The International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy (ISSSS) was developed in 2008-09 to deliver tangible dividends and reinforce political progress made following the 2006 elections, the Nairobi Communiqué, and the Goma Actes d'Engagement.

The ISSSS is now the main vehicle for international support to the Democratic Republic of Congo's Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for War-Affected Areas (STAREC), launched in June 2009. It supports the achievement of Security Council Resolution ), in particular the establishment of sustainable security forces and the consolidation of state authority in eastern Congo.

Interventions are planned and coordinated through the STAREC structure, which is co-managed by the GoDRC and MONUSCO at the provincial and national level. Coordination support is provided by the STAREC Technical Secretariat of the GoDRC and the Stabilization Support Unit (SSU) of the Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC in MONUSCO.

Financial support is provided by bilateral partners and the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Implementing partners include UN agencies; local and international non-governmental organizations; private contractors; and the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The Integrated Program Framework for the ISSSS comprises five core objectives:

Security: Reduce threats to life, property and freedom of movement.

Political dialogue: Help national and provincial governments to advance peace processes and implement key commitments under existing agreements.

State authority: Progressively restore and strengthen public security, access to justice and administrative services.

Return, reintegration & recovery: Support the secure return and durable socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced persons and refugees in their place of origin, and contribute to local economic recovery.

Sexual violence: Ensure a coordinated response of all those involved in combating sexual violence, in the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence, with a view to fight impunity, and improve prevention and response.