DCAF is a centre for security, development and the rule of law, and is one of the world’s leading organisations in the area of justice and security sector reform (SSR) and justice and security sector governance (SSG). The Centre was founded in October 2000 on the initiative of the Swiss government. Its core services includes i) : strategic policy advice to governments and international organisations based on policy relevant and empirical research; ii) technical assistance and advice to national governments undertaking security and justice reforms; iii)  practical field support to the international community in the assessment, design, monitoring, and evaluation of security and justice sector programmes/projects and processes; iv) development of  knowledge products and tools for security and justice sector reform practitioners.

The International Security Sector Advisory Team (ISSAT) is a department within DCAF that was established in 2008 to provide practical support to the international community in its efforts to improve security and justice, primarily in conflict-affected and fragile states. It does this by working with a group of member states and institutions (its Governing Board Members) to develop and promote good security and justice reform practices and principles, and by helping its Members to build their capacity to support national and regional security and justice reform processes.

ISSAT provides support to its members across four service lines:

• Advisory Field Support
• Training and Capacity Building
• Knowledge Services
• Advocacy and Outreach