Our actions
Carrying out socio-security diagnostics,
perception studies and cartography
Drawing on a network of expertise, academic partnerships and know-how in sampling and data collection techniques, Coginta carries out socio-security diagnoses, victimization surveys and perception studies on security and judicial issues at a local, national or regional level. These relate to access to justice, delinquency, radicalization, small arms and light weapons, drug consumption and trafficking, conflicts related to access and sharing of natural resources, cross-border crime, etc. Thanks to simple technological tools, the results can be rendered in the form of interactive mapping, including in unmapped areas. The data collected often has multiple uses: they serve – among other things – for the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of projects, as a prospective tool for donors, or even as a decision-making tool for the authorities.
Institutional and organizational support
Coginta provides advice and technical assistance to state institutions responsible for justice and security. This support aims to improve the operation, efficiency and performance of service providers. Coginta's work focuses on the development of policies, regulations and procedures which constitute the basis of good institutional governance. The objective is to create a solid foundation on which the supported institution can build its image and organizational culture. Coginta is involved in strategic planning, human resources management, training policy and even budgetary management. Some support has also focused on improving the logistics chain, strengthening internal and external communication, or even computerizing procedures.
Furthermore, Coginta works to strengthen the capacities of personnel in judicial and security institutions, focusing on the acquisition and development of skills. In particular, this involves improving the knowledge, attitudes and skills of staff in order to make institutions more efficient. To do this, Coginta mobilizes high-level expertise, particularly for the design of professional standards and training programs, the training of trainers, and the creation of adapted educational tools.
Supporting civil society organizations
The promotion of local, civil and non-state actors in peace, security and justice policies is at the heart of Coginta’s mandate. For many years, civil society has gained visibility and influence in the areas of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Yet in some parts of the world, civil society activities aimed at promoting security or access to justice are unwelcome or even compromised. Many governments are wary of them and perceive their work as acts of opposition.
Thus, Coginta works to support civil society organizations that work to promote peace, security, justice and social cohesion. This translates into institutional and organizational support, sharing of experience, specialized training, micro-grants and even joint initiatives within the framework of a consortium. The carrying out of our studies and diagnostics is most often done in partnership with academic institutions and awareness-communication actions are systematically carried out through local and national media.
Improvement of working conditions and public reception
The construction of infrastructure for the benefit of security and justice institutions makes it possible to meet employment requirements through renewed proximity and services adapted to the expectations of the populations. The construction of buildings in areas that are sometimes remote and have benefited less from public policies in the past also contributes to the restoration of trust between the State and the population. They also make it possible to welcome users in dignified conditions, respectful of the person and in compliance with international standards. These structuring facilities sometimes constitute a catalyst for economic development, because they contribute to a safer environment and are therefore conducive to private investment, in particular by facilitating trade or transport. The infrastructures designed and proposed by Coginta meet environment-friendly standards and promote renewable energies.
Strengthening operational capacities
In order to enable state institutions to fully meet the expectations of populations, it is imperative that they have the equipment necessary to carry out their missions. From then on, Coginta works with beneficiary institutions to determine their needs with them, taking into account budget and delivery constraints. In this sense, technical assistance can be provided to support institutions in the development of maintenance or equipment upkeep budgets, or by setting up a database to facilitate their traceability. In terms of public security or civil protection, the provision of specialized equipment helps to strengthen the resilience and operational capacity of institutions to deal with critical situations. Coginta's priority is to provide equipment adapted to the protection needs of populations. Please note that Coginta's mandate absolutely excludes the supply of lethal equipment.
