"Security Sector Reform (SSR) is critical in laying foundation for durable peace and preventing relapse of conflict," Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, told the 15-member council. He was speaking in a debate on security sector reform in Africa convened by Nigeria, which holds the Council's rotating presidency for October. The Nigerian Foreign Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, presided. As a leading troop contributor, Ambassador Haroon said Pakistan recognized the critical importance of establishing an effective security sector for successful and timely withdrawal of all peacekeeping missions. The Pakistan ambassador also said the collective approach to such reform must be consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Security sector reform could neither be imposed nor seen to be imposed on a reluctant host Government, he said. Inclusive participation of host authorities and capacity-building on professional grounds were vital ingredients of national ownership, he said, adding that engagement of civil society and key stakeholders would help consolidate the gains. Recognizing the important work done by the United Nations in that regard, Haroon said the role of security sector reform practitioners at Headquarters should nevertheless be recalibrated to increase responsiveness in the field. For that, capacity-building of the Security Sector Reform Unit was essential. The Pakistan ambassador went on to say that security sector reform could not be left to the military/police component alone. Other fields, such as judicial correction, border management, customs and civil emergencies warranted a steady civilian contribution to security sector reform. That was where the Peacebuilding Commission through its Peacebuilding Fund could play a role, he added.