CCDS representative Shorena Lortkipanidze attended the European Peace Building Liaison Office (EPLO) meeting held in Brussels on 13-14 June. The conference on "The implementation of the EU-wide Strategic Framework to Support Security Sector Reform" provided a platform for policymakers, experts and stakeholders from several countries to discuss the progress and challenges in the area of security sector reform (SSR) within the cooperation framework with the European Union.

The meeting began with an overview of the EU-wide Strategic Framework for SSR, highlighting its importance in promoting stability, democracy and respect for human rights in partner countries. The framework's emphasis on inclusivity, accountability and local ownership resonated well with the attendees, who recognized the need for comprehensive and sustainable reforms in security institutions.

Another critical aspect discussed was the importance of a gender-sensitive approach in security sector reform. The meeting underlined the need to mainstream gender perspectives in all phases of SSR, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation.

The meeting also highlighted the significance of partnerships among different stakeholders: The engagement of civil society organizations, regional bodies and international actors is essential for fostering dialogue, sharing best practices and building capacity in SSR processes.

The main takeaways from the meeting were the acknowledgment of the progress made in implementing the Strategic Framework and the challenges in implementing SSR. Discussions covered the importance of enhanced civilian oversight, improved professionalism within the security sector, and increased coordination and cooperation among EU member states and their partner countries.

 

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