Improving security in poor countries
23 June 2008
Improving security is a vital part of the UK Government's work in developing
countries. Poor people want to feel safe and secure just as much as they need
food to eat, clean water to drink and a job to give them an income. Without
security there can be no development.
People need effective states to provide them with security, and effective
institutions - police, military, border controls, and a legal and judicial
system - that are overseen by civil authorities. The UK can help countries to
improve security for their citizens by getting arms out of circulation,
reforming security sector institutions such as the police and the armed forces,
and improving courts and prisons.
Over the last seven years, a major UK fund has aimed to bring security to troublespots around the world. The Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP)
provides assistance to three Government departments - the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and DFID - as they work
to build more stable environments in places such as Afghanistan, Nepal and the
Occupied Palestinian Territories.
How are we doing?
Following the decision earlier this year to reorganise UK funding for
conflict prevention, an independent review of security sector reform work
through the GCPP was carried out. It
examined the Pool's decision-making processes, and sought to establish how
coherent and effective its activities were.
The subsequent report has confirmed that the UK leads the field in reforming security sectors. Amongst the
key strengths identified are the GCPP's strategic approach, its ability to
influence partner governments and other members of the international community,
and the fact that its work covers the three key areas of diplomacy,
development and defence. Read the report:
"Promoting Conflict Prevention
through Security Sector Reform"
 (286kb).
The report also flags up the opportunities for the UK to further strengthen
its conflict prevention efforts. Read a summary of the report's
key messages and
recommendations
(92kb).
DFID hopes to address these recommendations during the next few years, over
the remainder of the current Comprehensive Spending Review period. A response
has been produced setting out the action we will take.
Read Recommendations and HMG
Responses(22kb).
If the UK is to maintain its leading position on security sector reform, and continue
to bring stability and justice to people in countries affected by conflict,
ongoing progress is essential.
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