ππππππππππ ππ πππππππππ ππππππ
The Protection of Civilians (POC) Course officially commenced at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), with participants from a wide range of countries. Sponsored by the United Kingdom government, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to assess, plan, and implement POC activities within United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) peace operations.
The course is based on the recognition that peace support and peacekeeping operations (PSO/PKO) have become increasingly dynamic and complex, with civilians often bearing the greatest burden of conflict. As a result, the protection of civilians has become a central mandate, frequently used as a measure of success in peace operations. This course is designed to enhance participantsβ understanding of POC frameworks and intricacies, thereby contributing to the operational effectiveness of the African Standby Forces.
The course has participants from Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Zambia.
In his opening remarks, the Commandant HPSS, Colonel Rongoei highlighted the importance of the training, stating, "This course aims to provide you with the necessary tools to assess, plan, and implement Protection of Civilians activities effectively within both UN and AU peace operations."
This two-week course is expected to provide valuable insights that will enhance the capabilities of peacekeepers involved in protecting vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
