Mission and Guiding Principles

ISSAT was established in 2008 in response to the need to increase the capacity of the international community to support Security Sector Reform (SSR) processes, to enhance the effectiveness and quality of SSR programming, and to facilitate the coordination and coherence of international assistance for nationally driven SSR processes. 

Mission

ISSAT provides support to the international community to reinforce and strengthen their individual and collective efforts to improve security and justice, primarily in conflict-affected and fragile states. ISSAT builds the capacity of its Members to provide more effective support to SSR processes.

Guiding Principles

ISSAT is guided by the recognition that security, development and human rights are preconditions for sustainable peace. It's guiding principles for SSR interventions are drawn from the UN Secretary General's report on SSR (2008), and the Organisation for Economic Co- Operation and Development, Development Assistance Committee's (OECD DAC) Handbook on SSR (2007). In particular, it is focused on two over-arching principles:

  • The promotion of local ownership and national capacity building to ensure sustainable and legitimate security and justice reform;
  • The need for demand-driven and gender-sensitive approaches throughout all phases of SSR programming.

The following principles, based on the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, guide our work with our Members, partners and staff:

  • We work in an open, transparent and fully accountable manner.
  • We acknowledge the need to be politically aware and sensitive in providing advice, while relying on Members to lead on political dialogue.
  • We value and respect the individuals and agencies with whom we work; we recognise the benefits of diversity and make the best use of individuals' abilities, skills and knowledge.
  • We maintain respect for the different customs and cultures in the communities where we work.
  • We promote professionalism, reliability, integrity and teamwork.
  • We use resources wisely, ensure they are cost effective and deliver value for money.
  • We place a high priority on the security of our personnel and collaborate with our Members to ensure their safety.
  • We are committed to continuous organisational learning, ensuring the ongoing professional development of staff capacity and of absorbing lessons gathered from all aspects of our work.