This Handbook provides structured guidance for civil society organisations (CSOs) on the role they can play in democratic security sector oversight. Many CSOs have facilitated security sector reform processes in transition and post-conflict states, yet much of their potential remains untapped. Similarly, the longer term role CSOs play in maintaining a democratically-managed security sector is sometimes under-emphasised in the developed and developing worlds.

The Handbook is designed primarily for civil society and non-governmental organisations, but is also relevant to democratic institutions, democratic representatives, policymakers, SSR practitioners, researchers, security sector institutions, the media, and international organisations partnering with CSOs on democratic security governance issue.