by unconstitutional changes. People-centred security initiatives are facing challenges due to a shift towards state-oriented security driven by these internationalized conflicts.

Looking forward

UNDP will enhance its programmatic response to insecurity and violence, with over 100 ongoing and new programmes on security and more than 50 programmes on policing, particularly in Africa, MENA and South-East Europe. UNDP will also keep generating new knowledge products to improve understanding of the context and design conflict-sensitive and politically smart solutions.

SALIENT: SAVING LIVES ENTITY

Saving-Lives Entity (SALIENT), a joint initiative of UNDP and the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs- (UNODA) works on the principle that small arms control and armed violence reduction must be nationally led, people-centred, anticipatory and responsive. Since the proliferation of weapons fuels violence against women, over 30 percent (US$1.7 million) of SALIENT funds has been committed to tackle gender-based violence, promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Country Examples

In Cameroon, a community of practitioners was established to advocate for including small arms control into the national development agenda. SALIENT also supported the training of 50 women ex-combatants and 30 law enforcement and criminal justice officers on the linkages between gender and small arms, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, implementation and reporting against SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions). Finally, SALIENT convened government representatives for gender-informed discussion on regulation and control of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition, and supported the development of the country’s first “Gender and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR)” strategy.

In Jamaica, SALIENT bolstered efforts to reduce access to firearms and ammunition by improving the capacity of law enforcement officials at entry, exit and/or transit points of the country. SALIENT also enabled Jamaica’s Violence Audit, establishing a baseline for replication and prompting the Government to utilize data in development planning and decision-making. The Government has expressed its desire to adapt the methodology to future audits.

SALIENT developed guidelines to prevent arms in schools, as well as strategies for teachers to prevent conflict and violence, including through after-school programmes for youth, discussions on peer-to-peer conflict-resolution and mediation on masculinity and gun culture.

In South Sudan, SALIENT worked with local authorities and communities to catalyze voluntary civilian disarmament, encourage participation of women and build trust among police, security institutions and civilians. To shift from forced to voluntary disarmament, the project led 11 dialogues, reaching 454 members of senior state leadership. In addition, ten women’s networks within the police service were established. According to SALIENT partners from the National Police Service, it helped them to engage better with community members, particularly women, and provided internal platform for women officers to share best practices and advocate for gender-responsive policing.

Radio talk shows, hosted by local police officers, reached over two million people while targeted community outreach events enabled officers to hear directly from community members on how the use of firearms instigated child trafficking, forced marriages, rape and domestic violence.

Lessons learned and good practices

Participatory processes yield stronger results. It is important to engage with governments at the planning stage to ensure timely implementation. 

Engagement at the regional level improves information-sharing, coordination and political accountability.

Reporting tools need to be introduced to better capture a variety of gains. 

It is important to have internal evaluation at the close of the project.

Looking forward

In 2024, SALIENT will be implemented in Ghana, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Panama and Papua New Guinea. Jamaica will build on its first-phase programming with top-up funding.

SALIENT will undergo an independent evaluation of its pilot phase, which will guide the decision-making process regarding the next phases.

SEESAC: SMALL ARMS CONTROL FOR A SAFER SOUTH EAST AND EAST EUROPE

In spite of significant progress made in the last two decades, and in light of changing security environment, the South Eastern and Eastern Europe (SEE) continues to face challenges related to illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition. In 2023, a total of 151 people died as a result of firearm misuse in SEE; there were 33 firearm deaths resulting from domestic violence; 64 suicide deaths by firearms while nine people lost their lives in accidental shootings 2 . On the other hand, over 60,500 firearms were destroyed between 2018 and 2022 in the Western Balkans; over 25,600 pieces of SALW were seized, and over 143,000 were voluntarily surrendered 3 .

In 2023, SEESAC continued monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in the Western Balkans. SEESAC also completed the mid-term review of the implementation of the Roadmap that confirmed its effectiveness and relevance, established that the Roadmap has increased regional cooperation and that the progress towards the goals was mostly on track.

