UNITAR Online Catalogue

Human security in post-conflict interventions [PTP.2013.22E]

Deadline
9 Oct 2013
Type
Course
Location
Web-based
Date
to
Duration
5 Weeks
Programme Area
Peacekeeping
Website
http://www.unitar.org/ptp
Price
$600.00
Event Focal Point Email
ptp@unitar.org

Background

The notion of human security first appeared as a post-Cold War attempt to transform the traditional understanding of security – framed in purely state-centric and militaristic terms – into a more comprehensive concept having as ultimate referent object the individual. Stemming from the acknowledgement of the complex character of contemporary violence, human security focuses on the protection of individual lives and recognizes that threats to human security can arise in non-military contexts and from sources other than the military.

Event Objectives

The goal of the course is to present the concept of human security in terms of an organizing standard and to introduce the principles that inform the planning, implementation and evaluation of human security-oriented interventions in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Define the concept of human security in terms of an organizing standard;
  • List the five principles that are associated to a human security-oriented approach;
  • Identify the “must-to” associated to each principle;
  • Transfer the five principles to the planning, implementation and impact evaluation of a conflict/post-conflict intervention.

Content and Structure

The course is composed of five modules that will be covered over five weeks:

  • Module 1: Introduction to human security
  • Module 2: Operational principles of human security
  • Module 3: Applying human security to the planning of conflict/post-conflict interventions
  • Module 4: Applying human security to the implementation of conflict/post-conflict interventions
  • Module 5: Applying human security to impact assessment

The average workload per week is estimated at 9 hours per week.

Methodology

The conceptual foundations of human security in peace operation are laid out in lessons (both printable and interactive slides). Throughout the course participants will write a journal where they reflect on current issues and case studies related to human security. Interaction and knowledge sharing is supported by multiple discussion forums. Participants will be assessed on end-of-module quizzes and essay questions.
 
Taking advantage of the opportunities of technology-enhanced learning, the learning materials are presented through various media, such as text, graphs, images and video material, which contribute to better retention and enhance the learning process.
 
Facilitators guide participants through this process, delivering and conveying information, clarifying doubts and supporting participants through different activities.

Targeted Audience

Primary audience

The course is designed for national and regional military and police personnel of every rank and function serving or interested in serving in peace operations.
 
Secondary audience
The course also addresses a broad audience of civilians, from international and regional organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, universities and research centres working or interested in working with peace operations.
 
Participants are not expected to have prior experience in or knowledge of human security. However, as this is an advanced course, participants must:
  • Have a sound understanding of the structure and functioning of a peace operation;
  • Have a university degree in a relevant area with proven interest in human security (BA or equivalent) or the equivalent working experience in a relevant field (2 to 4 years);
  • Have good command of English language (reading and writing);
  • Be computer literate.

Additional Information

Fellowships

Please note that UNITAR PTP fellowships are awarded only to a small numbers of applicants from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and are not differed or transferred to another course. You might wish to refer the UN-OHRLLS list by clicking here.

Technical Requirements

UNITAR recommends the following as a minimum in hardware and software to take our e-Learning courses. Please consult your Network Administrator or Systems person to ensure that you have the following:

  • Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, XP or superior; MacOS 9 or MacOS X; Linux
  • Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space
  • Software:
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader (click here to download for free)
    • Adobe Flash Player (click here to download for free)
    • Microsoft Office (Windows or Mac) or Open Office (click here to download for free)
  • Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or higher (click here to download for free); it works better with Firefox 3.6 or higher (click here to download for free) 
  • Note that JavaScript, Cookies and Pop-ups must be enabled