On October 6th POTC successfully delivered the 5-day Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPoC) Training to a group of engaged and motivated participants.
In an increasingly interconnected and turbulent world, the need to safeguard the well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of conflicts, natural disasters, and other forms of violence has never been more paramount. Over the course of 5 days (and 1 day of e-learning), participants from diverse backgrounds, including military, police, and civilian personnel, delved deep into the concept of “Protection of Civilians” (PoC), unravelling its intricate dimensions and reinforcing their commitment to the cause.
The training empowered participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to prevent and respond to violence against civilians. For those without prior experience in civilian crisis management or international missions, this training was an invaluable resource, equipping them with the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in the protection of civilians.
Delivering this training would not be possible without the cooperation of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), namely ESDC Policy Officer/Training Manager Enver Ferhatović, and the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union staff, as well as the ESDC Deputy Head Fergal O’Regan and Slovenian Permanent Representative Ambassador Iztok Jarc.
We fully believe that with renewed determination and a broader perspective, the participants of this training are now better equipped to champion the cause of the Protection of Civilians and work towards a safer and more compassionate world for all.
From October 2 – 6 of this year, POTC will organise, in cooperation with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (CPoC) Training in Brussels.
The content of this 6-day training is built around the concept of “protection of civilians” (PoC). It refers to the responsibility of states, international organisations and other actors to protect individuals, particularly non-combatants, from harm during armed conflict, natural disasters and other forms of violence. This includes protecting them from physical violence, such as harm caused by weapons, and other forms of harm, such as forced displacement, sexual violence, and denial of access to essential resources and services. The principles of PoC are enshrined in international humanitarian law and human rights law and are considered a crucial aspect of ensuring respect for human dignity in times of conflict and crisis.
The course is designed as a comprehensive introduction to the Protection of Civilians for military personnel (battalion level or above), police personnel (senior police officer or above) and civilian personnel (heads of sections or above). These include decision-makers, members of non-governmental organisations and individual civilian experts who expect to be deployed to international missions and operations or who work in civilian crisis management without prior knowledge or skills to prevent or respond to violence against civilians.
Qualified candidates who match the above description are asked to complete the online application form and submit it by latest September 1, 2023.
All submissions will be reviewed by the ESDC and the POTC. The selected participants will be notified in a timely manner within 10 days following the application deadline. In their final selection of participants, the course admission board will seek to ensure a balance of genders, nationalities and working contexts.
Additional information:
The training is free of charge.
Organisers do not cover travel and accommodation costs. However, we will provide support and recommendations.
The Sahel Peace and Security Seminar (Sahel region from a peace and security perspective), organised by the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) in cooperation with the French Ministry of Armed Forces, was conducted successfully between the 19th and 20th of April at Jable Castle in Slovenia.
With 28 participants in attendance, the seminar delved into various critical topics related to the Sahel region, including its historical and geopolitical aspects, security challenges for Europe, conflict resolution, development as a security issue, and challenges of Sahel cooperation between the Sahel countries and Europe.
The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the complex challenges faced by the Sahel region and emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates security, development, governance, and cooperation efforts. Participants engaged in thought-provoking sessions, including a review of the EU integrated strategy for the Sahel, a French approach to the Sahel region with a focus on two key countries by 2034, and the future of conflict resolution in the Sahel. The seminar concluded with a comprehensive overview of the discussions and key takeaways. It highlighted the significance of regional and international cooperation, as well as the involvement of local and regional actors, in addressing the multifaceted issues in the Sahel region.
In conclusion, the seminar on the Sahel region organised by the POTC and the French Ministry of Armed Forces was a success as it provided a valuable forum for participants to engage in meaningful discussions on various critical topics and fostered a greater understanding of the peace and security challenges in the Sahel region. The seminar’s outcomes will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing efforts in addressing the complex issues facing the Sahel region and promote peace and security in the region.
As an active European Union Civilian Training Initiative (EUCTI) Consortium partner, the Centre for European Perspective joined the EUCTI Partner and Planning meeting between 13 and 15 March in Brussels. As was the case during the last such meeting in November 2022, the project partners (alongside CEP: ACP from Austria, the Clingendael Institute from the Netherlands, CMC Finland, Egmont Institute from Belgium, FBA from Sweden, SSSA from Italy and ZIF Berlin) were joined by the representatives of relevant EU structures. Additionally, representatives of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and interested partners of the recently finished EUPCST project attended the meeting.
Even before the double P (Planning and Partner) meeting, CEP attended the European Union Civilian Training Group (EUCTG) meeting on 13 March in its capacity as the EU Civilian Coordinator for Training (CCT) and National Training Expert (NTE – together with Slovenian Police). As CCT, CEP prepared a Training Requirement Analysis on Communicational, Behavioral and Cultural Skills in 2021. One of the meeting topics was also the future of Foreign Policy Instrument-funded training projects, which corresponds with the EUCTI project.
The suggestions and insights from the EUCTG meeting represented a necessary basis for the discussion on the future of EUCTI, held during the double P meeting between 14 and 15 March. CEP actively participated in this discussion and expressed reiterated support for the project and a wish to remain an engaged partner in the next project phase.
In May, CEP will implement advanced Digital Communications training for European Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine). Details will follow soon.
For more information about EUCTI and the meeting, click on the EUCTI logo below.
