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Deadline
10 May 2012
The registration is closed.

Protection of Civilians in Peace Operations [PTP.2012.03F]

Type
Course
Location
New Delhi, India
Date
-
Duration
5 Days
Programme Area
Peacekeeping
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
ptp@unitar.org
Partnership
The United Service Institution of India
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Embassy of Finland in India
Registration
By application & selection
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
English
Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.

Systematic violence and mass atrocities against civilians increasingly occur in armed conflicts. Millions of individuals have lost their lives, while tens of millions more have been displaced from their homes. In war-torn societies, civilians – in particular women and children – have suffered from gross violations of human rights and political, psychological and economic repression that have become part of deliberate conflict strategies. In 1999, the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was mandated “to afford protection to civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.” Today, the majority of the nearly 100,000 uniformed UN peacekeepers deployed worldwide operate under such a mandate.

Over the past decades, the world has witnessed armed conflicts marked by systematic violence and mass atrocities against civilians. In the framework of the United Nations, notable efforts have been put in place to improve the effectiveness of protection of civilians. The concept of protection of civilians first appeared in the UN Secretary-General’s Report on the Situation of Africa of 13 April 1998 (S/1998/318), in which Kofi Annan identified the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflicts as a "humanitarian imperative". As part of this evolution, the protection of civilians has been progressively incorporated to the mandate of peace operations.

The goal of the course is to improve the overall coherence and effectiveness of protection activities on the ground.

The course seeks to advance a better understanding of the theoretical and practical framework of the protection of civilians in peace operations.
 

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Define the concept of protection in the context of UN peace operations – as distinct from other non-peacekeeping protection functions and actors;
  • Describe UN institutional standards and expectations with regards to protection planning and execution of protection activities;
  • Define the different roles and responsibilities of protection actors within a UN peace operation;
  • Discuss best practices and lessons learned;
  • Discuss challenges and dilemmas related to the prevention of sexual violence.

The course is structured in five modules, defined as follows:

  • Module 1: Overview of the protection of civilians
  • Module 2: International legal dimension of the protection of civilians
  • Module 3: Protection of civilians in the context of UN peacekeeping operations
  • Module 4: Ensuring the protection of civilians
  • Module 5: Prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence

The course is delivered face-to-face within the premises of The United Service Institution of India (New Delhi). It utilizes the principles of adult education through its interactivity and learner-centred approach. Specifically, the course will use:

  • Case studies
  • Role play
  • Simulations
  • Small group discussions
  • Interactive presentations

The course is designed for civilians, military and police personnel eager to serve in peace operations. The course builds on their existing skills and expertise by showing them how these can be applied in the complex context of peace operations and by providing them with the executive knowledge and additional personal skills they would require. Participants are expected to have no prior, or limited, experience in peace operations and to come from a vast and diverse demographic and professional range. The course is neither specialized for a particular gender or age group, nor to specific background experience and education. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable that participants have an overall understanding of the structure, components and functioning of a peace operation.
 

Eligibility

The course is open to a maximum of 25 participants.

Applicants must have a university degree in any subject or the equivalent of 2 years working experience in relevant fields. They must have good working knowledge of English.

Participants are not expected to have specific prior experience in peace operations.

 

Additional information

Covered costs include: Accommodation (within the premises of the United Service Institute of India), meals and course fees.

Not covered: Travel to and during the event.

Please be aware that 100% attendance is mandatory in order to receive a certificate of completion.

Visa Requirements: Upon request, UNITAR can provide participants requiring a visa with a support letter to be attached to their visa application form. However, participants will be fully responsible for the visa application procedure and UNITAR will not cover visa-related expenses.

 

Application and selection procedure

Applicants will be selected on the basis of the information provided in their CVs, cover letters as well as in the on-line application.

Applicants must complete the application form and upload their CVs by clicking  on the "Apply here" button on the top of this page.

Questions should be directed to the following address:

UNITAR Peacekeeping Training Programme

E-mail: ptp [at] unitar.org (ptp[at]unitar[dot]org)

Fax: +41 22 917 8993

 

Applications will not be considered if, for whatever reason, they reach UNITAR after 10 May 2012

UNITAR will notify only selected applicants by 15 May 2012

Selected applicants must confirm their participation by 18 May 2012

During the selection process of candidates, UNITAR will respect the gender balance and priority will be given to candidates who have not yet attended a similar course delivered by UNITAR or any other training institution.

Participants are not expected to have specific prior experience in peace operations.