The Creating Safer Space network invites its members and partners to sign up for the training course “Strengthening Civilian Capacities to Protect Civilians”, which will run from 1 April to 15 May 2021. The course will be facilitated by Dr Ellen Furnari (USA) and Jane Wanjiru (Kenya) and held in English.
This course is an introduction to the objectives, principles, sources of guidance, and methods of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). UCP is a set of field-tested methods for the protection of civilians in areas of violent conflict. It does not rely on the use of guns or other weapons, or on the threat of their use. UCP encompasses efforts of communities to self protect and/or international organizations, working with local partners to build relationships that can be activated to deescalate episodes of conflict and to prevent or interrupt violence.
There are no scheduled meetings for this course, however, participants are invited to meet the course facilitators, Dr Ellen Furnari and Jane Wanjiru, and each other during an informal kick-off Zoom meeting on April 1st, 1-2pm (UTC).
Participants complete all activities online through modules that are accessed through the course website (see below). The course is conducted in English, and participants should have access to the internet either by computer or by smart phone. The course will require about 8-10 hours per week to read, participate, and complete assignments. Successful students will receive a certificate upon completion.
Course Resources:
Required Reading:
Huibert Oldenhuis, et. al. (2021). Strengthening Civilian Capacities to Protect Civilians. Nonviolent Peaceforce and UNITAR. https://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/images/UCPManual/2021_Course_Manual___Full_Text.pdf
Learning Objectives:
At completion, students will successfully:
- describe the key principles, objectives, and sources of guidance for UCP;
- analyze a conflict and identify vulnerable populations;
- demonstrate an understanding of the methods of UCP and how they can be adapted and applied to a conflict situation; and
- identify key features of an effective UCP implementation plan and exit strategy, with a view toward maximizing the security both of UCP staff and local civilians.
The course is organised by the Creating Safer Space network and delivered by Dr Ellen Furnari and Jane Wanjiru. Course materials and platforms have been kindly provided by our network partner Nonviolent Peaceforce. The course is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
