The Institute for Security Studies is an African organisation which aims to enhance human security on the continent. It does independent research, provides policy analysis and advice, and delivers practical training and technical assistance.

The vision of the ISS is a peaceful and prosperous Africa for all its people. The mission and overall goal of the ISS is to advance human security in Africa through evidence-based policy advice, technical support and capacity building.

The ISS organises its work around four divisions:

• Governance, Crime and Justice. This division aims to: promote democratic governance and reduce corruption through enhanced levels of account­ability, transparency and respect for human rights in African democracies; and reduce crime and improve jus­tice by assisting African governments to develop evidence-based policies, legislation and strategies and improve the performance of their criminal justice systems.
• Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis. This division aims to help prevent conflict and improve state capacity for risk analysis by contributing to the understanding of the latest human security developments on the continent.
• Conflict Management and Peace Building. This division aims to enhance effective conflict management and peace building by assisting governments and relevant regional and international institutions to improve their management of conflicts and provision of security. Transnational Threats and International Crime. This division aims to combat transnational threats and in­ternational crimes by enhancing the ability of African inter-governmental organisations, national governments and civil society to respond more effectively and appropriately to transnational threats and interna­tional crimes.