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Key Text A Need to Know: The Struggle for Democratic, Civilian Oversight of the Security Sector in Commonwealth Countries

Author: Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit
Date: 2000
Size: 46 pages (174 KB)

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Summary

How can democratic and civilian oversight be achieved within the secretive and controversial security sector? Who is accountable for injustices? How can human rights abuses and violence be brought to light and legislated for? This paper is the first survey of Commonwealth parliaments’ security sector committees, produced by the Commonwealth Studies Unit. It emphasises the need for democratic and civilian oversight of security forces leading to an effective security sector, good governance and human rights protection. The paper highlights an ambitious range of country studies, The in order to provide a spectrum of nations and socio-economic contexts. Sri Lanka, Nigeria, South Africa, Barbados and St Lucia are reviewed in detail. Despite local variables, certain elements are found to be desirable everywhere, in particular the need for vigorous parliamentary debate and bipartisan committees.

Parliamentary democracy is perceived as being under siege. The main culprit is the expanding power of the executive. Parliament is rarely used to debate deployment of military forces or to address abuses by police and security sectors. Oversight mechanisms must be situated both within and outside parliament. Other findings from the report are:

Democracy should be seen as a process, not an event. Safeguarding, strengthening and scrutiny must be continual processes
Severe instances of corruption include “disappearances” and lack of bipartisanship in Sri Lanka. Nigeria is rated as the most corrupt nation in the world, especially in terms of military accountability
In South Africa there are weaknesses in oversight, yet there has been a leap forward from the racism of previous systems. The private sector take-over of security will damage transparency
Regarding the Caribbean examples, Barbados has a long history of parliamentary democracy and produces comprehensive crime statistics. There is potential for regionalisation between forces, for instance St Lucia may not be able to scrutinise effectively as a small state.

There is no single blueprint for effective democratic and civilian oversight of security forces. However, common themes have emerged. The concept of “security” must be broadened and seen in the context of expanding defence and intelligence concerns. Other policy implications include:

The media and NGOs must fulfil their watchdog role. Sri Lanka has a repressive censorship regime. Conversely, newspapers in Barbados present opposition political views
Security issues must be discussed in parliament. There must be greater accountability for the growing private sector policing. Additionally, research into rotating police forces may reduce nepotism and corruption
National Human Rights Commissions (HRCs) and think tanks should be given more power and access. They can enlighten, investigate and coordinate. It is suggested that Caribbean countries create a regional HRC
Resources for, access to and coordination of security service committees should be improved. States can learn from the workings of committees in other countries. Civil society members may join these committees, which should operate under parliamentary control
There is a requirement for training for journalists and NGOs as well as the security forces' personnel who are often drawn from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

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Source: Sammonds, N. 2000, 'A Need to Know: The Struggle for Democratic, Civilian Oversight of the Security Sector in Commonwealth Countries', Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit, London.
Author: Commonwealth Studies Unit, http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/
Organisation: Commonwealth Studies Unit, http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/