Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Friday says protection of civilians during armed conflicts is the collective responsibility of all.
A member, Board of Trustees of MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan (retd.), who stated this at the graduation of Participants of Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37/24, in Abuja, said “Protecting civilians is not just a moral imperative, but also a collective responsibility.”
The course which was organised by MLAILPKC and sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in conjunction with the Government of Japan, had participants from Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bisssau, Cameroon and Nigeria.
He charged participants to give a good account of themselves and also be good ambassadors of the Centre.
He said, “ I urge you to apply yourselves professionally in the field, bring pride and glory to your organization and the country with every sense of responsibility when the need arises.
“As you graduate today, be reminded that you are the vanguard of human rights protection. You are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights as well as dignity in the most challenging of environments.
“Please remember that your role is crucial in upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and dignity, even in the face of adversity.”
He said the collaborative effort by MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan through the UNDP in sponsoring the course was a laudable initiative and should be sustained.
“In the words of Romeo Dallaire, I quote, “To prevent genocide, we must become the voice for those who have none,” unquote.
“This quote serves as a stark reminder that only through collective and collaborative action and empathy can we strive towards a world where every voice is heard, respected, and protected.
“The overall objective of the CPOC is to develop human capacity to handle challenges that arises in the Protection of Civilians in conflict zones.
“This Course is aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the performance of CPOC functions in an integrated peace operations environment,’’ he said.
The retired general urged the participants to impact the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units and organisations as well as bring their expertise to bear when called upon to serve in any capacity.
In his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, said that protection of civilians was a fundamental principle of international law.
Represented by the Head of Mission in Nigeria, Hiromi Otsuki, he said that civilians, especially women and children, were often the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, often forced to flee their homes, lose loved ones, and face constant threat of violence.
Kazuyoshi said that Japan had been committed to peace and stability in Africa by providing assistance including human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.
This, according to him is for the purpose of consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of the rule of law.
“Japan’s commitment to civilian protection is reflected in our financial support for UN peacekeeping operations and other initiatives aimed at protecting civilians.
“We also provide training and capacity-building assistance for countries particularly in post-conflict situations.
“The skills and knowledge that you have gained in this course will be essential as you work to protect civilians in your respective postings and I ask you to continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of civilian protection,’’ he said.