The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) has reiterated that the protection of civilians during armed conflicts is both moral imperative and collective responsibility of all agencies and stakeholders.
A member of the Board of Trustees of centre, retired Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan, made this known at the graduation of Participants of Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37/24, on Friday in Abuja.
The two-week course was organised by the MLAILPKC and sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in conjunction with the Government of Japan.
According to Ethan, protecting civilians was not just a moral imperative, but also a collective responsibility that required courage and determination.
“It demands that we put the needs of others before our own and that we stand firm in the face of adversity,” he said.
He said the collaborative effort by MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan through the UNDP in sponsoring the course was a laudable initiative and should be sustained.
“In the words of Romeo Dallaire, I quote, “To prevent genocide, we must become the voice for those who have none,” unquote.
“This quote serves as a stark reminder that only through collective and collaborative action and empathy can we strive towards a world where every voice is heard, respected, and protected.
“The overall objective of the CPOC is to develop human capacity to handle challenges that arises in the Protection of Civilians in conflict zones.
“This Course is aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the performance of CPOC functions in an integrated peace operations environment,’’ he said.
The retired general urged the participants to impact the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units and organisations as well as bring their expertise to bear when called upon to serve in any capacity.
He also enjoined them to give a good account of themselves and apply themselves professionally in the field, bring pride and glory to your organization and the country with every sense of responsibility when the need arises.
“As you graduate today, be reminded that you are the vanguard of human rights protection.
“You are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights as well as dignity in the most challenging of environments.
“Please remember that your role is crucial in upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and dignity, even in the face of adversity,’’ he added.
The Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, reminded the participants that their expertise was crucial in a world where conflicts and violence had continued to affect the innocent, vulnerable and persons living with disability.
Adedoja said that their training was fashioned in line with this Centre of Excellence Mission Statement which is “to deliver realistic training to potential peacekeepers for the multidimensional challenges contemporary peace support operations”.
“You have learned the importance of humanitarian principles, international laws, Causes and Nature of Conflicts in Africa, United Nations Legal Policy Frameworks on Protection of Civilians, Mission Life Cycle and Integrated Assessment Planning.
“You have also learned about Tactical Decision-making process, Mission Analysis and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the safety of those affected by Conflicts.
“As certified UN-CPOC experts, you are now better equipped to navigate the full spectrum of peacekeeping operations, coordinating, communicating and leading in the pursuit of peace, stability and ultimately ensuring protection of civilians,’’ he said.
The commandant appreciated the Government of Japan and the UNDP for their enormous commitment towards the successful hosting of the course.
The Ambassador of Japan to to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, represented by the Head of Mission, Hiromi Otsuki, reiterated that protection of civilians was a fundamental principle of international law.
The envoy said that civilians, especially women and children, were often the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, often forced to flee their homes, lose loved ones, and face constant threat of violence.
He said that Japan had been committed to peace and stability in Africa by providing assistance including human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.
This, according to him is for the purpose of consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of the rule of law.
“Japan’s commitment to civilian protection is reflected in our financial support for UN peacekeeping operations and other initiatives aimed at protecting civilians.
“We also provide training and capacity-building assistance for countries particularly in post-conflict situations.
“The skills and knowledge that you have gained in this course will be essential as you work to protect civilians in your respective postings and I ask you to continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of civilian protection,’’ he said.
A participant from Ghana, Veronique Reuter, thanked the centre, UNDP and Japan for providing the opportunity to build their capacity in comprehensive and holistic approach to civilian protection.
Reuter, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said the curriculum had significantly improved their knowledge and equipped them with practical skills to address the complex challenges often encountered in protecting civilians.
According to her, it has been an opportunity to network and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, extending experiences and finding solutions to common challenges.
“The knowledge and skills acquired here will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our professional roles and our ability to effectively protect civilians in various contexts’’ she said.
