UNITAR Online Catalogue

Protection of civilians in peace operations[PTP.2012.04E]

Deadline
1 Feb 2012
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

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.

Event Objectives

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

Learning Objectives

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.

Content and Structure

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

Methodology

UNITAR PTP adopts an approach to training that highlights experiential and collaborative learning. This approach focuses on the learning needs, interests and styles of participants to ensure the relevance and retention of content and puts particular emphasis on the active participation of learners through practice-oriented learning environments.
 
UNITAR PTP’s approach allows participants to share knowledge and experiences and contribute dynamically to the learning process. Through this process, participants not only acquire information but also contribute to the construction of knowledge in a way that is meaningful and directly applicable to the reality of peace operations. Instructors guide participants through this process, delivering and conveying information, clarifying doubts and supporting participants through different activities.
 
UNITAR PTP’s approach to training puts particular emphasis on monitoring and evaluation.  This process continuously develops course structure and activities to better suit participants’ areas of interest. This also allows for a review process that systematically improves course design and implementation for future versions of the course.

Targeted Audience

Courses address a broad audience of civilians, such as students, researchers, academics and individuals from governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as national and regional military and police personnel of every rank and function.
 
Participants are not expected to have prior experience in or knowledge of the field. However, for advanced courses, a general understanding of the structure, components and functioning of a peace operation is highly advisable.