Protection of Civilians (PoC) in Armed Conflicts Training Course

Introduction

In contemporary armed conflicts, civilians bear the brunt of violence, facing immense suffering, displacement, and loss of life. This 5-day training course on Protection of Civilians (PoC) in Armed Conflicts provides an indispensable framework for understanding the legal, policy, and operational dimensions of safeguarding populations caught in hostilities. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the international norms, strategic approaches, and practical tools employed by states, international organizations, and humanitarian actors to minimize harm, ensure respect for human rights, and create a protective environment for those most vulnerable to the effects of armed violence.

This intensive program is designed for military and police personnel, humanitarian aid workers, human rights advocates, peacekeepers, government officials, and civil society actors working in conflict-affected regions. It will equip attendees with the knowledge to navigate the complex legal frameworks of international humanitarian law and human rights law, understand the diverse roles of various actors in PoC, and implement effective protection strategies on the ground. By fostering a deeper understanding of the imperative to protect civilians, this course empowers participants to contribute to more humane and lawful conduct in armed conflicts and ultimately reduce civilian suffering.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Military personnel (officers and NCOs) involved in combat operations or peacekeeping
  • Police personnel (national and international) in conflict-affected areas
  • Humanitarian aid workers and protection specialists
  • Human Rights advocates and monitors
  • Civilian staff of UN peacekeeping and political missions
  • Government officials (Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior Ministries)
  • International NGO and Civil Society Organization staff working on protection issues
  • Journalists and media professionals covering conflicts

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define Protection of Civilians (PoC) in armed conflict and its legal and normative basis.
  • Understand the core obligations of parties to armed conflict under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
  • Analyze the various approaches and tools for PoC implementation by different actors.
  • Identify the specific vulnerabilities of different civilian populations in conflict.
  • Develop strategies for integrating PoC considerations into planning and operations.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts

  • Defining PoC: a holistic approach to safeguarding civilians in conflict.
  • The changing nature of armed conflict and its impact on civilians.
  • The imperative for PoC: moral, legal, and operational dimensions.
  • Key international frameworks and resolutions on PoC (e.g., UN Security Council resolutions).
  • Overview of actors involved in PoC: states, armed groups, UN, humanitarian organizations, civil society.

Module 2: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and PoC

  • Core principles of IHL: distinction, proportionality, precaution, prohibition of indiscriminate attacks.
  • Protection of civilians in IHL: who is a civilian, civilian objects.
  • Prohibited acts: targeting civilians, attacks on civilian objects, starvation as a method of warfare.
  • Obligations of parties to armed conflict regarding PoC.
  • The role of accountability for IHL violations.

Module 3: International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and PoC

  • Fundamental human rights applicable in armed conflict.
  • The complementarity of IHL and IHRL in PoC.
  • Specific human rights relevant to PoC: right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of movement.
  • Obligations of state actors to protect human rights even during armed conflict.
  • The role of human rights monitoring and reporting in PoC.

Module 4: PoC Strategies and Approaches

  • Physical protection: deterrence, presence, patrolling, safe areas.
  • Protection through law and policy: advocacy, legal advice, capacity building.
  • Protection through political process: dialogue, negotiation, mediation.
  • Mainstreaming protection into humanitarian response.
  • Addressing specific protection concerns: forced displacement, sexual violence, child protection.

Module 5: PoC in Peacekeeping Operations

  • The evolution of PoC mandates in UN peacekeeping missions.
  • Operationalizing PoC in UN missions: early warning, rapid response, proactive patrolling.
  • Challenges and dilemmas for peacekeepers in implementing robust PoC mandates.
  • Rules of Engagement (RoE) and the use of force in PoC.
  • Coordination between military, police, and civilian components for PoC.

Module 6: Accountability for Civilian Harm

  • Documenting and monitoring civilian harm and IHL/IHRL violations.
  • Mechanisms for accountability: national prosecutions, international criminal courts.
  • Reporting and public advocacy for accountability.
  • Civilian harm tracking and investigation.
  • Addressing impunity and promoting justice for victims.

Module 7: Specific Protection Concerns and Vulnerabilities

  • Protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees.
  • Addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in conflict.
  • Child protection in armed conflict: child soldiers, education, psychosocial support.
  • Protection of medical and humanitarian personnel and facilities.
  • Protecting cultural heritage and civilian infrastructure.

Module 8: Integration, Challenges, and the Future of PoC

  • Integrating PoC principles into all aspects of humanitarian, development, and security programming.
  • Challenges of access, security, and resource constraints in PoC.
  • The impact of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, autonomous weapons) on PoC.
  • Strengthening partnerships and coordination among all PoC actors.
  • Advocating for stronger political will and increased resources for PoC.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Protection Of Civilians (poc) In Armed Conflicts Training Course in Kenya
Dates Fees Location Action