The Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law is a vibrant network of experts working on generating, sharing, interrogating and applying evidence in the field of security & rule of law. The Platform’s main objective is to improve the learning capacity and knowledge base of its members, specifically decision makers for Security & Rule of Law (SRoL) policy and programs.

Based on a broad international orientation and engagement, the Platform strives to contribute to the evidence base of current policies, the effectiveness of collaboration and programming, while simultaneously facilitating the generation of new knowledge on security and rule of law in conflict affected contexts. Concurrently, the Platform aims to tackle the fragmentation of research funds by acting as the main vehicle through which the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ research funds regarding international security and rule of law are allocated.

Our activities seek to:

• Fundamentally shape our understanding and approaches towards security and rule of law in fragile and conflict affected settings;
• Influence and innovate policy and implementation; and
• Facilitate mutual learning.

To this end, the Platform brings together a network of relevant communities of practice comprising experts, policymakers, practitioners, researchers and the business sector. It provides for an informal meeting space – offline as well as online – and intellectual stimulus grounded in practice, for its network to share experiences, exchange lessons learned and discuss novel insights.

The Platform was established by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2012 as part of the Ministry’s knowledge policy. Key to its agenda are improving security for civilians, building the rule of law, and developing knowledge infrastructure in developing countries to enhance long term self-reliance. The Platform’s Steering Group is comprised of representatives of civil society organizations, knowledge institutions and government. The Secretariat of the Platform is managed by the Conflict Research Unit of the Netherlands Institute for International Relations, Clingendael, Saferworld and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO). It is based at the offices of the Conflict Research Unit, the consortium lead.