Safeguarding Human Rights: Graduates of CPOC Course 37 Prepare to Face Challenges in Conflict Zones

By Lawrence Audu

The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) has successfully concluded the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (CPOC) 37 of 2024, with a resounding call to action for participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in their respective services, ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and organizations.

In his keynote address, Major General AT Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, emphasized the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into practical action, stating, “The true test of your mettle lies not in the certificates you hold, but in the positive impact you make in the lives of others.” He urged participants to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, and to strive to make a difference in their respective services, MDAs, and organizations.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, marked a significant milestone in the journey to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones across the globe. Major General Adedoja commended the participants for their hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the two-week training, expressing confidence that they would apply their knowledge to make a positive impact.

Major General OT Ethan (Rtd), Special Guest of Honour, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting civilians, quoting Romeo Dallaire, “To prevent genocide, we must become the voice for those who have none.” He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units, and organizations and to be good ambassadors of the Centre. He reminded them that they are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights and dignity in the most challenging of environments.

General Ethan reminded the participants that they are the vanguard of human rights protection and urged them to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

The Japanese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were appreciated for their significant commitment towards the successful hosting of the course. The Government of Japan, through the UNDP, sponsored the course, which aimed to develop human capacity to handle challenges in protecting civilians in conflict zones.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, represented by Hiromi Otsuki, Deputy Head of Mission, commended the participants for their dedication and hard work in completing the course, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.

Veronica Reuter, Director of the International Development and Organization, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and MLAILPKC for organizing the course, which she described as transformative and comprehensive. She praised the facilitators for their exceptional dedication and expertise and the participants for their commitment to protecting civilians.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants, who were declared certified Comprehensive Protection of Civilians experts. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (NAM), and the DG NARC, who welcomed the participants and appreciated their efforts in completing the course.

The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37 of 2024 has empowered participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact in protecting civilians in conflict zones. As they graduate and return to their respective destinations, they are reminded of their collective responsibility to prioritize the safety, security, and dignity of civilians and to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

Safeguarding Human Rights: Graduates of CPOC Course 37 Prepare to Face Challenges in Conflict Zones