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Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Absuses [PTP.2011.14E]

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Type:

Course

Date:

01 Aug - 26 Aug 2011

Duration of event:

4 weeks

Location:

web-based

Programme area:

Peacekeeping

Fee:

Full Fee USD 500

Website:

http://www.unitar.org/ptp/

Event focal point email:

ptp@unitar.org

Other events details:

Public – by registration   E-learning    English      How to register
No registration/application possible

Background

UN peace operations are deployed in immediate post-war environments to help maintain peace and security. More and more, they are also tasked to protect civilian populations affected and traumatized by armed conflict, in particular women and children. In this context, the prevention of sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuses remain one of the greatest challenges. Sexual violence, exploitation and abuses, in conflict and post-conflict countries, reflect a variety of failures and omissions attributable to a range of responsible actors and institutions. First and foremost, they represent a failure to uphold basic rights to protection.

Event Objectives

This course introduces the main concepts, normative frameworks and laws that regulate sexual behavior in contexts where peace missions operate, and offers real life situations to reflect on the nature, implications and ways to prevent such violations from occurring.

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, participants are able to:

  • Define sexual violence, exploitation and abuses;
  • Discuss sexual violence, exploitation and abuses within war-affected communities;
  • Identify ways to improve protection of civilians from sexual violence, exploitation and abuses.

Content and Structure

The course is composed of three core units, plus one introductory unit and one revision unit:

  • Introductory unit: Introduction to protection of civilians in peace operations;
  • Unit one: Introduction to sexual violence, exploitation and abuses;
  • Unit two: Sexual violence within war-affected communities;
  • Unit three: Sexual exploitation and abuses by UN peacekeepers;
  • Revision unit: Improving protection of civilians from sexual violence.

Methodology

The course adopts instructional design methods that valorise experiential and collaborative learning to develop just-in-time skills of adult learners. It caters for personal learning styles that favour non-linear learning paths through multiple-instructional settings. The course is delivered in asynchronous mode and places particular emphasis on self-paced learning with participants being primarily responsible for their own learning throughout the duration of the course. Social activities support the learning process to facilitate networking and encourage knowledge sharing.

The course is moderated by international experts and includes:
 
  • Interactive components, presenting essential concepts and principles;
  • Optional reading material, intended to further clarify concepts and principles;
  • External links to additional resources (reports, papers, articles, documents and websites related to the lessons), hosted on a cybrary/database;
  • Glossary of terms/acronyms, provided as a learning tool throughout the course;
  • Case studies and scenarios to support the learning process;
  • Community discussion boards, to post questions and comments visible to the moderators and the other participants.

Targeted Audience

The course addresses civilians, military and police personnel eager to serve in peace operations. Participants are most likely potential candidates for (or already hold) operational positions in peace operations. They have a university degree in any subject or the equivalent of three years working experience in relevant fields. They have a good working knowledge of English, both written and oral, and familiarity with computers. No preliminary knowledge of the topic is required.

Additional Information

Participants with a passing grade of 80% on the assessment activities included throughout the course will be eligible for the certificate of completion. Participants who complete the assessment activities with a total score below 80% will receive a certificate of participation.