DCAF (The ‘Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance‘) is a Foundation working to enhance security sector governance (SSG) through security sector reform (SSR). DCAF’s work to develop transparent and accountable security sector policies and practices – in line with best practice in democratic governance of the security sector – is underpinned by the acknowledgement that security, development and the rule of law are essential preconditions for sustainable peace. DCAF is guided by the principles of neutrality, gender sensitivity and local ownership as the basis for supporting democratically legitimate and sustainable reform processes.
DCAF works with governments, parliaments, security and justice institutions, independent oversight (ombuds) institutions, civil society and media. The Centre provides in‐country advisory support, practical assistance and capacity development programmes, develops and promotes norms and standards, conducts tailored policy research, and identifies good practices and recommendations to promote democratic security sector governance.
Established in 2000 on the initiative of the Swiss government, DCAF is governed by the DCAF Foundation Council and based in Geneva with permanent offices in Beirut, Brussels, Ljubljana, Ramallah and Tunis. The Centre has over 150 staff from more than thirty countries.
