gathering
4 October 2006
For the first time since its inception, the International Intelligence
Review Agencies Conference was held on the African continent. This Conference
of intelligence oversight practitioners meets bi-annually. This was the fifth
conference of its kind and took place from 2-4 October 2006 in Cape Town, with
the theme of 'Balancing National Security and Constitutional Principles within
a Democracy.' The Conference was hosted by the South African Joint Standing
Committee on Intelligence and the Office of the Inspector-General of
Intelligence on behalf of our country.
Delegates from Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Poland, South Africa, the United Kingdom as well as the United States
of America attended the gathering. In addition, representatives from Ghana,
Namibia and Tanzania participated in the proceedings reflecting the continent's
commitment to deepening democracy through which intelligence oversight is a
fundamental pillar.
The Minister of Intelligence Services, Mr Ronnie Kasrils, MP, delivered the
keynote address, 'National Security in a Globalised World: Challenges for
Intelligence Oversight.'
A wide range of speakers from international intelligence oversight bodies
made input to the Conference. In addition, South African institutions
supporting democracy such as the Judiciary, Human Rights Commission,
Auditor-General and the media were also invited and provided a valuable civil
society perspective, which enriched the discussions.
The conference endorsed the perspective, as reflected in the question 'who
guards the guards,' that oversight is an indispensable element of democracy so
as to ensure that the intelligence services operate within constitutional
prescripts.
Despite the fears generated by the insecurity of the current global context,
it was agreed that the powers exercised by the intelligence services must be
limited and proportionate.
In discharging their obligations, it was agreed that both oversight
institutions and the intelligence services which they assure, must at all times
be driven by an ethos of non-partisanship and independence. In addition, a
relationship of trust between oversight bodies and the intelligence services is
important to engender. Similarly, effective oversight bodies have a valuable
role to play in building a relationship of trust between the intelligence
services and the people that they serve.
The need to forge a common security consensus, where all nations, both rich
and poor, have an equitable voice in the determination of global governance and
trade, was also identified as a critical issue. In this regard, participants
urged that the foundations of this consensus be constructed on the impulses of
multilateralism, dialogue and a respect for international norms and conventions
in the regulation of conduct between nations.
During the deliberations representatives from across the globe were given an
opportunity to share valuable knowledge and experience, which will no doubt be
beneficial in strengthening the intelligence oversight machinery.
The next conference will be held in New Zealand in 2008.
Issued by the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and the Office of the
Inspector-General for Intelligence
Enquiries:
Imtiaz Fazel
Cell: 082 551 7192
Issued by: Ministry for Intelligence Services
4 October 2006
Source: Ministry for Intelligence Services (http://www.intelligence.gov.za)
