Child Protection Training for AMISOM Officers closes in Mogadishu

A three-days training on child protection for some military officers and Warrant Officers serving as peacekeepers with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) ended today with a call on the officers to continue upholding international norms and best practices.

The training held in Mogadishu from 28 – 30 October, 2015 targeted AMISOM middle and junior level officers and was conducted by staff of the mission’s Protection, Human Rights and Gender (PHRG) unit. The course sought to equip participants with the knowledge necessary to guard against various forms of abuses, likely to occur during armed conflict and how they can ensure protection of the rights of the vulnerable people. The training package covers Child Protection, International Humanitarian and Human Right Laws, Protection of Civilians, Conduct and Discipline, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual and Gender Based Violence among others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, AMISOM civilian Chief of Staff Ambassador Epiphanie Kabushemeye challenged the officers to always ensure strict adherence to the set rules as they continue to discharge their duties throughout Somalia.

“Remember that as peacekeepers, we have an obligation to abide by international norms and best practices and to ensure we continue to project the good image of our individual countries, the mission and the African Union,” she said.

Ambassador Epiphanie Kabushemeye further noted that, protection of children is everyone’s responsibility, more so for uniformed personnel who are the first point of outside contact for children.

“As members of the security sector, we have a primary role to play in mitigating and eliminating the numerous violations against the rights of the Somali people, especially women and children,” Ambassador Kabushemeye added. She concluded by congratulating the participants for show of commitment and commended the facilitators for their effort whilst encouraging them to continue the work.

The training is part of the ongoing capacity building regularly undertaking by the unit for AMISOM troops aimed at enhancing Child Protection and other Human Rights related issues.