The purpose of this policy is to guide the United Nations support to national defence sector reform (DSR) efforts. It outlines the parameters and components of this support, including principles, core tasks and constraints. The policy also highlights linkages with security sector reform (SSR), rule of law and other broader reform processes, such as public administration reform initiatives and regional security development plans, as well as with United Nations actors, including those involved in peacemaking, peacekeeping, early peace-building and peace-building, development, humanitarian relief and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law.