Human Rights Training for Field Officers

“We will not enjoy security without development, we will not enjoy development without security, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.”

– Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

Introduction

Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. They are applicable during peacetime but also during armed conflicts and post-conflict environments currently scattered around the African continent such as Mali, Cote D’Ivoire, DR Congo, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia to name a few. Many of the worst human rights abuses occur in places such as such as these since the Rule of Law is weak or non- existent. Indeed, violations of human rights are often a cause, as well as a consequence, of weak states. Indiscriminate attacks, massacres and extrajudicial executions –inherently in violation of the fundamental right to life – are not uncommon to conflict and post-conflict environments. Neither is rape, sexual exploitation of women and girls, child soldier recruitment, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary imprisonment, widespread impunity, forced displacement and the persecution of minorities and vulnerable groups. A conflict habitually leads to the collapse of public infrastructure, functioning government institutions and the rule of law. This undermines the protection not only of civil and political rights, but also of a range of economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to health, housing and education. Most people found I conflict or post conflict environments are unaware of their rights and as such, have no idea when these rights are violated. This should never be allowed to stand.

Course rationale

• To address the existing training gaps in the field by providing fundamental knowledge and skills needed for effective and efficient human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting required for evidence based response.
• To equip human rights officers deployed or to be deployed in multi-dimensional peace operations with operational knowledge and skills to fulfill their mandates

Course aim

• This course is aimed at building and enhancing the capacities of the various actors involved in multi-dimensional peace operations to ensure human rights compliance, address human rights violations and mainstream human rights principles and practices.

 Learning objectives

• Enhance participants’ ability to understand, identify and apply international legal, policy and institutional frameworks for the promotion and protection of human rights.
• Provide participants with practical skills and strategies to advocate and support the implementation of human rights mandates.
• Expose participants to the challenges of human rights promotion and protection and equip them with the knowledge and skills required to overcome them.

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the course participants should be able to:

• Identify and use international human rights legal, policy and institutional frameworks in their work;
• Apply the principles, steps and strategies of human rights monitoring, investigating, documenting and reporting in their work
• Improve working relationships with partners by leveraging capabilities and networks; and
• Determine and suggest the most appropriate/effective and efficient strategies for human rights advocacy

Target group

1. The primary target audience for the course are UN, AU and REC deployed human rights field officers;
2. Individuals on UN, AU and REC deployment rosters; and
3. Individuals and organisations interested in or working on human rights.

Delivery Methodology

The methodology for the delivery of the course will be the Collaborative Problem Based Learning (CPBL). A combination of the following approaches/tools will be used for facilitating the Course:

• Presentations;
• Lectures;
• Simulations;
• Group exercises/presentations;
• Case studies;
• Role plays;
• Videos; and
• A final exercise.

Modules of the course

• M0: Evolution of Human Rights
• M1: Human Rights Frameworks and Mandates
• M2 : The Rights of People on the Move
• M3 : Monitoring, Documenting and Reporting Human Rights
• M4 : Communicating and Advocating Human Rights
• M5 : Protection of Civilians: Concepts, Tools and Strategies
• M6: Strategies and Best Practices for Protecting Vulnerable Groups for
• M7:  Working with Local Partners
• M8: Final Simulation Exercise (A global case study: Lalmaland)

Deadlines

Application deadline: May 31^st2019

Course dates: 2^nd– 11^thJuly 2019

Address/email

Mrs. Lydia Hagan
Course Director
Tel: +233 (0) 302 718 200
E-mail: Lydia.hagan@kaiptc.org