456 Journal of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies N. 4 / 2014 Development, OECD.8 In 2005 they published a document “Security System Reform and Governance,9 that was complemented by a handbook on SSR (OECD DAC Handbook on Security System Reform: supporting security and justice).10 In the first of the two above-mentioned documents, the OECD starts by stating how it defines the concept of security: “Security is increasingly viewed as an all-encompassing condition in which people and communities live in freedom, peace and safety, participate fully in the governance of their countries, enjoy the protection of fundamental rights, have access to resources and the basic necessities of life, and inhabit an environment which is not detrimental to their health and wellbeing”. The OECD considers SSR as including all actors, their actions and responsibilities – working together to manage and operate the system in a manner that is more consistent with democratic norms and principles of good governance, thus contributing to a well-functioning security framework. • As an example, SSR expert Michael Brozska confirms that the ultimate aim of the security sector reform is to create uniformed and armed professional forces with clearly defined functions. These forces should be subject to strict control – both objective and subjective – by civilian authorities, even at the lowest functional levels. As is clear from these three definitions, SSR is a very broad concept that incorporates numerous actors related to security (armed forces, police, customs authorities, reserve units, national defence forces, militias, paramilitary units, presidential guards, intelligence and security services, coast guards,…) and related to the institutions that manage and supervise the activities of the above-mentioned actors – and all with the aim of providing a state with internal and external security. When the reconstruction of Afghanistan began in 2002, the international community had very diverse experiences of SSR. There were previous cases of participation in failed states (Yemen 1994, Ghana 2001, Liberia 2003). But up until that point, this concept had never been implemented comprehensively in a state. In Yemen, over just one year, the multidisciplinary team that participated in the SSR developed a 8 The OECD is an organisation made up of 34 countries that aims to promote economic and social welfare, providing fora for discussion where states can share experiences and seek answers to common problems. 9 OECD DAC, Security System Reform and Governance, DAC Guidelines and Reference Series (Paris: OECD DAC, 2004). Consulted June 2014 under www.oecd.org/dataoecd/8/39/31785288.pdf . 10 OECD DAC, OECD DAC Handbook on Security System Reform. Supporting Security and Justice (Paris: OECD DAC, 2007). Consulted June 2014 under www.oecd.org/development/in-caf/ 38406485.pdf.
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