‘’Peace cannot last without Justice and Reconciliation’’– H.E Ron Strikker
Accra, Ghana: The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) develops and delivers internationally recognized training courses and also collaborates with partners to host peace and security programmes at regional and international levels.
To this end, KAIPTC in collaboration with The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the Netherland Embassy, Ghana, initiated the second Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course for 30 participants from Ghana, Niger, Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Rwanda, and the Netherlands. Participants comprised Military and Civilian personnel.
The five-day training course focused on three thematic areas: Strengthening Conflict Prevention, Modernizing Peace Operations and Promoting Justice and Accountability. Its curriculum was developed by the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations.
Speaking on “Strengthening Conflict Prevention” during the opening ceremony and press conference, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Ron Strikker said “we want a Security Council that acts in a timely manner to identify and tackle the causes of conflict and war, such as water scarcity, food shortages and climate change. My country’s knowledge and expertise equip us to make a significant contribution to this task to ensure that peace is well promoted”.
He further noted that “peace cannot last without justice and reconciliation….fundamental freedoms and human rights are essential for peace.’’
The Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshall Griffiths Evans, in his welcome speech, entreated participants to actively participate and learn new ways of battling crimes while protecting children, particularly, using modern-day methods.
Mr. Rafael Barbieri from the United Nations Headquarters noted that Ghana is the tenth largest Troop and Police Contributing Country in the UN, with over 2,600 troops and individuals currently serving in 10 peacekeeping operations around the world.
A press conference was held after the opening ceremony for journalists to engage with the Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshall Griffiths Evans, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Mr Ron Strikker, Mr. Rafael Barbieri from the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Mr. Alan Royston, Representative from USAFRICOM, the Director of Training KAIPTC, Colonel Robert Affram and the Course Director, Colonel Charles Adu-Brempong.