In a presidential statement of 21 February 2007 (S/PRST/2007/3), the Security

Council expressed interest in receiving a report on United Nations approaches to

security sector reform. By its resolution 61/291, the General Assembly asked me to

submit to it a comprehensive report on United Nations approaches to security sector

reform. The present report was prepared in response to those requests.

The United Nations exists to support the maintenance of international peace

and security and to assist Governments and peoples in building a world in which

freedom from fear and want is a reality for all. The lessons of the past 60 years have

illustrated that these goals are fundamentally intertwined; security, development and

human rights are preconditions for sustainable peace. Member States are the primary

providers of security, which contributes to the protection of human rights and

sustainable development. The task of the United Nations is to support national actors

in achieving their security, peace and development goals. To that end, the

development of effective and accountable security institutions on the basis of

non-discrimination, full respect for human rights and the rule of law is essential.