Strengthening democratic oversight of the security sector focus of event held in Dilijan

Reviewing progress and challenges to advancing democratic oversight and security sector reform in Armenia was the focus of an event co-organized by the National Assembly and the OSCE in Dilijan on 5 and 6 November. The meeting, which was also supported by the local NGONGO
non-governmental organization Peace Dialogue and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, brought together members of the National Assembly, security sector agencies, civil society, and experts. 

The event was an opportunity for participants to review ongoing police and other security sector reform efforts, including recent institutional changes, learning from recent experiences and discuss in detail how to strengthen integrity, anti-corruption efforts, oversight and community policing.

Umberto Severini, Head of the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit , underlined the Organization’s long-standing partnership with Armenia in promoting democratic governance in the security sector and commitment to further support the nationally-led reform efforts.

Participants underscored the importance of effective parliamentary oversight for democratic control, and of ensuring integrity and professionalism in law enforcement institutions. Civil society representatives highlighted the role of public engagement and independent monitoring in strengthening accountability. 

The National Platform on Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector was established in 2020 by the National Assembly, with OSCE support, to enhance democratic oversight of the security sector in Armenia’s a tool for building public confidence in security institutions. The Platform raises awareness on democratic oversight of the security sector and contributes to strengthen the capacities of all actors involved to exercise effective control and oversight of the security sector.