The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged security agencies to give top priority to protecting civilians and humanitarian workers during armed conflicts, aiming to minimize casualties.
Matthew Alao, representing the UNDP's Governance, Peace, and Security Unit in Nigeria, emphasized this during the inauguration of the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 36/2024 in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking through Richard Olugula, Alao highlighted the profound impact of conflicts on civilian populations worldwide.
He stressed the crucial need to ensure the safety, rights, and dignity of civilians in conflict zones, emphasizing the responsibility of peacekeepers, security personnel, and humanitarian workers to provide adequate protection.
"The suffering of civilians in conflict zones underscores the urgency of safeguarding their well-being and upholding their rights," Alao commented. He noted that the newly launched course is designed to equip participants with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively protect civilians amidst the complexities of armed conflict.
Alao added, "Protecting civilians is not only a professional duty but also a moral imperative that contributes to a more just and peaceful world." He encouraged participants to actively engage, learn collaboratively, and build lasting networks for their careers and leadership roles.
Alao commended the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre for enhancing national and regional capacities for peace support operations. Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, the centre's commandant, reaffirmed their commitment to improving peacekeeping efforts in Nigeria and across Africa through rigorous training.
According to punch, He highlighted that the course adheres to UN training standards and qualifies participants for deployment in integrated peacekeeping missions under organizations such as the UN, AU, and ECOWAS. Participants from military, paramilitary agencies, government ministries, departments, NGOs, and six West African countries, including Nigeria, attended the course.
This initiative underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in armed conflicts, aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for all affected populations.