Coordination of resources for the Roadmap implementation was ensured through the Western Balkans SALW Control Multi-Partner Trust Fund. SEESAC holds the Fund’s Secretariat and is responsible for its programmatic coordination and monitoring. As of February 2024, the Trust Fund  reached a portfolio of US$ 27,545,816, contributing to 24 projects (13 completed and 11 ongoing) implemented by UNDP and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

SEESAC continued supporting the authorities across SEE through a comprehensive approach to SALW control contributing to standardization of approaches across the region and closer cooperation between the Western Balkans and the European Union

Among other activities and workstreams, SEESAC:

• Facilitated regional cooperation in SEE at policy and operational level.
• Supported the advancement of legislative and policy frameworks.
• Supported combatting arms trafficking through provision of technical advise, development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training and provision of equipment.
• Supported investigation and analysis of firearms related.
• Supported physical security and stockpile management of SALW and their ammunition.
• Supported awareness raising on the dangers of misuse and illegal possession of firearms and their voluntary surrender.
• Contributed to enhanced transparency of arms exports by the region.
• Continued building the knowledge base through data collection and research supporting evidence based policymaking.
• Advanced gender mainstreaming into SALW control policies and practices.

Lessons learned

Effective coordination of stakeholders supporting the SALW control efforts, rigorous monitoring of progress and ensuring national ownership of the actions, are key preconditions of success.

Looking forward

The process to revise the text of the Western Balkans Roadmap for implementation beyond 2024 has been initiated following expressed commitment and agreement of the jurisdictions.

ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE ON KOREA’S BEST PRACTICES

UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), in coordination with UNDP’s Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights team, supported three partner countries to strengthen their police capacities to address gender-based violence in the digital sphere. To create an enabling environment for effective prevention and response to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, technical experts from the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) shared their experience through webinars and consultation sessions. USPC’s technical support and catalytic seed funding facilitated the capacity building of law enforcement agencies and the promotion of the rule of law and gender equality. 

Country highlights

In 2023, USPC, in partnership with the KNPA and in coordination with UNDP Country Offices (COs) in Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, implemented the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Partnership Programme on addressing gender-based violence in the digital aphere. In August, 40 representatives (including 18 women) from UNDP COs and their national partners, including the Bangladesh Police, Federal Police Directorate of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska and the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia participated in a three-day hybrid training of trainers (ToT) webinar. During the training, KNPA shared its capacity building experience to incorporate a survivor-centred approach, as well as the information on legislative and institutional reforms in Korea that addressed digital sexual crimes. Furthermore, each country developed action plans for police capacity enhancement to effectively address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, adapting training materials to their local contexts and translating to local languages. The COs and national partners organized follow-up training at the national and local levels to cascade the knowledge and the know-how.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP carried out awareness-raising campaigns to prevent cyber violence. The campaigns targeted young people who can often be either victims or perpetrators of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. These awareness-raising packages were developed for the use in schools,  endorsed by police agencies and education authorities. Over 2,000 primary and secondary school students, parents, teachers and education officials were reached and guided on how to self-protect against violence in the digital sphere and where to seek help if exposed to online gender-based violence. These interventions received positive feedback and requests to continue with similar activities.

As part of the SDG Partnerships with USPC, UNDP in North Macedonia organized a Forum Theatre event in Bitola and Skopje to support the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign which reached over 150 people.

The event drew attention to the issue of gender-based violence and ignited meaningful conversations among the youth and community members. In particular, this occasion triggered the audience to start challenging the norms and biases that fueled violence against women and girls to create a safer, more equitable world.

Lessons learned

There is a lack of resources and capacities among UNDP COs and national partners to effectively address gender-based violence in the digital sphere. ‘Police-to-police’ interaction and knowledge sharing have proven to be useful in overcoming these challenges and stimulating multi-sectoral engagement. 

Looking forward

In October 2023, during a bilateral meeting in Seoul, UNDP and KNPA signed a Statement of Intent and Funding Window Agreement, at the margins of the International Police Summit. With the financial contribution of KNPA, the ‘Police Capacity Building Support Programme for Combating Gender-based Violence in the Digital Sphere’ was launched and will be implemented throughout 2024 to support the national police agencies of selected partner countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, North Macedonia) as well as civil society organizations in Georgia and Maldives to fight and prevent gender-based violence in cyberspace.  The project will be carried out in coordination among USPC and the Crisis Bureau Rule of Law, Security Human Rights team and Gender team, within UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN).