Introduction

Last Updated: December 19, 2008

This section provides a broad overview of the definitions, concepts, and debates pertaining to security and public order within the framework of peacebuilding. In general, this section explores the various ways peace and security in post-conflict environments have been maintained, including the creation of arms control and disarmament measures, reconstituting, reforming and transforming security institutions, and the creation of political, social and economic institutions conducive to forming lasting peace.

The first section explores the definitions and conceptual underpinnings of security and public order. The second part examines the linkage between security and public order and peacebuilding processes. The third part briefly presents the five sub-sections of the security and public order thematic area: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSR), Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Mine Action, and, Community Policing. This section also provides a further explanation as to the reasons for delineating the subtopics within the peacebuilding portal. The last section examines the major debates on security and public order and outlines the primary challenges facing this field.

The news, reports, and analyses herein are selected due to there relevance to issues of peacebuilding, or their significance to policymakers and practitioners. The content prepared by HPCR International is meant to summarize main points of the current debates and does not necessarily reflect the views of HPCR International or the Program of Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research. In addition, HPCR International and contributing partners are not responsible for the content of external publications and internet sites linked to this portal.