Workshop on human rights and defence ethics in Kyrgyzstan

DCAF took part in consultations on human rights and ethics in the defence sector in Bishkek, bringing together representatives from key national security institutions and the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture. We explored a range of issues, including ethical leadership, the rights of conscripts, mistreatment and discrimination, challenges linked to emerging technologies, and the impact of nepotism and wartime conditions on ethical conduct. Discussions also touched on freedom of association and the role of military unions.

Parliamentary workshop on security sector governance in Togo

DCAF supported a workshop in Kpalimé to strengthen the National Assembly’s role in security sector governance.

Members of Parliament, institutional representatives, and experts discussed governance principles, assessed parliamentary capacities, and explored ways to reinforce civil oversight. The workshop also addressed Small Arms and Light Weapons ahead of the forthcoming review of the draft law on the arms regime.

The recommendations will guide DCAF’s next steps and support a sustainable partnership with the National Assembly of Togo.

Strengthening gender-responsive defence spending 

DCAF, UN Women and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs co-hosted a hybrid event in New York on how defence spending can be directed to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and promote gender equality, human security and conflict prevention. 

With global military spending reaching a record USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, we looked for ways by which to increase the transparency and accountability of defence spending toward WPS commitments.

DCAF’s guidance tool on gender-responsive defence budgeting will be published in 2026.

Training of Trainers approach in Morocco

Since 2024, DCAF has been supporting Moroccan institutions in fulfilling their international obligations to investigate and address allegations of abuse, ill-treatment, and torture.

A key achievement has been the establishment of a permanent pool of national trainers within the Public Prosecution Office, judicial bodies, police services, the Royal Gendarmerie, forensic medicine, and prison administrations.

Through a Training of Trainers approach, this multidisciplinary group is now equipped to deliver specialized training based on international standards and the Istanbul Protocol.

Workshop on human resource management practices

DCAF came together for an internal knowledge-sharing session on human resource management practices and their role in advancing security sector governance and reform.

The discussion highlighted how HRM, from recruitment to performance management, can strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust within security institutions.

Moreover, our three-year study on human resource management within security sector governance contexts is now available on our website.