Statement by the Brazilian Delegation at the UNSC meeting on Security Sector Reform - March 16th, 2023
Thank you Mister President.
At the outset, let me congratulate the Presidency of Mozambique for the initiative of convening the Council to discuss the important issue of security sector reform. I also thank the briefers, Mr. Alexandre Zouev and H.E. Mr. Bankole Adeoye, for their insightful remarks.
Mister President,
Efficient, professional and fully functional security sectors are fundamental elements of countries’ governance systems. In many post-conflict situations, security sector reform is paramount for consolidating and building peace and is also an important basis for achieving sustainable development.
Bearing this in mind, I would like to raise five points.
First, national ownership must be the underlying principle guiding all initiatives concerning SSR. The intention and priorities of the countries concerned must be respected. The imposition of blanket solutions that do not take into account specific realities on the ground can be a recipe for failure and result in the reversal of hard-won achievements.
Second, security sector reform is an intrinsically political process. It involves not only the implementation of governance rules and the reorganization of institutions, but also the distribution of power and resources within a society. Therefore, it is essential as a way to advance sustainable and inclusive political solutions for conflicts.
Third, deficiencies in the security sector may become a root-cause of conflict. Security institutions that are unaccountable and unrepresentative can contribute to fostering grievances in certain communities and sectors of society. Moreover, inefficient and outdated security institutions are often incapable of dealing with terrorist and other illegal armed groups at birth. Therefore, security sector reform is fundamental not only to consolidate peace in post-conflict situations, but it is also necessary to address conflict itself. This is the reason why several UN peacekeeping missions have provided an important role in assisting security sector reform. SSR lies at the crossroad of peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
Fourth, security sector reform must be understood not as solution in itself, nor as self-contained endeavour, but as part of a comprehensive peacebuilding strategy, that also encompasses economic and social aspects. Reconstruction and development resources should be used in a balanced way so as to ensure the necessary budget for the security sector, as well as to social spending in order to alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development. This helps to eradicate the breeding ground for conflicts. It is the failure to deal with basic developmental needs that poses the biggest risk of dragging a country back into conflict.
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants are integral parts of this process. Moreover, security sector reform in itself can be a source of employment opportunities and a driver of economic growth, especially in deprived regions and communities.
Finally, security sector reform requires coordination and cooperation by multiple stakeholders. In addition to the peacekeeping missions, special political missions and country teams should play active roles, in accordance with their mandates, to assist the countries concerned in advancing reforms. The African Union and other regional and subregional organizations also play a role therein. Moreover, Peacebuilding Commission is important platform to garner international support for SSR initiatives.
Mister President,
The African Union and other regional and subregional organizations have made great steps in helping post-conflict countries conduct security sector reform. Taking advantage of their experience, the United Nations must strengthen coordination and cooperation with these organizations.
Brazil stands ready to contribute to those efforts.
I thank you.