The Role of CSOs in Security Sector Reform

The Institute of Law held on 3 June 2009 a meeting on the role of the  of civil society organizations (CSOs) in security sector reform in Palestine This meeting is part of the community outreach programs in the "security reform project", which is implemented by the Institute of Law and funded by the Foundation for the Future.

The meeting was opened by the Director of the Institute of Law, Dr. Ghassan Faramand, who stressed the importance of the issues raised by the Institute, especially since the issue of reforming and developing the security sector is a sensitive issue in light of the Palestinian intricate situation. He emphasized the need for the security sector to work in accordance with the laws set forth and maintains at the same time the freedoms of citizens.

Lieutenant Iyad Ishtayeh overviewed the relationship between CSOs and the police, stressing that the police overruled the traditional concept in dealing with CSOs and dealt with them as partners.

Ishtiyeh explained the relationship between the police and various CSOs such as educational institutions and those involved in combating drugs. A number of departments concerned with the Human Rights, Ombudsman, Inspection, and the Police Security Service have been established, in addition to the department of Family Protection.

Professor Haitham Arar touched on the vision of the Ministry of the Interior towards the concept of security, referring to the security plan which includes the imposition of order and security, development of security institutional capacity-building, as well as reorganizing and restructuring the security sector.

 Dr. Azmi Shuaibi addressed the development of financial and administrative systems of the security sector and the empowerment of transparency, noting that 35% of the Government budget (for 2008) has been allocated to the security services, which is a high percentage, compared to other countries,

Dr. Islah Jad talked about the requirements for enhancing the protection of women and children in the context of security reform. She wondered about the nature of the relationship between security agencies and citizens and whether it was characterized as governance, protection or control, pointing to a number of violations committed against the law.

The Political Analyst, Hani al-Masri, confirmed the importance of a number of vital topics, including security services reform. He stated that media should operate independently and actively and the main objective is resisting the occupation and serving national interests, away from factions.