Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones: MLAILPKC, UNDP, and Japan Partner for Peace
Abuja, Nigeria – The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 36/2024 was inaugurated today at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, in the efforts to enhance peacekeeping capabilities in West Africa.
The course, organized by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect civilians in armed conflict.
In his opening remarks, UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr. Matthew Alao emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in armed conflict and commended MLAILPKC for their dedication to developing national and regional capacities for peace support operations. He also acknowledged the strong partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan, which has strengthened their assistance to MLAILPKC and expanded durable peace and security in the ECOWAS subregion.
“The true measure of our success lies in the positive impact that we create in the lives of those we are committed to protect,” Alao said.
He noted that the course is a vital initiative to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to safeguard civilians’ lives in armed conflict. “This course is not just an academic endeavour; it is a crucial component of our vision to build peace and safeguard human dignity,” he emphasized.
Alao stressed that protecting civilians is a moral imperative, saying, “The protection of civilians is not just a professional call to duty; it is a moral imperative.” He added that enhancing capabilities to protect civilians in armed conflict contributes to a more just and peaceful world.
In his keynote speech, The Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Major General Ademola Taiwo Adedoja emphasized the significance of the course in enhancing the skills and capabilities of peacekeepers to protect civilians in conflict zones.
“We are all responsible for human rights, not just the authorities,” Adedoja quoted Romeo Dallaire, highlighting the collective responsibility to protect human rights.
The course, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan, aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to protect civilians in conflict zones. Adedoja assured participants that the Centre has “erudite facilitators with world-class experiences” who will provide “interactive and immersive learning experiences.”
Adedoja encouraged participants to “embrace this opportunity with dedication, passion, and determination to excel,” noting that the knowledge and skills acquired will “empower you to make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals and society at large.”
He assured participants of the Centre’s commitment to delivering quality and realistic training.
Special Guest of Honour, The Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sani Mohammed, represented by Major General Olusegun Abai, reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in conflict zones and the collaborative efforts of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Japan.
“This Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course is put together to equip participants with skills required for the protection of civilians, minors, persons living with disabilities, and the vulnerable within the multi-dimensional conflict environment.” – He adds.
The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPOC) course is a vital initiative that aligns with the United Nations’ efforts to strengthen peacekeeping operations and protect civilians in conflict zones. The course is designed to address the growing concern of civilian casualties in armed conflicts, which has become a major challenge in global peacekeeping efforts. According to the United Nations, civilians account for the majority of casualties in armed conflicts, with women and children being particularly vulnerable.
The MLAILPKC, established in 2013, has been at the forefront of peacekeeping training in West Africa, providing cutting-edge training to military, paramilitary, and civilian personnel from the region. The Centre has trained over 1,000 peacekeepers, who have gone on to serve in various United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions.
The CPOC course is part of the UNDP’s broader efforts to support peacekeeping operations in West Africa. The UNDP has been working closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional organizations to enhance peacekeeping capabilities in the region. The CPOC course is a testament to the UNDP’s commitment to supporting peacekeeping operations and protecting civilians in conflict zones.
The Government of Japan has been a key partner in the CPOC course, providing financial and technical support to the initiative. Japan’s contribution to the course is part of its broader efforts to support peacekeeping operations globally. Japan has been a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, providing financial and personnel support to various missions around the world.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries from West Africa and beyond, highlighting the regional and global significance of the course. The ceremony featured speeches from the Special Guest of Honour, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, and the Team Lead of UNDP’s Governance, Peace, and Security Unit.
The CPOC course will cover topics such as international humanitarian law, human rights, prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence, and practical aspects of civilian protection in peace support operations. Participants will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard civilian lives in armed conflict.
