2. What is parliamentary oversight of the security sector? Oversight of the security sector is a key task for all parliaments. This section explains why it is needed, what it is and how it is conducted. 2.1 Parliamentary oversight Oversight is a core function of parliaments, alongside representation, law making and control over the budget process. Parliamentary oversight is one of the cornerstones of representative democracy: it should be an effective instrument of checks and balances that holds the executive government accountable. The robust monitoring of the executive by the parliament is an indicator of good governance. It is through oversight that the parliament can ensure a balance of power and assert its role of defender of people’s interests. The fundamental objectives of parliamentary oversight are to promote people’s freedoms and well-being (including gender equality) and to improve governance. Oversight processes assess the impact of government action on society, help ensure that appropriate resources are provided to implement government programmes, identify unintended or negative effects of government policy and actions, and monitor the meeting of national and international commitments. Oversight processes encompass scrutinizing proposed government action, ongoing monitoring, review of actions taken, evaluation and investigation.1 To hold governments to account, parliaments require a legal mandate for oversight in addition to the capacity and independence to exercise it. While conducting oversight is a core responsibility of all MPs, they do not bear this responsibility alone. Parliament is one of many oversight actors within society, although with a unique constitutional role. To perform effective oversight, the parliament must work closely with the other bodies, which include audit institutions, NHRI and ombudspersons, as well as civil society organizations. This is discussed further in section 5. 2.2 Parliamentary oversight of the security sector Parliamentary oversight of the security sector involves the supervision of a state’s armed and security forces (e.g. armed forces, police, gendarmeries, presidential guards, intelligence services, coastguards, border guards, customs and immigration authorities and reserve or local units), prisons, probation services and private security services. In short, the security sector is composed of all institutions and entities with a role in ensuring the security of the state and its people. Image: In May 2014, Inclusive Security, in partnership with UNDP’s N-Peace Network, led an advocacy and mobilization workshop in Thailand for 19 women from a variety of sectors, including members of Myanmar’s parliament, Nepalese police officers, and Indonesian leaders. The workshop, customized for women involved in peace processes, prepared the participants to organize and train others to advocate for women’s inclusion © Inclusive Security.