Introductory Course to SSR

Level 1 Basic Course on Introduction to Security and Justice Sector Reform

This introductory level course is aimed at both SSR advisors and those working in related fields. It provides participants with an understanding of SSR principles and practices. Through its practical and exercised-based methodology, it provides participants with a solid introduction to international good practice, both the political and technical aspects of SSR. It underlines the main skills required to support SSR and provides the necessary foundations for subsequent courses. The course provides an overview of the various dimensions of SSR and emphasises the importance of adopting a holistic approach when working on SSR in post-conflict contexts.

The course aims to build both SSR knowledge and skills. Through an interactive and practical training approach, this course will help participants to:

  • Better understand the concept and evolution of SSR, including actors, concepts and principles;
  • Understand the international policy framework for SSR;
  • Recognize the political nature of SSR and the challenges faced when ‘supporting’ SSR processes in conflict affected or fragile states;
  • Use concrete cases to build on lessons learned and apply concepts to practice.

 
The following list is indicative of some of the sessions that would be delivered in the course:

  • Introduction to the concept of SSR and evolving approaches and international policy frameworks for SSR
  • SSR, from concept to practice
  • Scoping the security sector
  • Gender-responsive SSR
  • Principles and characteristics of SSR programming
  • SSR programming in post-conflict contexts
  • The role of non-state actors in SSR
  • The challenge of coordination in SSR programmes

Target audience

Professionals who have recently begun to work or who plan to work on SSR and/or related issues

Duration

2.5-3 days

Material

The ISSAT Level 1 Manual 'SSR in a Nutshell' is a complementary resource that can be used provide a basic overview of Security Sector Reform (SSR) policy and practice based on collective experience in supporting security and justice reform efforts.

You can download a copy in English and Spanish.

L1manual

If you are interested in any of the trainings listed below, click on the date to see additional information relating to the training and send your query to the point of contact for that training.

The training calendar for 2013 is currently being finalised.


Dates Language Location
10 September - 13 September 2013 English Tuusula, Finland
26 September - 03 October 2013 English Stadtschlaining, Austria
Dates Language Location
11 January - 13 January 2011 French Paris, France
20 May - 27 May 2011 English Stadtschlaining, Austria
28 June - 01 July 2011 English Bratislava, Slovakia
06 September - 09 September 2011 English Kuopio, Finland
27 September - 29 September 2011 English Vienna, Austria
25 October - 27 October 2011 French Paris, France
16 March - 23 March 2012 English Stadtschlaining, Austria
11 September - 14 September 2012 English Tuusula, Finland
01 October - 10 October 2012 English Stadtschlaining, Austria
16 October - 18 October 2012 French Paris, France
16 March - 23 March 2013 English Stadtschlaining, Austria
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    Related Tools

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      SSR Level 1 Training Manual

      SSR in a Nutshell: Manual for Introductory Training on Security Sector Reform

      This manual complements ISSAT’s Introductory Level 1 Security Sector Reform Training Course. It aims to provide a basic overview of Security Sector Reform (SSR) policy and practice based on collective experience in supporting security and justice reform efforts.

      The manual is built around four key pillars of SSR:

      Section one: The Concept of SSR

      This section discusses SSR as a concept, explains its evolution and theoretical foundations and provides definitions of key terms. It also highlights some key characteristics of SSR.

      Section two: Key Security and Justice Actors

      This section maps the main security and justice actors at both the national and international level and proceeds to discuss coordination among these actors when engaging in SSR.

      Section three: SSR Programming

      This section elaborates the various stages of the SSR programme cycle, and addresses various challenges—both political and technical—that could arise when engaging in SSR programming.

      Section four: Cross-Cutting Issues

      This section reviews important thematic and practical aspects of SSR that are often overlooked, including gender issues, human rights and programme management. It also discusses issues closely related to SSR, such as Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) control and Transitional Justice (TJ).

      This manual provides an overview of the theoretical background and key practical insights needed to engage in SSR programming, setting out the main principles but also highlighting various challenges that could arise when engaging in SSR. For those who have completed the ISSAT Level 1 Introductory Training Course, as well as those getting involved in SSR policy and programming for the first time, this textbook will remain a useful reference.

      The Spanish version of SSR in a Nutshell is available here.
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