This five-day course aims to improve participants’ understanding of the responsibilities of different humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping actors to achieve protection outcomes that result in the reduction of risks and vulnerabilities while improving the capacities of affected people to deal with them. Participants will develop a deep understanding of strategies to promote humanitarian access and deliver protection to those most vulnerable, including women and children in armed conflict.

They will also learn about the various legal frameworks designed to protect vulnerable people in situations of armed conflict and beyond, such as international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law. The course will also explore the different existing instruments for monitoring and accountability in the framework of transitional justice, the UN mandate for Children and Armed Conflict, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the different approaches of humanitarian, development and peacekeeping actors to protect civilians.

The course is taught by professionals working with different humanitarian actors such as the ICRC and UNHCR on the protection of civilians, academics and legal staff from the International Criminal Court.

Learn more about Module II here.

EXPLANATION OF THE MODULE WITHIN THE REACT COURSE

This module represents one part of the 5-module REACT course. Starting this edition, participants can choose either the whole course or individual module(s) to take part in.

For more information and how to apply, see the information below or contact us at: iucpm@helsinkiespana.org.

OBJECTIVE AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Understand the different concepts, principles and approaches of humanitarian, development and peacekeeping actors to protect civilians.
2. Get familiarised with various legal frameworks that aim to protect vulnerable persons in armed conflict situations and beyond, such as international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.
3. Learn about the role of different humanitarian actors, such as the ICRC.
4. Identify monitoring and accountability mechanisms and approaches to transitional justice.
5. Become familiarised with the Children and Armed Conflict mandate; Women, Peace and Security agenda; and UN conflict-related sexual violence and rule of law mandates

LECTURERS

• María Lopez: Expert in Peace Missions and Humanitarian Aid
• Adam D. Dublin: Professor, Law School, Comillas Pontifical University, Spain
• Nele Verlinden: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Spain
• Gregory Townsend: Senior Lecturer, Hague University
• Rafael Barbieri: Department of Peace Operations, United Nations
• Marie-Emilie Dozin: Head of Advocacy and Communication, Global Protection Cluster

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• United Nations
• Global Protection Cluster

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• University degree or equivalent professional training
• Fluency in English: B2+
• Strong interest in international affairs

ABOUT HELSINKI ESPAÑA

Helsinki España was created in 1992 to advance the principles related to the human dimension of the Helsinki Final Act of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Our mission is to promote the respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, at both national and international levels. We achieve this by developing specialised, high-quality education and training programmes on issues intersecting human rights, conflict prevention, peace-building, and development. Our flagship international programme is REACT.

REACT is an intensive five-week (220h) in-person training on Conflict Prevention, Crisis Management and post-Conflict Rehabilitation. It is imparted by high-profile experts and trainers from international and public institutions – including numerous UN agencies; the OSCE, EU, NATO, and ICRC; and Spain’s ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs – and seeks to prepare selected candidates with the skills and competencies required to deploy in international field operations. The course represents an opportunity for both career development as well as career transition, and is the only training programme of its kind that takes place in Spain. The next REACT edition will take place from May 27th to June 28th, 2024. The deadline to apply for visa candidates is 1st of April, 2024.

The International University Centre for Peace Missions of Helsinki Spain (CIUMP) was created in 2003 under the auspices of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with the aim of training professionals with the necessary competencies and skills to work in peacebuilding. The Centre offers programmes, courses, and workshops on relevant issues on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and development.