8. 9. 2023 | POTC, PR
Click here to read this article in the English language.
Dne 13. septembra 2023 bo na Gradu Jable v Mengšu potekalo usposabljanje za uslužbence Ministrstva za obrambo in Slovenske vojske o nevarnostih trgovine z ljudmi v kontekstu mednarodnih mirovnih operacij in misij pred njihovim odhodom na le-te.
Problematika trgovine z ljudmi je kompleksna in zahteva združen pristop na nacionalni, regionalni in mednarodni ravni. Da bi se uspešno spopadli s to težavo, je ključno, da se vojaško in civilno osebje ustrezno usposobi.
V okviru tega boja deluje Medresorska delovna skupina za boj proti trgovini z ljudmi (MDS TZL), ki že dolga leta izvaja redna usposabljanja za strokovnjake s področja trgovine z ljudmi, med katerimi so policija, tožilstvo, centri za socialno delo, konzularno in diplomatsko osebje ter inšpektorji za delo. Vendar pa je za leto 2023-2024 sprejeta nova pobuda, ki vključuje tudi vojaško osebje.
Cilj usposabljanja je seznaniti udeležence z aktualnimi vsebinami s področja boja proti trgovini z ljudmi ter jih ozavestiti o njihovih dolžnostih, ko gre za zaznavo tovrstnih kaznivih dejanj. Poleg tega bo poudarek na zmanjševanju povpraševanja po storitvah in blagu, ki jih običajno izvajajo žrtve trgovine z ljudmi, v kontekstu samih mirovnih operacij.
To usposabljanje je v skladu z Natovo politiko boja proti trgovini z ljudmi, ki prav tako vključuje ozaveščanje in usposabljanje na tem pomembnem področju.
Organizatorji se veselijo predstaviti vsebine na tem ključnem usposabljanju, saj bo prispevalo k preprečevanju trgovine z ljudmi in zagotavljanju varnosti mednarodnih operacij in misij.
7. 8. 2023 | POTC, PR
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
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.
Applications are to be filed via the ESDC secure internet system ENLIST by designated nominators under https://esdc.europa.eu/enlist/login, no later than September 1st 2023. A list with relevant ENLIST nominators can be retrieved from the ESDC website at https://esdc.europa.eu/nominators/. Each nominator is kindly requested to nominate participants in order of preference. Alternatively, use the online application form available at the following link: POTC & ESDC Comprehensive Protection of Civilians (PoC) Course.
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:
Contact [email protected] for any additional questions you might have.
4. 5. 2023 | Bled Strategic Forum, POTC, PR
Last week, from the 24th to the 26 of April, Jable Castle welcomed 33 participants from 25 countries in what was the first training of its kind on the topic of the emerging concept of “climate security”. 20+ participants were previously part of the 12th International Africa Day Conference in a joint venture between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and POTC/Centre for European Perspective.
Kliknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenskem jeziku.
According to the definition of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union »climate security« refers to the potential impacts of climate change on peace and security across the globe, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable populations. It encompasses various risk management strategies such as mitigation, adaptation, resilience building, food and nutrition security, disaster risk reduction, conflict prevention and sustainable development. It also includes the integration of a security perspective within these processes and inclusive participation in order to alleviate the destabilising impacts of climate change on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
With this in mind, and the known future impact of climate change on peace operations themselves, POTC set out to develop one of the first trainings of this kind in Europe. This is in order to better prepare decision-makers, experts, and everyone else involved with peace operations for the impending difficulties that peace operations, governments, and international organisations will have to face in the coming decades.
The training was introductory and covered all the basics associated with climate change and peace operations with topics ranging from the 9 Planetary Boundaries, Climate Change, the Environment and Security, the International Legal Framework regarding Climate Change, Water Security as an Integral Part of Climate Security, Climate Mainstreaming in the EU CSDP Context, Energy Security, CC and Human Rights, Climate Justice and Collective vs Individual Action on Climate Change. This was made possible with the help of 9 Slovenian and foreign expert contributors who made sure that the participants received all the relevant knowledge that will help them make the right decisions when it comes to climate security. The training is intended to be developed even further and organised once again in 2024.
The POTC Team would like to thank everyone that attended the training, the expert contributors and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs with special thanks to State Secretary Samuel Žbogar for presenting the participants with Course Certificates.
Below you can view some of the training highlights:
Flickr Album (Photo: Marko Arandjelović)
Check out our new LinkedIn page >>
21. 4. 2023 | POTC, PR
Kliknite tukaj za branje prispevka v slovenskem jeziku.
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.
Check out our LinkedIn page >>
16. 2. 2023 | Bled Strategic Forum, POTC, PR
Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) is organising its newest pilot training course titled »Climate Change, Peace and Security«, which will take place back-to-back with the 12th Africa Day International Conference between 24-26 of April in Slovenia.
Climate change is a security issue and a global threat multiplier. While climate change does not directly cause violent conflict, its impacts can exacerbate its drivers. Climate change can undermine livelihoods, increase mass migration, and weaken the governance and stability of states, particularly conflict-affected fragile states and territories. The European Union (EU), NATO and the UN have actively been calling for peace operations to assess climate risks and establish management strategies that incorporate these risks. With this in mind, POTC developed a comprehensive training programme that covers different aspects of the environmental peacebuilding, climate and security nexus at an introductory level. After its successful completion, the participants will be able to understand and analyse climate-related security risks and be better prepared to contribute to crisis prevention and sustaining peace.
The enrollment procedure is now open, so we encourage everyone interested to apply here by the 24th of March, 2023.
Due to the visa obtainment process, participants from African countries should apply by February 26th, 2023.
Additional information:
- The training is free of charge.
- Organisers do not cover travel and accommodation costs. However, we will provide support and recommendations.
- The working language is English.
- The organisers will cover coffee/tea breaks and lunch.
- Participants will be notified about the selection no later than March 31st, 2023.
- Location of the training: Jable Castle, Grajska Cesta 1, Mengeš, Slovenia.
The draft agenda of the training course can be viewed here.
Contact [email protected] for any additional questions you might have.
For more information about the 12th Africa Day International Conference, please view the following link: 12th Africa Days International Conference
Check out our new LinkedIn page >>
