Safeguarding in Conflict Settings Training Course

Introduction

In volatile conflict environments, populations are acutely vulnerable to harm, exploitation, and abuse, necessitating robust safeguarding measures from all actors providing assistance or operating within these contexts. This 5-day training course on Safeguarding in Conflict Settings provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, policies, and practical steps required to prevent and respond to harm caused by aid workers, peacekeepers, and other personnel to the very communities they serve. Participants will gain critical insights into fostering safe environments, establishing effective reporting mechanisms, and ensuring accountability for misconduct, thereby upholding the dignity and rights of affected populations.

This intensive program is designed for humanitarian aid workers, protection specialists, peacekeepers, development professionals, government officials, and civil society actors operating in or preparing for roles in fragile and conflict-affected regions. It will equip attendees with the knowledge to recognize risks, implement preventative measures, and respond ethically and effectively to allegations of exploitation, abuse, and harassment, particularly focusing on sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). By embedding a culture of vigilance and responsibility, this course aims to ensure that aid and peace efforts truly "do no harm" and contribute to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Humanitarian aid workers and program managers
  • Protection specialists (e.g., Child Protection, GBV)
  • Peacekeeping personnel (military, police, civilian)
  • Development professionals working in fragile contexts
  • Human Resources and Safeguarding Focal Points in organizations
  • Senior management and leadership in humanitarian and development agencies
  • Civil Society Organizations providing services in conflict-affected areas
  • Donors and funding agencies

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

  • Define safeguarding, its core principles, and its relevance in conflict settings.
  • Understand different forms of harm, exploitation, and abuse, with a focus on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
  • Identify risk factors for safeguarding incidents in conflict and humanitarian operations.
  • Develop and implement preventative safeguarding measures across all programming.
  • Understand effective and victim/survivor-centered approaches to reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Safeguarding in Conflict Settings

  • Defining safeguarding: protecting people from harm, exploitation, and abuse.
  • The imperative for safeguarding in humanitarian and peace operations: "Do No Harm" principle.
  • Understanding power dynamics in aid relationships and the vulnerability of affected populations.
  • The historical context of safeguarding failures and the evolution of policies.
  • Overview of key international standards and commitments (e.g., IASC, PSEA).

Module 2: Understanding Forms of Harm, Exploitation, and Abuse

  • Defining Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA): detailed analysis of its forms and impact.
  • Child safeguarding: specific risks to children (e.g., child abuse, trafficking, child labor).
  • Adult safeguarding: exploitation, physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse.
  • Harassment, bullying, and discrimination in the workplace.
  • The continuum of abuse: from minor infractions to serious criminal acts.

Module 3: Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities in Conflict Environments

  • Structural vulnerabilities: poverty, displacement, lack of rule of law, gender inequality.
  • Operational risks: limited oversight, rapid deployments, reliance on informal networks.
  • Personnel-related risks: lack of vetting, inadequate training, poor conduct.
  • Specific risks to marginalized groups: women, girls, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, ethnic minorities.
  • Identifying red flags and warning signs of potential safeguarding breaches.

Module 4: Preventative Safeguarding Measures: Policies and Procedures

  • Developing a robust safeguarding policy and code of conduct.
  • Safe recruitment practices: background checks, references, interviews.
  • Mandatory safeguarding training and induction for all personnel.
  • Whistleblower protection and non-retaliation policies.
  • Risk assessments and mitigation plans for programming and operations.

Module 5: Preventative Safeguarding Measures: Creating a Safe Culture

  • Fostering a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability.
  • Promoting ethical leadership and management commitment to safeguarding.
  • Establishing clear boundaries and professional behavior expectations.
  • Community engagement and awareness-raising on safeguarding standards.
  • Empowering communities to report concerns safely.

Module 6: Reporting and Response Mechanisms

  • Establishing clear, accessible, and confidential reporting channels for all personnel and beneficiaries.
  • Principles of survivor/victim-centered approach: safety, dignity, consent, confidentiality.
  • Initial response to safeguarding allegations: immediate support and safety planning.
  • The investigation process: impartiality, thoroughness, timeliness.
  • Understanding the role of various internal and external bodies (e.g., OIOS, national police).

Module 7: Accountability and Justice

  • Disciplinary actions for perpetrators of misconduct.
  • Referral to national law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
  • Cooperation with national authorities for criminal investigations and prosecutions.
  • The challenge of impunity and efforts to strengthen accountability.
  • Reparations and redress for victims of safeguarding breaches.

Module 8: Monitoring, Learning, and Adapting Safeguarding Practices

  • Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Collecting and analyzing safeguarding data for trends and lessons learned.
  • Learning from past incidents and adapting practices.
  • Continuous capacity building and refreshers for staff.
  • The evolving landscape of safeguarding and emerging risks.

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

 

Safeguarding In Conflict Settings Training Course in Kenya
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